My memory is shot.  I’ve told you many times, even based an album on it.  I typically do a year end Best-Of list like everyone else in the universe, but not this year.  I can’t remember anything from last year unless I go back through my calendar and shut my eyes and concentrate.  And that’s a dangerous journey because I might recall something that’s better left forgotten.  This year I’m trying something different.  Here is my best of 2012 list, so far.  How much can someone experience in 10 days?  Surprisingly, a lot.

TV

• Angry boys.  When I heard Chris Lilley, the star and creator of the brilliant show (I don’t use that word lightly) Summer Heights High was coming back to HBO with a new show, I immediately set my DVR.  Only two episodes in and I’m in heaven.  The second coming of Sascha Baron Cohen.
• The Bachelor.  That’s right, I said it.  I love this fucking show and so does Howard Stern, whatever that means.  There is no irony in this pick.  I just straight-up love it.  It’s so horribly wrong and yet feels so right.
• House Hunters.  Against my will, the TV in my living room is often tuned to HGTV and this show has grown on me over time.  I had no idea I was interested in homes.  But it’s more than that, it’s about the people buying them, the locales (both exotic and common) and the dreams of a future life that it inspires. 

Music

• Gotye, “Somebody That I Used To Know.”  I can’t remember the last time I felt compelled to stay in my car to hear the end of a song.  I was listening to satellite radio and this song hit the chorus and I couldn’t get out of my car.  I had never heard of the artist and thought for a minute I was onto something new.  Then I went inside and saw that the video for the song had 33 million hits.  It’s almost viral!  (If you don’t get that last joke, check out my miniseries “Making A Hit Video.”)  Turns out I’m the last to know.  Often, I’m dumbfounded by what makes a song/artist/album explode, but I get why people are attracted to this song.  It has all the right elements, not the least of which is a catchy, emotive, unaffected vocal delivery, something sadly lacking in “popular” music. 
• Ted Hawkins, Watch Your Step.  I guess you’d call Ted Hawkins a folk blues artist.  That’s not the kind of thing I’m typically into.  I don’t get off on the soulful musings of artists like Ray LaMontagne.  I recognize something there, but it doesn’t speak to me.  But Ted Hawkins is (was) the real thing.  He died over 15 years ago.  The first song I heard was “The Lost Ones” and I felt the pain so viscerally, I felt a lump in my throat.  I researched him and found out he was basically a street performer from Venice Beach who achieved some success in Britain but not much in the States.  Though, he did receive a rare 5 stars from Rolling Stone for Watch Your Step.  I love the nakedness, the sound, the spirit, the sadness, and the directness of the lyrics.  I wish I wrote “Sorry You’re Sick,” but I recognize that I never could because I never had that sort of existence.  My problems, though they seem serious to me, pale in comparison to those communicated in Hawkins’ music.  But I feel it just as much.  I hear a real human being in there.
• M83, “Midnight City.”  From the Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming album.  It’s a double-album, so it’s taking me time to get through.  But this is the track that hooked me.  
• Sleigh Bells, “Born To Lose.”  This band continues to amaze me.  I wonder how far they can take this bombastic sound before it grows tiresome.

BOOKS

• Publish This Book, by Stephen Markley.  A gift, and I’m so appreciative.  But this is not a great book (in my humble opinion, sorry Sara, I can’t lie!).  Still, it has to be on my list because I’ve only read one book so far this year, it’s only been 10 days.  I appreciate the attempt by Markley.  It’s meta: the whole book is about trying to get the very book you’re reading published.  The book is about the book.  But it wanders and I found myself doing something I honestly never do—skip ahead.  And it didn’t matter that I skipped over huge chunks, which proves my point.  I didn’t miss anything that prevented me from understanding the next chapter (though let me say I only skipped over a few Love Interest scenes).  I did laugh at times, which means Markley partially succeeded, but I found myself agreeing with his professor’s suggestion that he pull back on the shit and sex jokes.  I’m all for that stuff but at a certain point it inhibits you from getting closer to the real human being in there.  Disclaimer: I’ve still got a hundred pages left, so if this chaos finds a purposeful balance, I’m going to feel like a real dickhead for pre-judging.  My preemptive apologies, because I hate when people do that to me.  That said, it’s nearly 500 pages long so he’s had enough time to convince me.
• Pearl Jam Twenty.   I’ve been skimming this.  It’s not a book you have to read in a straight line.  It was a holiday regift from a fellow enthusiast of the band. Although I still buy Pearl Jam albums the day they come out, I haven’t been a fervent fan for some years now.  My respect for their business practices and the way they protect their art and fans is through the roof, but my heart strings rarely get pulled by the music anymore.  Still, the book is an enjoyable trip down memory lane and so was the accompanying film which I saw on a Saturday morning in an empty theatre in New York City last September (I remember that clearly!).
• Wild Abandon, by Joe Dunthorne.  This is a cheat.  I haven’t read it yet, but it’s next on my list.  It’s Dunthorne’s followup to his debut novel, Submarine, which has since been made a film (That book showed up on my 2008 list.  Do I know how to pick them or what?  I told you.)

