tag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:/blogs/recording-with-or-without-you?p=2Recording With or Without You2019-09-26T19:25:00-06:00April Meservyfalsetag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/58713912019-08-27T06:43:22-06:002021-10-20T05:10:48-06:00Make You Feel My Love<p><a contents="" data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/7d06dafe043dd61a899c4b0ead0f423d308f879a/original/april-meservy-makeyoufeelmylove-large.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>A long time ago, I decided I would record <a contents="“Make You Feel My Love”" data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">“Make You Feel My Love”</a> as a surprise for my sister, Crystal, and her husband, Brian. It was a song that Crystal felt embodied their own beautiful love story. I finally recorded it in 2017 with the help and co-arranging/performing of my talented friends Brian Bingham and Caitlin Andrew (of The Backyard Revival). I still never told Crystal. </p>
<p>I happened to be tracking it around the time my relationship with David was beginning to pick up, and quite unexpectedly, the song began to reflect some of the emerging feelings I was catching heart-glimpses of. </p>
<p>So... SURPRISE, Crystal and Brian!! It's not anything fancy, but I really hope you like this relaxed, live studio cut of <a contents="your song" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/1795864/make-you-feel-my-love-live-studio-mix" target="_blank">your song</a>. I love watching your love story unfold.</p>
<p>And David—Sweetheart, surprise to you too! Now I can’t help but think of you too when I sing it. </p>
<p>xo </p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">When the rain is blowin’ in your face and the whole world is on your case </span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">I would offer you a warm embrace to make you feel my love </span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"> </h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">When evening shadows and the stars appear and there is no one there to dry your tears </span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">I could hold you for a million years to make you feel my love</span></h3>
<p> </p>
<p>***Special thanks to Brian Bingham (guitar arrangement/bg vocals), Caitlin Andrew (Cello), Scott Wiley (engineer/mixing), Scott Jarvie (photo), Ricardo Rosas (graphic design), and my small, but super awesome, Forêt d’Musique team for each of your contributions to this!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#e74c3c;">Download & Stream:</span> <span style="color:#2980b9;"> </span><a contents="iTunes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/album/1476069487?app=itunes&ls=1" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2980b9;">iTunes</span></a><span style="color:#2980b9;"> </span><a contents="Spotify&nbsp; " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5bSDcKHW2LoeilcAC05hEe" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2980b9;">Spotify</span></a><span style="color:#2980b9;"> </span><a contents="Apple Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/album/id/1476069487" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2980b9;">Apple Music</span></a><span style="color:#2980b9;"> </span><a contents="Amazon Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Make-You-Feel-My-Love/dp/B07WCCTL5P/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=make+you+feel+my+love+april&qid=1566908605&s=dmusic&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2980b9;">Amazon Music</span></a><span style="color:#2980b9;"> </span><a contents="Pandora" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.pandora.com/artist/april-meservy/ARxz6qx26KfKPmc" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2980b9;">Pandora</span></a><span style="color:#2980b9;"> </span><a contents="Google Play" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://play.google.com/store/music/album/April_Meservy_Make_You_Feel_My_Love?id=Bhhc3uvd6falsz3uop45vb5a4tu" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2980b9;">Google Play</span></a></p>3:11April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/58402872019-07-25T10:00:00-06:002022-05-10T11:28:52-06:00"Fix You"<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/ce4cba20b70948063858f2f6098def85a3bcb8bc/original/img-3212.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/880bc95ecc0fd6501cc2e830501427094a72a262/original/img-3215.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This morning I stumbled upon <a contents="this video " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/april.meservy.52/videos/vb.545536176/10157580749441177/?type=2&video_source=user_video_tab" target="_blank"><strong>this video</strong> </a>from Brian Bingham’s CD release concert in 2018 (before I was ever engaged to David). Earlier that day, I was rehearsing “Fix you” and couldn’t get through the song without crying. I had already released my cover of the song with The Good-Morrow EP, so singing it wasn’t totally new to me, but the feelings still hit pretty fresh and deep. </p>
<p>Every line of Coldplay's "Fix You" gave voice to different moments of my journey these last 6-7 years. Noticing I was struggling, David just walked over and held me as I half-sang, half-cried the song multiple times. I remember thinking how much it meant that he would respond like that. It really comforted me and drew me to him. And I actually made it through the song that night without crying in the concert. </p>
