Music and jewelry

I've talked about musician Ryan Love, in the past. This year he released a self-produced record, Life in Orbit (which is available both on his website and through iTunes). For full disclosure, he does happen to be my best friend. But honestly, I wouldn't promote him on my blog just for that reason. I'm writing about him for the same reason I've posted about fellow artists, illustrators, or Etsy sellers here before -- he's talented.

That said, I have new Ryan news that I thought was worthy of a blog-mention.

This week, he came up with an idea which I find really creative and interesting. Instead of selling the usual band t-shirts and buttons to help promote his album, he'll be releasing a jewelry line for both men and women. Each piece will be created by Ryan and will thematically match one song on the album.

He's a creative jack-of-all trades and his jewelry designs are lovely. Of course, I can speak from personal experience, since he blew me away this past week by presenting me with 3 pieces of hand-made jewelry of his own design for my birthday. I would describe the set (it was a necklace with matching earrings and bracelet) but I think it's better detailed in Ryan's own words:

"It features champagne Swarovski crystals with freshwater pearls hanging on an adjustable (and interchangeable), chocolate-satin ribbon with matching earrings and a bracelet running on a trio of silver chains."

The strands if pearls themselves run from your typical white pearl to a cafe-au-lait color. Gorgeous! This set coordinates with the 8th song on his album "I Do". His jewelry line will be released in 2009, so sign up for his mailing list to stay posted. Keep an eye out for it...I'm trying to get him to sell the line on Etsy!!! (o:

Tough Love

I just had to jump online and blog while I'm still feeling all mushy and proud.

Since I've blogged about my best friend before (once here and once here), I figured this post wouldn't be 100% out of the blue.

I found out tonight that his album is done - music, cover art and all. It will be available June 23 on his website. No, I didn't wind up doing the cover art. And thank goodness. First, I had way too much school going on to stop and create something worthy of his music. Second, Ryan and I think too much alike. Sometimes you need an artist whose brain can take a fresh look at you and come up with something cool. Like this:



It definitely has my stamp of approval. (I'm so glad I didn't do the art cuz I certainly wouldn't have come up with that!) I also found out that Ryan got his own website up and running...by himself! I've been meaning to get my own website up and running for the past oh...I dunno...5 or 6 years now. Eeep. Hopefully, he'll provide me with the necessary inspiration. Anyway, check his website out here. You can hear some of his tunes on there too. One of them is "my" song. And no, I won't tell which one. It's mine! :oP You really can't beat having a song written for you. Anyone else have a best friend that cool?

Ryan and I have been friends for a dozen or so years now, so we've been through a lot together. We're both in artistic fields, so we've faced a lot of similar struggles. His success feels like a success for me too (don't worry, honey, I'm not stealing your thunder!). I guess what I'm trying to say is right now, I'm feeling so proud of him for finally achieving so many of his goals. (Trust me folks, I've been listening to the trials and tribulations of this process for years!) Even though we live on opposite coasts now, I'll always be his biggest cheerleader.

Congrats, Ry. (o: (Eat it up while you can, I'll be back to my usual self tomorrow. LOL.)

Valentine's Day Contest!!!

For once I'm actually going to promote someone other than myself or an Etsy artist. This person isn't even in the visual arts field. *Gasp!* It's a post about a musician who is hosting a contest. The prize is your very own personalized song!

My friend, Ryan Love (yes, that's his real name) is a very talented pianist and singer/songwriter. His style is pretty unique - I wouldn't dare try to stick him into one category. The best description I can give is that he effortlessly flows between alternative/indie and electronic genres. It might just be easier if you hear him yourself. I recommend you take a listen to "Heaven Help Me" or "See You Soon" (those are my personal favorites). Here:

http://www.myspace.com/jetcityrecords

Anyway, he's hosting a very cool Valentine's Day contest and I figured I'd share with all of you. As I mentioned before, the grand prize is your very own song (about you, your honey, your relationship, or other topic of your choosing) written and performed by Ryan. He'll work with you, ask you some questions, and construct a song specifically for you. You will receive your prize via e-mail with an mp3 attached. If you're not savvy with technology, he can send it in a cd format via snail mail. But be aware that it will take longer to receive it. Even so, it would still be worth it. I mean, what could be a better V-Day gift to your significant other than a song about them written by a guy named Mr. Love? LOL.

There are two ways to enter. If you have a MySpace account, all you have to do is click on the link I already provided and add one of Ryan's songs (or RyTunes as he calls them) to your profile. If you do not have a Myspace account (or if you're already absolutely wedded to your profile song), you can drop me a comment here on my blog. PLEASE make sure you leave an e-mail address, a link to your own blog, or some way to get a hold of you. There will be a random drawing tonight and the winner will be notified immediately. Your customized song will be sent directly to the e-address you provide Feb.13th BEFORE Midnight. Hurry up and enter - the boy needs some time to write and record your song!!! Good luck everyone!!!