FILMS

• Tiny Furniture.  I met Lena Dunham, the film’s writer/director, before I ever saw her film.  I auditioned for her new HBO show, Girls.  No, I didn’t get the part.  I knew about her film and had planned to see it when it came out in 2010 but never did.  It’s now streaming on Netflix, which is where I saw it.  Such an impressive debut by a person still in her twenties.  Then I found out both her parents were artists.  My parents were in education and business.  Maybe that’s why I suck.
• Bill Cunningham New York.  This film sneaks up on you.  At first you feel like you’re just watching a documentary about another eccentric, but by the end you’re holding back the tears.  Cunningham, photographer for the New York Times, is more than fascinating.  He is a man lost in time and I will miss him when he is gone.  (Also streaming on Netflix, by the way).
• The Descendants.  Saw it in the theatre and loved it.  A hardfought balance of sadness and joy.  I can’t recall Clooney acting any better.  Turns out Hawaii is not only a nice place to visit in real life but on the big screen too.  And if the woman/man/creature a few rows back wasn’t munching on her popcorn so loudly then I would have loved it even more.  This is why I only see movies during the day on weekdays.  The less people the better.  
• Tree of Life, Moneyball, The Artist, My Week With Marilyn, Beginners, The Iron Lady and more.  As a member of SAG, I get to see lots of free movies.  These are all on deck.  By the end of the year, I will have forgotten about all of them.

Biggest Surprise

Waking up without a hangover on New Year’s Day after a wicked combo of wine, beer, champagne, tequila and a bowl.

What else happened..

• My sister visited from Florida.
• Best Indian food I ever had at Devi in New York.
• Watched yet another cop run a stop sign, not even slowing down a bit.  I want one to hit me.
• Had two band rehearsals during which we practiced a song we’ve never played live before (Hint: Mercury Lounge on Jan 13th).

That’s it.  My mind is exploding.  If this much happened in just ten days, how can I be expected to remember what happens over the course of 365 of them?  I can’t and I won’t.  Good thing I wrote this down. 

howboutno asked: Yeah! You’re going on tour! As you gear up for hitting the road, what would be your mix you’d put together to keep your spirits high on those long drives?

VE: I restocked my iPhone for the trip.  Some noteworthy additions:

Notice I’m still listening to full albums.  Am I the only one left?  Plus, one of the great things about traveling with other people is that they turn you on to stuff you’ve missed, so I’m excited about that.

saukdee asked: You’re website looks amazing! Nice upgrade. :) You’re one of my favorites. Love that voice of yours… and Secondhand Serenade’s John Vesely recommended you to his fans back when myspace was the cool “social networking” site. I’ve been a fan of yours for awhile now. :) Best regards.

VE: I’m glad you like my website, though it hasn’t been redesigned in about two years.  I caught you not visiting.  Glad you’re back.  Thanks for the kind words.  I appreciate it!

Anonymous asked: Hey Val!!! I’m in your mother’s language arts class, and ever since she taught my older brother I’ve been a HUGE fan!! I don’t think it is apropriate to be cursing on a website. What if kids like me come on the website? I love your new album, but i can’t find it anywhere! I guess I’ll ask your mom if she has any copies. Bye for now! ~D

VE: Hi there.  My new album is available on iTunes and Amazon and the best place to find out info about that stuff is always my website valemmich.com.  There are direct links to purchase the album. About profanity, I appreciate your comment but I value honesty and I trust those reading this know my intentions.  There are curses in my songs.  Curses are part of every language, part of expression.  They are often overused but when used with some skill they are exactly what’s needed.  I don’t curse in public around children (or try really hard not to).  That’s my choice.  But I don’t think cursing has anything to do with morality.  I think humans innately know what is right and wrong.  When a dog is kicked, it yelps.  Any child can sense its pain.  It’s primal.  When a kid hears a curse, he doesn’t know it’s wrong unless someone tells him so (or when he sees the adult’s reaction).  Profanity is subjective.  It’s a gray area.  And no one dies from it.  This is my little world here.  I don’t force anyone to read this.  With all due respect, if cursing bothers you, it’s best not to read this blog.  P.S. I hope you love my mother.

Anonymous asked: Would you ever consider doing video response to the questions you recieve on here?

VE: I have thought about it and several times I’ve been close to doing it.  We shall see.

howboutno asked: This question has a build up, so Amber finally watched Team America and we’ve made it a priority to say Matt Damon pretty much any where. She told me about this video of a guy at the Invictus premiere who had Matt Damon in front of him and he kept taunting him with just saying that line from Team America - it ended up being something this guy could cross off his bucket list. So - if you were to have a bucket list, what are a few things you would include on your list?