<p>We all want to help those we love – we want so much to relieve suffering around us. We try to help in the best ways we know how. And yet, we also feel this intrinsic need to receive help at different moments along our own rocky and winding path. One of my favorite lines of the song is <a contents='"Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones."' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/april.meservy.52/videos/vb.545536176/10157580749441177/?type=2&video_source=user_video_tab" target="_blank">"Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones."</a> Its’ the glimmer of light at the end of a dark period in our life. It is so hopeful. And in my experience, so true in the ultimate sense. </p>
<p>I am grateful for David and for the way he continues to show up with an honest, full, and open heart – he’s a gift I couldn’t feel more grateful for. And I’m thankful to Paul Jacobsen; this is his arrangement and it was at his suggestion that we consider recording "Fix You." It has been so healing for me. </p>
<p>Whether you're basking in the warm light at the end of a tunnel or you are still smack in the middle of the darkest part of it, I hope as you listen to this song, you will feel hope, more loved, and less alone. </p>
<p>#fixyou #lightswillguideyouhome #thegoodmorrow</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#e74c3c;">Download & Stream:</span> <a contents="iTunes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-good-morrow-ep/1337747463" target="_blank">iTunes</a> <a contents="Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/60sTgp9H8bqYUj1SjAM66Y" target="_blank">Spotify</a> <a contents="Apple Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-good-morrow-ep/1337747463" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> <a contents="Amazon Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Morrow-April-Meservy/dp/B07954J71K/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=April+Meservy&qid=1569549452&s=dmusic&search-type=ss&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Amazon Music</a> <a contents="Pandora" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.pandora.com/artist/april-meservy/the-good-morrow/AL9ckzt4fjk2fdV" target="_blank">Pandora</a> <a contents="Google Play" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://play.google.com/store/music/album/April_Meservy_The_Good_Morrow?id=Bfrtynvvx6lh6nzcyptia5ia654" target="_blank">Google Play</a></p>4:49April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/54844272018-10-24T12:05:06-06:002020-10-17T08:07:01-06:00Lyric Video Collaboration with Holli<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="rmhngA5zTfM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/rmhngA5zTfM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rmhngA5zTfM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>One of my best friends in middle school was Holli Branch (now Holli Alvarado). We both grew up in Reno, Nevada and attended Billinghurst Middle School together (our mascot was the spectacular, ever-so-interesting Bighorn sheep, the Nevada state animal ?). It was a rare time where as a 12-13-year-old I felt mostly free from the sting of fears and the insecurity that life can so often bring. Holli and I spent countless hours studying together, planning school and team-related events, and simply being kids. I have great memories of planting trees up in the mountains with our classmates, coming up with random funny ideas, and enjoying sleep-overs. </p>
<p>Holli now enjoys living in Seattle, Washington, as a graphic designer & artist, and I now live in Utah, where I am deeply in love with the beautiful Wasatch mountains and canyons. Growing up in Reno, the backdrop for many of our childhood memories included Nevada sagebrush and pine trees, the cool blue water of Lake Tahoe, and the big open desert in all four seasons. </p>
<p>I have already posted the recording of this song before, but this summer Holli and I chatted about the possibility of her creating a lyric video with some beautiful images of what we love about Nevada. Holli was creating cool art ever since I can remember and I really love how this turned out! So, consider this a tribute to Nevada; and to fond memories of whatever state you call home. Feel free to share in any setting!</p>
<p>#celebratinghome #nevadaday #thereisbeautyallaround</p>April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/54525672018-10-03T12:17:02-06:002021-11-26T00:24:52-07:003 Weddings and a Funeral<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/fafb31b27b35e2187c2ff658d3e30c7b04c18f05/original/img-4238.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>These last two months since I married my sweetheart have been quite a journey. A lot of crying for joy and crying from loss all at the same time. It feels like our hearts are on some strange merry-go-round, moving from joy to sadness and back and forth again and again (just to give you a heads up, this is a longer post). I haven't posted much lately and I wanted to share what's been going on. </p>
<p><strong>Lake Tahoe Women's Conference / Reno Wedding Open House</strong></p>
<p>One week after David's dad (Jim GrandPre) passed away, we drove to Reno for our open house. It felt strange to be heading toward a celebration such a short time after making funeral arrangements.</p>
