post-Christmas pre-new years

Yep. I'm in the valley of days that nestle somewhere in between. I'm sipping a caffeinated brew and [still] working on updating my press-kit(s). Motivation where have you gone!?

I'd love any ideas/suggestions anyone can offer.

Christmas morning

If you're anything like my family and I, you stayed up into the wee hours of the morning last night - eating snacks, playing games, and laughing your heads off. Our Christmas evening was filled with a whole range of emotions: tears of laughter, tears of joy, and even tears of a heart touched by the simple verse of a poem. Yes, we all write poems at Christmas.

Now, as the sun climbs high into the noonday sky, everyone is beginning to stir in the Kamps house - and the scent of fresh coffee beckons us to fellowship. As I sit and reflect on our old worn couch, there is so much to be thankful for on this, the most glorious of mornings. This past year has seen me face a variety of challenges, trials, and struggles; choices made and their stains of regret. Still, the gentle guiding hand of the Son of Man has seen me through it all. His shepherd staff at my back - keeping my posture whole [creating a holy posture].

So now I go, upward and onward into this needy world - wishing you and yours the best this day, when everything changed two thousand and forty-three years ago.

Prepping for the New Year

Right now there's a lot going on at the Kamps camp. A LOT. I've also got a latte - well not quite, but it's a delicious caffeine-based beverage nonetheless. The plans for this week are as follows:

- New Biography for website and EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
- Last-minute Christmas shopping (Ewww)
- Spend some time in the woods (Yeah!)
- Jam with a couple other musicians (Also yeah!)
- Begin the mail-out process for radio, reviews, and festivals (Speaking of which, if you know of any good festivals/events that my music would suit, please get in touch with me?)

I also wanted to send a simple well-wished MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone out there who keeps tabs on this blog. Thanks for stopping by and spending some time. I really appreciate it!

-J04L

Las Vegas to Winter Wonderland

Incase you didn't know, I just finished a road-trip with the Kamps men this past weekend. Las Vegas to Calgary. It was a really great time; I got to enjoy the heat in Nevada and parts of Utah - and I've been trying to savor the memory of warmth. It certainly didn't make me too excited about returning to the cold up in Calgary. Nonetheless, I've gotta make do with the cards I'm dealt...

I woke up to slow-falling snowflakes dancing back and fourth through the sky, coating everything in sight with their fairy-dust like touch. Over the course of the night they've transformed the cityscape into a wonderland of beautiful mystery. It's an inspiring sight to say the least, and I'm hoping that will translate into some productivity today as I consider booking plans for the spring and write new melodies that come to mind.

Wishing y'all a wonderful start to the weekend!

Balcony TV Presents: JOAL KAMPS

Whoohoo! Yes folks, the video is finally here! Nathan and I are really happy with how it turned out (as you know, most live videos don't have quality sound). We had an amazing time filming this song with the E-town Balcony TV crew - and special thanks goes out to everyone involved!

I sincerely hope you enjoy this little offering. You can let us know what you think in the comments below as well as on Youtube.

Accordi-on-the-way

The accordion has proved to be a very challenging instrument thus far. I've picked it up several times since I first received it, but I haven't had all that much time to sit down and hammer out a tune with it. I'm hoping to free up some time in the coming weeks - though I'm leaving for Vegas on Saturday and won't be back 'till mid next week.

In other news: during the last tour I collaborated with Balcony TV Edmonton and filmed a live performance of 'Amsterdamned' with the talented Nathan Pease. The official Balcony TV video should be uploaded sometime within the next 24 hours - I'll keep you all posted.

Much love.

Dry Bones @ Kamps House

Hey folks! This is a clip from this past weekend @ Kamps House. I am really happy with the sound quality on this video compared to past ones, so please have a listen and leave a comment or two.

polka + folk = ?

I was just gifted with an accordion this past weekend. You can guess what that means... "folka" music coming your way. Stoked.

*** I also wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who attended any of the four house concerts that I performed at this past weekend. It was an incredible time and I was touched to receive so much encouragement and support in pursuing my career dreams. Thank you all.

-J04L