VE: Hard question.  I don’t have a bucket list and doubt I ever will.  I want to do everything.  Literally, if a thought comes into my head, I want to do it and I get down when I realize I might not be able to because I don’t have the ability, the money, the time, or whatever.  I’m a curious person and so my list grows and grows.  I think I’m learning that I have to stop doing certain things in order to have time to start doing other things.  Anyway, sorry for the vague answer.  I realize now that I’m sort of embarrassed to share some of the things I’d like to do.  I’d much rather do things than talk about doing them.  Hope my answer didn’t disappoint you.

am13er asked: I was looking through some of my old pictures I’ve taken of you at shows I’ve been to and I just realized the lack of you wearing your ‘beat up vest’. Did you finally retire your vest?

VE: I’ve got many vests and I don’t see any of them being removed from my closet anytime soon.

It took a few years, but it’s finally happening.  Many of you have asked when you can see me perform live.  Well, for those in the Northeast, now’s your chance.  We’re grateful to Good Old War, a kickass band, for agreeing to take us out with them.  We look forward to playing for you.

*05 Dec - Vienna, VA - Jammin Java - TICKETS
08 Dec - Hamden, CT - The Space - TICKETS
09 Dec - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground - TICKETS
10 Dec - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall - TICKETS
11 Dec - Portland, ME - Port City Music Hall - TICKETS
13 Dec - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar - TICKETS
14 Dec - Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell’s - TICKETS
16 Dec - Brooklyn, NY - Bell House - TICKETS
**17 Dec - Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place - TICKETS
18 Dec - Cleveland, OH - HOB Cambridge Room - TICKETS
20 Dec - Pittsburgh, PA - Altar Bar - TICKETS

Let me start by first apologizing for my lazy use of that overused and insensitive warring phrase.  I used it because a) I couldn’t think of anything better because b) I wanted to act fast while my impulse was strong and demanding.

So many of you have already done so much for me.  My new record was only possible through the generosity of the people who donated to my Kickstarter project.  But consider that Phase 1.  The album is made.  The question remains: how do we get more people to hear our collective love project?  I’m not sure, but I know I can’t do it alone.

Phase 2 involves one thing and one thing only: Word Of Mouth.  That old standby that never goes out of style.  It’s simple and yet mysterious.  Can it be generated?  Or can it only happen on its own?  I say we can make it happen.

Many of you have written to me asking how you can help.  You tell me you love the new album and you’ve been talking about it nonstop.  Well, sadly, if it didn’t happen online, then it never really happened.  If other people don’t see it, then our little click never grows and if our little click never grows, then…

Do I like how things are?  Fuck no.  I don’t like that I have to go on Twitter and Facebook to share mundane details about myself.  But I like it better than the depression I feel every time someone writes me asking when I’ll be touring to their city and I know it’s not happening any time soon and may never happen again. 

Let’s change that.  Life on the internet is our reality and so let’s make the most of it.  How?  Simple.  Let’s talk.  Talk loud.  Talk often.  And most importantly, talk passionately about Val Emmich & The Veeries and their brilliant fucking album Aide Memoire.  Which brings up an important point: if you don’t feel the new album—I mean really feel it—then that’s okay.  This little project isn’t for you.  This project is for those that really fucking feel it.  Those who insist on using adjectives like “brilliant” and placing f-bomb exclamations in front of those adjectives. 

This is for all the people who ask me how they can get more involved.  I present…

THE VAL EMMICH PROMOTIONAL HANDBOOK

(a work in progress)

***99% of this stuff can be done on your computer and/or portable god-device***

Like me (Not in that way)

• Like, share and respond to my posts on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.  Sounds simple but it happens relatively infrequently.
• Like my Facebook page at facebook.com/valemmichmusic.  Let’s get that number up to 5,000!
• Follow me on Twitter and if you like a certain tweet, ReTweet it.  If you retweet, I’ll hold up my end of the bargain and I’ll tweet more.
• Tumblr readers: when I post something on Tumblr click LIKE.  If you’ve got a comment, share it.  I want to hear from you and I want to engage.  Don’t be shy and I won’t be either.  Ask me some questions about the new album.  Let’s intrigue people.  Let’s get them thinking, I have to hear this fucking album.  

Write Reviews

• Write a review of Aide Memoire on iTunes and give it a star rating.  
• Write a review at Amazon.com.  There are no reviews there.  Be the first.  Use the same one from iTunes.
• Write a review at CDBaby.  There are currently no reviews for the CD.  Hmm, I know many of you have the CD.  I personally shipped them to you.  Did you like seeing your name in the artwork?  If so, tell people about it.  Tell people about the booklet.  Tell people why they might be interested in buying the CD as opposed to just the digital album.  Use the same review that you used for iTunes.  If you’ve bought my music through CDBaby.com before than you already have an account.  If not, it’s easy to set up.  Post your review here.
• If you’ve bought and read our book, Proof We Were Here, please leave a comment at blurb.com.  There are currently 0 (yes, that’s a zero) comments there and I know people have read it because I’ve talked to several of you.  While you’re over there, click LIKE.
• I know it’s daunting to think of what to say in a review (trust me, even this post is hard to write).  Just take a deep breath and be honest.