<p>I had been invited to share a couple of songs and experiences at a Women's Conference up at Lake Tahoe that morning and I was glad to have David and my sweet mom join me for that. I love having David by my side for events like this, but now as my husband. His smile is calming. Immediately after the conference, we headed back to Reno to help with the last of the prep for our evening wedding reception. It was great seeing friends and family and reconnecting with loved ones - so many people helped to make it such a special day! Our hearts were lightened by expressions of love from friends. </p>
<p><strong>Jim's Funeral</strong></p>
<p>Jim's funeral was the very next weekend back in Utah and it was a difficult, bittersweet day to celebrate his beautiful life and grieve his loss. His funeral was such a fitting tribute to his life and the talks and stories that were told were poignant and touching. Many of his fellow officers shared stories that hadn't been heard before about Jim's life. We really miss him. It feels like life has been flying by with no time to adjust to it all. We are grateful for many of your messages of condolence and love - they've been a genuine comfort. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/59ccfa31cd1181bcca5cdb8e046fe686b2190893/original/2018-10-03-0-21-54.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Mom's Wedding</strong></p>
<p>Two weeks after the funeral, this past week, I flew back to Reno to help my mom with the last of the preparations for her own wedding and reception. We have no idea how the universes conspired so that we could both marry our best friends over the span of a couple months. But we feel blessed. There are no words to express my happiness in seeing my mom marry her best friend, Wayne Lund! He is such a great fit for her - a man with no guile and quick to step in and serve. We love him and are grateful to have him added to our expanded family circle, not to mention his kids, who are exceptional in their own right and so easy to love. It was another emotional and long-awaited day. My heart was honestly as happy as it was on my own wedding day. Mom couldn't deserve it more! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/3c18216ffcc7e1db1e324b0748c90b56d928de21/original/2018-10-03-0-08-50.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>A Sacred Time</strong></p>
<p>During my trip to Reno this past week, I was able to briefly see a dear high school friend of Crystal and mine who is battling breast cancer. Shelley Brown is beautifully brave, full of unusual faith, and remarkable in ways I truly admire. I am amazed at how she's handling such a major health trial and I'm grateful for her. </p>
<p>I also had the opportunity to visit my step-dad (who was married to my mom when I was in high school and through my college years. In our family―once family, ALWAYS family. For a couple hours, we laughed and cried and talked about the struggles he is facing in his own battle with cancer. It meant a great deal to be there with him and have those conversations. That time was sacred for me. I was able to attend his chemo session. He asked (half-jokingly) if they could play some "April Meservy" while he was in radiation, which they actually did. "Fix You" and "Angel" played as I listened in the room with the technicians and nurses talking to me about his treatment plan, pointing to diagrams and charts I could scarcely understand. It was very emotional for me. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/57b8c4c5ff674a9cefb6c394f64c35ba87f8b7f6/original/img-3729.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/189d71cce7b3fa675329109597797e3eca16c1ce/original/img-3730.jpg" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Nicole's Wedding</strong></p>
<p>Saturday morning I flew back early to Salt Lake to see my step-sister, Nicole, get married to her own sweetheart, Rhett, and attend their reception. We smiled a lot―I love seeing how beautiful they are as a couple. Nicole has always had a tender heart and Rhett seems very thoughtful and steady. We could really feel their love for one another. We celebrated with them at their reception in the evening and sent them off with sparklers!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/232aaaaeca5a57eee6a60498805711b18455da4b/original/img-4177.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>So there you have it. Three weddings and a funeral in our family just in the last 8 weeks. </p>
<p>Amidst the vast amounts of happiness (which we are trying to soak up every moment of), we are still feeling the loss of Dad GrandPre in the same breath, as well as the loss of health for our close family and friends. Life can be so strange sometimes to feel so many opposite emotions at the same time. I am reminded of the quote by Stephen Chbosky,<strong> “I am both happy and sad at the same time, and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be.”</strong> </p>
<p>Every day I come to believe more and more just what a gift it is to be able to feel everything life brings―to take it all in. To feel <em>everything</em>― from the inhale that stings to the exhale that heals. And though it's often a mystery to me, I'm grateful for the ride. </p>April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/54536122018-08-22T11:10:00-06:002022-02-25T23:31:27-07:00Marrying my Best Friend<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/be5e56a3a96eae8f6a1a25e8167432674bbdb443/original/1003-85j5654.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>It's hard to describe my feelings from our wedding day, but joy and peace pretty much sum it up. It was emotional, beautiful, magical, and chock full of wonderful friends and family. From saying "yes" to David at the altar and then celebrating with so many loved ones at the reception and throughout the day - it was unforgettable. Not sure how it's possible, but the day felt sweeter than perfect. I love being married to my best friend, David GrandPre! </p>
<p>Thank you to everyone for your warm wishes - we honestly could not feel luckier and more loved than to have you in our lives!! We are also overwhelmed by the kindness of those who gave with their hearts and hands in helping out with our special day, as well as those who sacrificed to be there (we know some of you traveled far distances to be with us). </p>
<p>The talented Scott Jarvie captured these beautiful moments from our day in the pictures below. We are still gathering pictures from our wonderful photographer friends and look forward to sharing more over time!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/2adf77aacbfdf25f0a53382b4722040d7e1c8623/original/39535952-10156726001006177-2488627381288304640-o.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/2454a5c9fd2c04905121cf9845c78f9cc79c1f8a/original/39606935-10156726015166177-660000387356426240-o.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>2:42April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/51246212018-03-12T16:46:20-06:002021-09-22T14:24:33-06:00Supermarket Flowers<p>Recently, I received a touching message from a man I don't know. He told me that a song Brian Bingham & Anne Stevens recorded with me (<a contents='"Angel"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QafDfJv0aME" target="_blank">"Angel"</a>) moved him and made him think of his mother-in-law who had been killed in a terrorist attack in Tunisia in 2015. My new friend mentioned that the last time a song got him like that was Ed Sheeran's <a contents='"Supermarket Flowers."' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIB8EWqCPrQ" target="_blank">"Supermarket Flowers."</a> I had never heard the song before so I looked it up and I've had it on repeat for the last 30 minutes. If you haven't heard it yet, you need to. For anyone who has ever lost their angel mother (or an angel figure in any way), this is for you today. </p>
<p>It's messages like these that leave me thinking "Thank God for music." In many ways and in so many seasons, different songs are the soundtrack to our lives. In moments of grief and heartache we listen, lean in, and lay down our hearts to move through the process of grief. Or if our hearts feel incapable of moving forward, we listen and listen until our heart is finally ready, like I've experienced so poignantly and beautifully recently. </p>
<p>Today I am thinking of the sweet angel boy my sister Crystal lost to miscarriage 3 years ago today. She never did get to hold him before he could take his first breath. It is still painful for her. So, today this song is for her--and for you. May you feel a little less alone in whatever loss you have experienced--or are experiencing.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="bIB8EWqCPrQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/bIB8EWqCPrQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bIB8EWqCPrQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">p.s. <a contents="You can listen to the song I wrote for the baby my sister lost to miscarriage here: Child of Mine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://aprilmeservy.com/blog/blog/a-lullaby-for-the-baby-my-sister-lost" target="_blank">You can listen to the song I wrote for the baby my sister lost to miscarriage here</a>.</p>April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/50522352018-01-30T13:17:19-07:002021-09-22T14:24:54-06:00THE GOOD-MORROW<p><a contents="" data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/9c31f4add6bc6062b75df84b5c24912d4a424393/medium/april-meservy-thgoodmorrow-3000x3000-1.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></a>The title of my EP,<strong> <em>THE GOOD-MORROW, </em></strong>was inspired by a poem I love, written by the 17th-century poet, John Donne (<a contents='"The Good-Morrow"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Good-Morrow" target="_blank">"The Good-Morrow"</a>), portraying a deep, transcendent, awakening experience with love. The poem speaks to the journey my deepest relationships have taken me on over the last many, many years--as well as the path the current one is taking me on--stretching forward now into a relatively unknown, but hopeful future. The title seemed fitting for this project on several levels. This collection of songs also feel like the next chapter for me, post-<a contents='"With or Without You."' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://aprilmeservy.com/blog/blog/recording-with-or-without-you" target="_blank">"With or Without You."</a> It includes more processing, and--importantly, more hope.</p>
<p><strong>Track 1: </strong> Paul Jacobsen introduced me to Kasey Chamber's song <a contents='"The Quiet Life"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/51Ies056br4" target="_blank"><strong>"The Quiet Life"</strong></a> as we were sorting through ideas for this EP. It was love at first listen. The song was simple, charming - and speaks to every country-side-yearning, nature-loving, romantic bone in my body. Given our highly involved and tech-focused lives, I think all of us at times wish for a little more simplicity. Sometimes I dream of living out in the country with the ones I love (Wallsburg or Midway would be nice) or in some quiet forest (in Utah or Muir Woods). Here's to your own heart's little cabin in the woods... I hope <a contents="this song" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/51Ies056br4" target="_blank">this song</a> helps you feel a little closer to it. </p>