Stream the music

• Streaming is free.  What better reason is there than that?
• Aide Memoire will soon be available on Spotify and Pandora.  In the meantime, I have other music to stream on those services.  Stream the music!
• When listening to VE on Spotify, click the little STARS next to the songs and then tell others you’re listening to VE on Spotify by sharing on Facebook, Twitter, etc.  Don’t have Spotify?  Get it.  It’s free.  Play any song in the world whenever you want.  It’s pretty awesome.  All my older albums are on there or will be soon.
• For Pandora, currently only Little Daggers is available, but I’m working on getting other albums up there.  (Thanks to whoever posted that idea on Tumblr.)  When listening, hit the Share button and tell others what you’re listening to.

YouTube

• Post the “Wooly Mammoths” video on your Facebook pages, blogs, and Twitter.  It currently has less than 1,000 views.  That’s boo-hoo sad.  Let’s get that up to 10,000.  Watch it here: http://youtu.be/4Ynt0qxhNZI
• Let’s make a second video.  Tell me which song is your absolute gun-to-your-head favorite song on the album that you want the rest of the world to hear?  I want to know.
• Perform your own cover of a song from Aide Memoire and post it on YouTube and share it with everyone.  Who cares if it’s lo-fi and timid, that’s cool, as long as it’s honest.  Make it your own!  To help you, I’ve already posted guitar tabs for a few of the acoustic-friendly (and easy to explain) songs on the Music page at valemmich.com—“When I Grow Up”, “Galoshes” and “Experts.”  More coming soon.
• Make your own music videos for Aide Memoire songs on YouTube.  I give you free reign to use the songs for promotional reasons.  Just make sure you list the artist name, album name and ideally a link to where the stuff can be bought (iTunes works).

Bloggers, Journalists, Podcasters, Deejays

• Let’s do an interview.  The size of your audience or publication doesn’t matter to me, as long as you’re serious about what you do.  Blogs, newspapers, magazines, fanzines, radio shows, whatever.  Let’s do an acoustic performance for your podcast.  Let’s do something.  Let’s talk.

Calling All Visual Artists

• If you’re talented and you’re doing unique work and looking to team up with someone just as passionate as you in the hopes of having fun and perhaps gaining a wider audience, I want to work with you. 
• Want to shoot a music video?  Send me your idea for a song. 
• Want to create gig posters for upcoming shows?  I’d love to see your work. 
• Photographers…let’s do a shoot! 
• Artists…I’m always looking for a visual match for my music, especially for album covers.  My last album featured a painting by my friend and my next release will also feature a painting.  
• Web designers…let’s do an overhaul on my website and make it some place where people really want to visit.

The Issue of Touring

• If you happen to live close and can attend a live show, a) comment about the show afterwards on Twitter, Facebook, your own blog, etc, and tell people why you think they are missing out and b) post photos and videos from the show.  You’ll notice on the EVENTS page at valemmich.com, I’ve added all kinds of information about Past Shows.  You guys can provide me with the content—footage and commentary about each show—and by doing that we can leave footprints for other people to track.  Have old setlists, photos or videos from old shows?  Send them over.
• Buy Tickets in advance.  If possible, this helps.  It might cost you a little extra in service fees so I totally understand it if you can’t afford it.  But if you’re able to, it goes a long way.  Promoters get nervous when pre-sales are low and they start hounding me.  For example, we’ve currently sold only 5 tickets to our upcoming show at Jammin Java on 12/4 outside D.C.  Last time we played D.C. we had at least 30 people there.  That’s not a ton but it’s certainly enough for a party.  Enough to make a promoter feel like I have enough promise to invite me back.  Where did everyone go?  Are you still there?  If you were just waiting to buy a ticket at the door, don’t.  Get it now.  And if you’ve got other plans, cancel them and come to the show.  I vow to make it worth it for you.  Unless for some reason you’re getting married that day.  You should probably go to the wedding.  Ticket links for all shows can be found at valemmich.com/tour.php
• When I finally do make a trip to your town (like Philadelphia, for example, this Thursday 11/17), make sure you come to the show!  And bring your friends!  If I don’t have a good turn out, then it’s really hard for me to come back.  And when you come, sing along.  LOUD.  The people next to you will be like, Wow, they really like this band.  Maybe we’re missing out on something good.  We should listen.  And come up to the band and I and say hi after.  I want to meet you and talk.  “I only want a connection.”
• Musicians and Friends Thereof: I’m always looking to team up with other artists for shows and tours.  Think we can help each other?  Get in touch with me.  Have a friend whose band would work perfectly with me?  Have them reach out or send me their link.
• Subscribe to my email newsletter at valemmich.com/signup.  This way you’ll know when I’m coming to your town.  I average about 2 emails a month so I promise not to overload your inbox.