<p><strong>Track 2: </strong>I have often wondered what I might leave in a note to my family should something ever unexpectedly happen to me. Given all the trouble and tragedy we see around us in the news, it's something I think most of us, at one time or another, have thought about. In one simple, eloquent lyric, the Avett Brothers captured my heart's feelings about what I would hope to express, "Always remember there was nothing worth sharing, like the love that let us share our name." </p>
<p>For many years now, a couple of hand-picked compilations of the Avett Brothers' songs (introduced to me by Nate Wray), have accompanied me as I have traveled by car up the Provo Canyon, on train rides between SLC & Reno, sitting in window seats on airplane rides to CA, or simply as my daily soundtrack as I work from my desktop at home. It centers me somehow. I'm sure I've listened to Scott and Seth Avett sing <a contents='"Murder in the City"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/mF_3FcCZm1Y" target="_blank"><strong>"Murder in the City"</strong></a> at least 200 times. It was the first song I knew I wanted to record on THE GOOD-MORROW. I think of my family when I hear it and it reminds me of what is really worth sharing in life - love. </p>
<p><strong>Track 3: </strong>At the time Sarah McLachlan emerged onto the music scene her voice and writing seemed very different than anything I had heard at that point. I particularly loved the production. The clarity and space in her album "Surfacing" drew me in and I would spend hours in my room as a teenager pouring over the lyrics, the liner notes of the CD, and just trying to absorb every bit of her sound. It felt like these ethereal streams of magic dust poured out of my CD player and filled every corner of my room when I listened. <a contents='"Angel"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/1400430/angel" target="_blank">"Angel"</a> was among the group of songs that fed my soul-deep instincts to want to share my voice and stories with others.</p>
<p><strong>Track 4:</strong> Every line of Coldplay's <a contents='"Fix You"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/1400431/fix-you" target="_blank">"Fix You"</a> gives voice to different moments of my journey these last few years. I am grateful to Paul Jacobsen; this is his arrangement and it was at his suggestion that we consider trying it. I feel like it expresses so much of the human struggle; the rough patches we all face in losing sleep over broken dreams, loss, and grief - as well as the glimmer of light at the end of a dark period in our life. "Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones." We all want to help those we care for - and yet also often feel an intrinsic need to receive help at different moments in our own, often complex, journey.</p>
<p>I'm very grateful for Paul Jacobsen's heartfelt collaboration on this, Scott Wiley's guidance as we recorded, and Brian Bingham (The Backyard Revival) and Anne Stevens's beautiful playing. They have all been inspired muses for me in the process of putting together this album. I truly hope you like it!</p>
<p><a contents="You can listen to the whole EP here." data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">You can listen to the whole EP here.</a></p>
<p>#thegoodmorrow #thequietlife #murderinthecity #angel #fixyou</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>4:49April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/49273832017-11-10T09:24:40-07:002021-09-27T05:40:57-06:00My Sister, November<p><br><span class="font_small"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/a0afec2a5060fd9662c5956975191b6ceeb9dace/large/fall-girl.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span><span class="font_regular"><em style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">I was recently reminded of this poem I wrote a few seasons ago. May your November be blustery and beautiful.</span></em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font_small">My sister, November, came rushing in this morning. </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_small">I could hear her shaking the trees outside my window </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">As I half-slumbered and mused at her urgency. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">She is lovely. But not still, like Summer with her steady song and dance. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_small">October took her lazy time </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">Enchanting us with her colorful, vibrant dance, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">But not to be outdone by our sister, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">November excitedly strips all the color and charms </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">From the trees down below my window near the picnic bench. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">She is bewitching. And powerful. Anxious to move time and season forward. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_small">Dad says Summer has been traveling to a far distant location, visiting family I think. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">It was pleasant visiting with her for a while - her serenity and calm spirit soothe me. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">She is warm and steadying and thoughtful. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">I am also grateful for October’s friendship, though she never stays long enough. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">I learn much from her spirit, her wild creativity. Her artistry. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">She encourages me to paint. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_small">November is at the door pounding now, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">So I’d better stop writing and go properly invite her in. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">I can hear the delight in her voice, building until it squeals through </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">The cracks of my door in feverish, splendid howls. She is ever-expressive. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_small">My sisters are all so much like Father. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">And my Mother. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_small">Dad says we are each made up of different beautiful pieces of both him and my mom. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">I believe that. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">But Dad says that we girls get our looks from Mom for sure. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">I like how he always says that with a sparkle in his eye as he glances at Mom. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">I can tell He really loves Her. And us kids. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_small">Dad calls to me from upstairs, reminding me to go open the door for November… </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">That she’s waiting </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">And she has a gift for me.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/49042662017-10-24T08:52:35-06:002022-02-07T04:59:16-07:00Celebrating Home<p><a contents="" data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/ad5b5f093f14b3225c36c539654bc943100215b6/medium/home-means-nevada-sunset.jpg?1508853679" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></a></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Home. It means and feels like different things to different people. </span></p>
<p>I have lived in Utah for many years now. The looming mountains, canyon trails, and colorful seasons have captured my heart. It’s fascinating to me how we can love multiple places just as fiercely for different reasons.</p>
<p>I was born and raised in Nevada, my mother was born and raised in Nevada, my father lived in Nevada, and my Cowley grandparents (who used to own the Morris Hotel in downtown Reno) lived in Nevada for most of their lives - it is a part of my heritage that I deeply cherish. I love its people and I will always love the sage, the wind, and the sunsets from my youth. I think its desert charm will captivate me ‘till the day I die. </p>
<p>Last year I felt a strong desire to record several versions of the state song I grew up singing as a child. I decided to do a 3-song EP (releasing one per year) in an effort to sonically capture different musical snapshots of what Nevada feels like, sounds like, and represents to me. Last year I released the first, and this is the 2nd of the 3-song EP in honor of my native state. </p>
<p>So, consider this a tribute to Nevada; and here’s to whatever state you call home! No matter where you live - may this remind you of the things you love there. I’d love to hear your favorite memories of places that kindle nostalgia or make you feel at home. Let’s celebrate home together!</p>
<p><a contents="The recording is free to download here" data-link-label="Home" data-link-type="page" href="/home" target="_blank"><strong>The recording is free to download here</strong></a> on my site. Enjoy!</p>
<p>#homemeansnevada #loveyourstate #celebrateyourhome</p>3:07April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/48377992017-09-05T10:05:56-06:002023-03-02T22:33:17-07:00Resilient, but fragile<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/95d34b44b22c55e013e68c3276ac3f08701318ab/medium/img-7146.jpg?1504627494" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>How very small and fragile this world seems to me right now. Resilient, but fragile. </p>
<p>Most of us have been impacted by the hurricanes, flooding and fires lately so I'm guessing you know someone or may have family affected by it. My heart goes out to you and your loved ones. </p>
<p>Right now I'm incredibly concerned for my Uncle Jarle and his spouse who live on St. Thomas Island. Irma is now a category 5 hurricane with winds of 175mph. They can't evacuate. Not only is it unlikely his house will be left standing after this, but he will most likely be asked by the hospital there to help with the physical/mental/emotional aftermath of this disaster - if it's even left standing. His entire professional life has been spent helping people work through and recover from trauma. I can't even imagine the disaster and heartache this hurricane will cause for everyone in its path (including for him) and the lives that may be lost. Seems unreal. </p>