Talk to me

• Tell me what you want. I want to please you (if and when it jives with my heart).  Assuming your desires aren’t x-rated, I will come through for you.  I just need to hear from you.  Apart from coming to your town to play (we’ve been over that), what can I do for you?  Want a private songwriting lesson?  Let’s do it.  Want an acoustic version on YouTube of your favorite song?  Sure, which one?  Want me to play for you and your friends?  Let’s fucking do it.  Don’t think you can afford me?  Maybe you’re right but maybe you’re wrong.  I’m reasonable and if you can guarantee some kind of audience and the trip can somehow be worked out, then I’ll do it.  I just want to share this music with you and I want new people to hear it.  So talk to me.  I can’t guess what would get you excited.  You have to tell me.  If it’s not too dirty, share publicly on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. 
• You have ideas that I don’t have and I want to hear about them.  Let’s get on the phone and talk about it.  Yes, the phone.  If you’re cool with that.  If not, let’s do email.

Share

• The holiday season is coming.  Share my music with your favorite people.  Whether it’s gifting the album via iTunes or ordering a CD thru cdbaby.com or sending someone the mp3 album for free.  Of course, I’d rather you buy it but I’d much rather new people hear it than worry about a few dollars. 

My ideas are running out.  I’m sure you have ideas of your own.  Whatever they are, do them.  Just don’t piss anyone off.  New ears are good but I don’t need people hating my name when uttered.  That’s worse than not knowing it at all. 

I’m often surprised, maybe naively, by the assumptions I hear made about me.  People assume I’m famous because I was on TV.  I’m not.  People assume that I have a team of people working for me and that I don’t need your help.  I have one single person working with me and I really need your help.  Don’t assume that I have a record label, distributor, publisher, business adviser, publicist, website maintainer, email reader or whatever else people assume (most of the people on my Contacts page are related to previous albums, if you’re wondering).  I have none of these things.  I do almost everything myself and that’s fine but I’m limited.  People assume I have lots of money because you saw me in a commercial or two.  I get by.  I’m just a guy with an intense passion for music and art and art means nothing when it isn’t shared.  I need you.

Thanks for reading this and for allowing me to speak candidly.  You don’t owe me anything.  I am lucky to have what you’ve given me thus far.  If nothing else, I hope you see that I’m determined and perhaps that inspires you to do a little something extra.  If so, thank you.  If not, that’s okay too. 

Love,

Val

Email me anytime at ve.newsletter@gmail.com

Anonymous asked: Val, I’m a fan of yours since I was 14, now I’m in college and my 18 birthday is in two weeks and i only want one thing for my birthday that i’ve wanted for the longest time—-a song about me. Can you do that for me? :) -Sincerly, Karina, a fan.

VE: Thanks for getting in touch Katrina.  I did have a Song Shop (valemmich.com/songshop) open for a while back in 2010 but it’s been closed for a while now.  I may open it up again sometime in the future but I’m not certain.  Your best bet is to join my email list at valemmich.com/signup and just keep your eyes open for news about it.  Unfortunately, I don’t write songs for people other than for that purpose.  Songs are really personal for me and they don’t just get written every day.  A lot goes into them and I have to reserve them for special moments.  Hope you understand.  Also, there’s usually some trade involved.  For example, you give me an arm, and I give you back a leg.  It’s only fair.

Anonymous asked: Is there a way to purchase tickets for your Nov. 12th show at Buddies Tavern in advance?

VE: No, there are no advance tickets.  The event is to raise money for the Spondylitis Association of America.  My friend’s wife suffers from the disease and each year he has an event to try and help.  Hope some of you can make it.  Be aware that each performer’s set is short.  Just the nature of the event.  Show up by 9pm to catch me.  This is a solo acoustic set.

Anonymous asked: Hey, Val. I’m trying to frame everything you sent me in the post to put up on my wall. I’ve got the sizes in inches for most of the pictures. What size are the press photos?

VE: I would guess they are a standard 8x10, though I don’t know offhand.  I’d like to see this wall when it’s finished.  Send us a photo.

Anonymous asked: Who is the female vocalist on Convince Me?

VE: Her name is Allie Moss.  Check out her stuff at alliemoss.com.

Anonymous asked: I was very excited to see in the previous q & a that you would consider putting out another Songs album. Songs From Woodstock is definitely one of my favorite albums and I would love to see another one. My question is do you feel that the internet has freed you up to do more of what you want with music rather than just what a record label makes you do? I loved that we were able to donate to Kickstarter so you were able to make an album you knew your fans would love. Or is it more stressful? Susan

VE: The part of your post that I gravitate towards is not either of the questions but the remark about making an album I “knew my fans would love.”  In fact, I was somewhat worried that it would be a disappointment.  Not because I didn’t think it wasn’t strong or I wasn’t super proud of it but because I knew it was a departure from my other work.  I was—and still am—so passionate about the album that I was ready to face any backlash.  That didn’t quite happen but I can sense from various emails and posts that the album was a grower.  That it took some time to seep in for many of you and that’s perfectly fine for me. 
    Now, your questions.  The internet makes many things easier.  For example, I can record a new song and release it a minute later if I wanted to, instead of having to go through the whole political infrastructure.  I love the freedom.  And yet that freedom has its downside.  Ropes can be used to hold someone down and conversely to lift them up or catch them when they fall.  I have no ropes tied to me, and though I hated them at the time, I now see their value and sometimes miss them.  For example, it was my record label that secured me opening slots for so many bands in 2004-05 and that lead so many of you to me.  Ever since, it’s been near impossible to get those same slots.  Suddenly that political infrastructure seems like a necessary evil instead of just plain-old evil.  And yet, the grass is always greener when…
    About the stress, I think that’s something that each person brings to the situation.  Situations aren’t stressful, people are.  I bring the stress wherever I go.  I’m working on that.
    I just had an idea.  How about I take a poll to see what you guys would most want to see me do next.  I’ve been wondering myself and maybe it would be worth hearing your opinion.  The options might surprise you.  All of them involve full clothing and only one involves music.

To all those who sent me well wishes via Twitter yesterday, thank you.  I’m fine.  Just need a new car now and I was three months away from paying it off.  Red light, screaming baby, 360s, shattered window, tire tracks…but…luckily no one was hurt.  Seconds earlier or later and…such a weird thought.  Why?  Why?  Why?  Those are my questions to no one.  Now to your questions…

skeeballchampions asked: I remember you mentioning a while ago that you might do another Songs album. Do you think you will? Not right now, obviously, but in the future?

VE: This past summer I was very close to releasing a digital box set spanning my first 10 years as a solo artist.  It included 5 volumes.  I was ready to do it and then I got sidetracked by new material and a new album.  Perhaps it will happen in the future.

Anonymous asked: Hi Val, hope you are still feeling the fan love with your kickstarter project wrapped up. I have a two part question: What are your thoughts on auto tune? Do you feel a musical artist loses their credibility/authenticity if they use auto tune to enhance their voice rather than using it as an artistic statement?

VE: If you have a copy of my new album Aide Memoire on CD, you’ll notice it mentions that no auto-tune was used on the album.  For this particular project, using auto-tune would have went against the intention of the whole record, which was to capture an honest representation of a band playing live. No person sings in perfect tune when performing live, so why should it be different on record?  (By the way, this is discussed in detail in the book we just released called Proof We Were Here which is available at valemmich.com).  That said, auto-tune has been used on my voice in the past.  Sometimes it was needed, sometimes I disagreed with its use.  I find that if you really enjoy a vocal take of a song—it’s filled with the right emotion and the right rhythm—rather than try to recreate it (which is often impossible), auto-tune might get you out of a pinch and save the take.  Pitchy vocals are fine and to me endearing because they are human and honest…but they can sometimes become distracting if they are way off, at which point auto-tune is useful.  But people overuse it and they fall back on it and it has served to remove talent as a prerequisite for recording music and that’s where I believe it has become problematic.  If it’s to give someone a little help, fine.  But what about making someone who is tone-deaf suddenly able to sing?  In that case, what makes that person more unique then anyone else?  Now, where auto-tune is used as an artistic tool for a purposefully affected vocal sound, I have no problem with that, though if originality is your quest, it’s time to look elsewhere for other tools.  

Anonymous asked: Hi again Val! “Again” as in I’ve dropped you a note before. I just downloaded Aide Memoire today. Absolutely love it!! The album as a whole strikes a visceral chord I can’t put into words without a few more listens. My question — when you take yourself to a certain place, for example, the angst-driven delivery of “A Punch”, have you ever lost touch with raw emotion mid-stream? If so, do you just let it rest until you can tap that depth again? Hope the question makes sense :) Nikki