<p>On Monday, my brother Matthew and his wife (with several kids, and a brand new 1-wk old baby) were finally able to return to Lake Jackson, TX since they had evacuated due to Hurricane Harvey. They were very fortunate not to have had damage, but many neighbors and friends right near their home had incredible damage so they will be hosting some of the displaced families and helping out in their little community. I am touched with the way the people of Texas are coming together to help one another (as well as outside help). In addition, my brother Michael and his little family are supposed to be in Florida right when Irma touches down there. Sheesh. </p>
<p>Any and all prayers are welcome for everyone in St. Irma's path as well as the rebuilding efforts in Texas and elsewhere.</p>
<p>Though I often feel helpless in situations like these, I truly believe we can all make a difference. Whether it be physically helping rebuild a damaged community, crying with a friend who suffers a loss, or simply sending a thought or prayer. We really are all in this together.</p>
<p>#prayersforstthomas <br>#prayersforf lorida <br>#prayersfortexas <br>#fragileworld <br>#inthistogether</p>April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/48087232017-08-07T09:00:00-06:002021-09-22T14:27:11-06:00Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.<p>"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness." </p>
<p>Many of you are familiar with Brené Brown's work (or at least her Ted talk on vulnerability). Downright powerful and relevant stuff. For the last two years, I've been listening to many of her books on Audible (even multiple times). Listening to her research & writing continues to challenge and inspire me in some beautiful, hard, and liberating ways. In my daily efforts to better understand my own hopes, fears, and actions, her books have been important guides for me in my personal life and music career. If you have read any of Brené Brown's books, what are some of the thoughts that have really stuck with you after reading or hearing them?</p>April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/49281112017-07-06T17:30:00-06:002021-09-22T14:28:05-06:00A lullaby for the baby my sister lost.<h2>
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/56411/9277358f1479ae19e64b034baa964d16c3e7c4c2/medium/2017-11-10-17-25-20.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Child of Mine</h2>
<p>My sister, Crystal, asked that I share this song I wrote for her with others who may have experienced a similar loss like miscarriage or stillbirth. Sending prayers and love to your broken heart.</p>
<p><a contents="Listen to the song here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/april-meservy/child-of-mine-a-lullaby" target="_blank">Listen to the song here.</a></p>
<p>(recorded on my iPhone, please forgive the audio quality)</p>3:39April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/48087222017-06-26T16:35:00-06:002021-09-22T14:28:46-06:00Beautiful people do not just happen.<p>“Beautiful people do not just happen.” </p>
<p>A lot is written about the subject of beauty, and for what it’s worth, I’m going to add my two-cents to the conversation, since as a woman (and I’ll add that as a human being), it’s a topic that affects me as well. We each receive so many varied messages about what beauty is and the importance of it. My own concept of beauty has changed over time. I’ll share just a small part of my perspective, but I’d also like to know - what are your own thoughts on beauty? </p>
<p>I know that as a woman, I want to be seen as beautiful, valuable, and irreplaceable to someone. I think this deep desire is a really good thing–I believe it’s a God-given yearning. But I also feel strongly that beauty is not simply a physical thing–it’s a much greater and more expansive thing–it’s far more than physical. Beauty involves keeping our hearts and spirits alive, even when it hurts to move through grief and pain. I believe beauty is an ongoing process every day and every year of our life. </p>
<p>This quote sums up how I feel about authentic and lasting beauty. I know so many, including my mom, sisters, and other friends (male and female), who fit this description and who inspire me: </p>
<p>“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” (Elizabeth Kubler Ros) </p>
<p>I believe to my core that WE ALL have beauty to unveil. May we find ourselves becoming ever more “beautiful” in the most expansive and life-giving sense. And may we actively fight to keep our hearts alive so that we may live and love more fully. More beautifully.</p>April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/46202522017-03-07T12:18:52-07:002021-06-01T14:19:36-06:00Drifting<p><span class="font_small"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="sQ-v4GtPD2c" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/sQ-v4GtPD2c/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sQ-v4GtPD2c?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It’s crazy to me how easy it is to find ourselves drifting into situations that seem appealing, only to later find out (sometimes after a lot of misery), that the appearance was misleading. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The song Drifting is about anything that takes us away from what we ultimately really want. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, pornography, or even a philosophy or idea that hurts us – it offers a false promise – often a hope of making everything “alright." The word duplicitous comes to mind. :/ At some point we discover that whatever it was that set us adrift can never fix the core issue, or really anything, long-term. But it's never too late to make a shift and change for the better. Even if it means trying again and again. <br><br>Drifting (a.k.a. It’s Alright) was written by my talented friend, Scott Reinwand. I was honored to do the vocals. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">fyi: If you'd like a copy, <a contents="Drifting is on iTunes (featured as "It's Alright," on Hipster: Indie Vocal compilation, Track 7)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hipster-indie-vocal/id1008530084" target="_blank">Drifting is on iTunes (featured as "It's Alright," on Hipster: Indie Vocal compilation, Track 7)</a><br><br>(lyrics)</p>