VE: Recording a live performance (I make that distinction because this doesn’t apply to most modern recording which is done in stages and pieces) is akin to hunting game.  It’s about being ready and being seasoned enough to know when to take the shot.  I love animals too much to continue this analogy to the end, but hopefully you get my point.  I’ve been recording long enough that I know when it’s time to go and when it’s time to take a break and let the emotion get welled up again.  Sometimes it never comes again and what you have is what you have.  The best producers/engineers know this and thus always have the RECORD button pressed.  When you’re dealing with a time limit—as was the case with Aide Memoire—there’s added pressure.  What if the mood never strikes?  Do you wait around forever?  Or just do the best you can?  I’ve learned two things that help.  The first is that you must purposely choose to record the songs that welcome and inspire that appropriate emotion, that draw it out from you.  And that leads to the second thing, which is—to borrow a popular saying amongst writers—put your but in the seat.  In other words, put yourself in a situation where creativity/inspiration can happen.  In music, that means just playing.  If you play, things can happen and they often do.  So to answer my question from before, you don’t wait forever.  You show up and give yourself to the process and hope you’ve prepared enough that things will fall into place. 

nikalyn asked: A silly question but I will risk feeling like an idiot. Are you going to have any future competitions or such where the prize would be another phone call with you? It seems silly to hope to win a chance to call another person. But the last time we talked was right after my dad died and you honestly helped me deal. It might not seem like it but just talking to you made things SO much better. Thank you for that. It meant so damn much. I’d really like to talk again under happier circumstances.

VE: I’m flattered that our previous conversation made a hard time a tiny bit easier.  I remember feeling some pressure at the time, wondering what to say, because well…what do you say in those times?  It was good for me too, doing those series of conversations with people, because I tend to get in my own head and you all gave me a different perspective.  There are no contests on the horizon but that shouldn’t be required for two people to talk.  How about this?  If you’d like we can Skype for a bit.  Do you Skype?  Ichat?  Let me know.

Anonymous asked: Are your songs usually about certain people or situations in your life? Or do you make up the stories behind them? Also, have you ever written a song about someone and then ran up to them and was like, “Hey, I wrote a song about you! Listen to it!”

VE: All my songs are about real people and situations and yet, I also make some up.  Though, I don’t like that phrase—make up.  They are real stories though I may not be able to point to a particular person in my life or even remember where the story came from, sometimes until years later and sometimes never.  For example, I just realized recently who the song “E.S.T” is about and I discovered it was two different people in my life.  That might sound crazy to be so uninformed about my own subjects but it’s not that at all.  I am usually quiet in social situations because I observe and then I deal with it later.  Sometimes a long time later.  And though I might not have said something in response to someone’s point at dinner, for example, I thought about it and internalized it and my delayed response often comes in the form of a song.  I know listeners often wish songs to have a more definitive, simpler subject (i.e. this song is about this particular person in this particular scenario) but it’s much more ambiguous than that.  I feel when I’m writing my best work I am channeling something through me, not from me.  I’ve heard others describe it that way and I agree.  I’m a conduit.  Lest someone take that to be some religious or magical thing, I don’t mean it that way.  I just mean that I leave myself open to feel and I often do.  I figure out how I feel by writing.  Some songs—“Shock,” “High Noon,” “Medical Display,” others—are attempts to write about specific things that were happening in my life.  But some are harder to figure out.  Like psychological experiments.  The color blue calms me.  I am not sure why though I have some rough ideas.  Does that mean that my feeling about the color blue is any less true or honest or “real”?  No.  It’s about expression and communication and if YOU (the listener) feel and you relate and you connect the dots to something specific in your own life, then I’ve won.  I have thus described in a small way what it’s like to be human in today’s world and that’s all I care to do.  Because I need to know what it’s like myself.
    To answer your second question, I have never ran up to someone and told them a song was about them.  But years ago I wrote songs for girls in the hopes of winning or securing them and they knew the songs were about them.  It was pretty shameless but it worked. 

chessimprov asked: I heard a clip of “Sidekick” in a preview of the movie, Almost Perfect, at Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival’s preview party. How do you find all these movies to select your songs, or do they find you?

VE: The director of Almost Perfect produced the film I was in, Fighting Fish.  She was looking for a song with a specific feel and so I sent her that one and some others.  She liked it and I let her use it.  Did you like the film?  I haven’t seen it yet.

Anonymous asked: I recently created a Val Emmich station on Pandora but they only have your Little Daggers album….love that one but just wondering why it’s the only one they offer?

VE: I actually didn’t know the answer to your question and so I looked it up.  Apparently you have to submit your music to them and then they consider whether to put it up or not.  I guess the label that put out Little Daggers arranged to get that album on Pandora.  I’ll add it to my list of things to do and send them my other albums.  Perhaps since they already have that album up there they will accept the rest of them.  Thanks for bringing this to my attention.  P.S. Most of my albums are on Spotify, which is similar to Pandora, only you can select any song you want to hear.  If you haven’t downloaded it yet, do so.

theneverendinglist asked you: Hey Val, Just wanted to tell you how much I have been enjoying your new album… Got to admit I didnt have as much time to listen to it when I first got it, but now that I’ve carved out sometime to listen I love it. “A Punch” really rocks and there is something soooo familiar about the intro, but I cant put my finger on it yet. (its bugging the crap out of me) I also like ” I Love The Way You Sound, as usual your unique story telling shines like the sun. Its been almost 8 years since I’ve had the opportunity to see you live, a lot has happened in that time but its seems to have just flown by and I think I’m starting to feel old, How is Time treating Val Emmich?

VE: Thanks for the feedback about the record.  I think the answer to your question can be found in the album itself if you dig and you’ll also find it more plainly in the companion book, Proof We Were Here, available later this month (how’s that for salesmanship?).  In all seriousness though, I put all the honesty I could find in the album and the book so it’s all there. The album in particular is itself a response and an assessment of time and how it’s affected me. The album starts with a picture of me in the past, looking forward to the future.  Now, that future has arrived and the rest of the album must deal with that as it looks back and forward, albeit with eyes less wide.

Anonymous asked you: Hi Val! I have been a silent fan for years. You said it’s been a little quiet in the way of feedback on the new album so I think it’s about time I speak up. It is really, truly beautiful. I listen to it everyday, multiple times a day. In ‘When Does the Pain Stop?’ you describe feeling a good song too much. This is how I feel about every song on this album. It’s that happy, sad feeling that almost hurts, but I love it…if that makes any sense. Thank you for everything. -Steph

VE: Steph, your explanation/assessment of that lyric is right on. That’s how I feel. It’s nice to know someone can relate. And I’m flattered that my songs pass the “good song” test and have that impact on you. I’m really glad you broke your silence. Welcome.

Anonymous asked you: I LOVE your new album, everything that’s been released around it so far - the behind the scenes & demo songs - and the way you let your fans participate in the “birth” & process of your album. It’s something that - unfortunately - has become very rare these days and it makes you & your art so special. Can’t wait to finally hold the finished record in my hands (love the cover image btw!) Did you know what the title is in German? Gedächtnisstütze :) So glad your songs are not in German, ha! -Julia

VE: Hello old friend. It makes me smile knowing that you give it your stamp of approval. I know how much music you listen to so it means a lot. Gedächtnisstütze! Wowsers. Your package will be making its journey across the Atlantic shortly. I wish I was coming along with it, pocket dictionary in tow.

damoneorone asked you: My dearest Val, this is more of a request than a question, but as a loyal fan for the past 8 years I hope that it isn’t asking too much. I recently had a book of my poetry published and as a fellow writer would like some of your feedback. Maybe if you like it you could also recommend it to your other fans? I’m aware this may be asking a lot but either way I am ever the devoted fan. Please contact me demkiss at hotmail or just check out my tumblr for samples and a link to the book. Thanks

VE: I’m flattered that you’re asking for my opinion but besides some college classes I’m not much of a poetry pro.  I checked out your site and saw one sample.  If you’d like to send me a copy of the book, then perhaps I could give it a more thorough reading and act accordingly.  Feel free to email me at ve.newsletter@gmail.com.  Either way, congrats on putting your ass in the seat and writing.  It’s hard thing to do.

Anonymous asked you: is there any chance of you playing a gig on the west coast? particularly, in washington? you’re always soooo far awayyy… :(

VE: You’re far away!  Hmm, I was last in Seattle in 2008.  Where were you?  I missed you.  Right now there are no plans but there’s always a chance.  I usually do a small gig in L.A. once a year but that’s a long drive.  Are you up for it?

psychicdrill asked you: Hey there! A female friend of mine and me, were discussing how good looking and relaxed you seem to be all the time. The chat took an interesting turn, when my friend said “I think Val is cool enough to let you kiss him on the cheek” Me, being a male. So, would you let me? Don’t worry, Ilive in Mexico so it won’t happen anytime soon. Just thought this would be a funny question to ask.

VE: Thanks for the compliment but I’m not sure how “relaxed” I am.  I would say, not very.  Theoretically I have no problem with a male kissing me on the cheek, however, like I would do with any person (no matter the sex), I’d have to give you a once-over to check for any obvious signs of [insert whatever] I might catch.  Brush those teeth!

Anonymous asked you: Val I’ve been listening to your new album non stop. Congrats on another brilliant album. The song “I like the way you sound” is one of my particular favorites. I love how it continues to build musically and lyrically. I mean just when you think you’ve let it all out you add another gut wrenching line! What can you tell us about the track that we may not know?

VE: I’m really happy that that song connected with you.  It means a lot to me.  In the book, Proof We Were Here, mentioned above, I give detailed background on each song so I don’t want to spoil that here.  But I can tell you that the entire song was built on the phrase “friend or faux pas” which first popped into my head when I was in Los Angeles in February of last year. 

Anonymous asked you: Will I be able to watch the web concert at a later date? I’m really bummed out that I’m not going to be near a computer that night.

VE: Yes!  If you contributed $25-and-up to Kickstarter then you can use the URL and password I sent you to log-in after the show and watch the recorded version.