<p>Are you drifting out to sea? <br>Have you gone too far? <br>Is this some forbidden tree <br>You swing in after dark? </p>
<p>Did they fill your head up at the door? <br>Does the hunger burn if you ask for more? <br>Well it’s alright, yeah it’s alright <br>And they made you king, but this ain’t your crown <br>If we all stand up, they can’t knock us down <br>‘Cause it’s alright, yeah it’s alright </p>
<p>How does it make it easier for you <br>To poison your own hand<br>While counting all the reasons why <br>I think you should understand </p>
<p>Did they fill your head up at the door? <br>Does the hunger burn if you ask for more? <br>Well it’s alright, yeah it’s alright <br>And they made you king, but this ain’t your crown <br>If we all stand up, they can’t knock us down <br>‘Cause it’s alright, yeah it’s alright </p>
<p>Falling up <br>We can’t show all we know </p>
<p>Did they fill your head up at the door? <br>Does the hunger burn if you ask for more? <br>Well it’s alright, yeah it’s alright <br>And they made you king, but this ain’t your crown <br>If we all stand up, they can’t knock us down <br>‘Cause it’s alright, yeah it’s alright </p>
<p>Repeat Chorus</p>April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/45547002017-01-18T11:51:19-07:002021-12-02T08:08:13-07:00Recording With or Without You<p><span class="font_small"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ql3bI39ue9Y" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ql3bI39ue9Y/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ql3bI39ue9Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span><span class="font_regular">I had never planned to record With or Without You. <br> <br>In fact, I planned not to. A few years ago, I planned on recording a very different song I wrote that quotes part of U2’s famous song, but had a very different message (I may still yet record it). </span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="font_regular">I was always deeply moved by the song’s epic and distinctive beauty. But the paradox of the words had always troubled me. How Bono could feel so internally torn, I didn't fully understand. But I still listened and sang at the top of my lungs in my car, because it was beautiful. And then one day the words became real to me. <br> <br>It’s odd to me how one simple question can feel insignificant one day, yet can trigger a thousand floods of emotion the next. I broke down into tears one morning when my recording engineer just asked me how I was. My engineer was also a long-time friend, so I shared with him the news that a serious relationship I was in had just ended. A songwriter I was producing vocals for was running late for the session, so we had some time to unpack a bit of my story. I tend to be somewhat private about my dating life when it comes to social media, but we had had some of these dating conversations in the past, and I expressed how deeply significant and meaningful this relationship had been to me and how letting go of it was honestly the hardest decision I had ever made. <br> <br>Waves of grief kept knocking me over. I told him how even though the relationship had ended a couple times before, my heart truly struggled with what felt like an impossible decision. I had invested significant time, even years, along with my entire heart, in this relationship, and I was buried in an ocean of sadness over it. That morning, in my friend’s small home studio, it was hard to keep my emotions in check. My heart felt achy and raw. I found myself saying, "Its' just so hard. I don't want to let him go, but I know I need to. It feels like I can't live with or without him." <br> <br>My friend gave me an odd look, went to his keyboard and began to play the familiar chords to the U2 song. He motioned for me to head to a makeshift-ISO-vocal-booth and sing. Oh no, I thought. I did not feel like singing that morning, and I walked to the booth feeling some weird mix of numbness and searing-hot heart pain. The kind that chocolate and Netflix can’t even begin to fix. I sang anyway. <br> <br>Singing those lyrics hit my soul like someone had ripped my heart wide open to expose my rawest and deepest, fleshiest, most tender feelings. Although I had loved the song, I had never identified with its words like that before. Suddenly, the lyrics became personal. Bono’s song became sacred ground for me that morning. I sang it from a different place, present to all the loss and pain and bittersweet feelings of a relationship I had wanted so much to work, but didn’t. <br> <br>In that moment, Aaron, my engineer, shared not only in my pain, but also added his voice to mine. His is the other voice you hear on the track. <br> <br>Though the healing journey would be far from complete for a long time, I began the sticky process of tending to my heart and picking up the pieces to begin my journey forward. Sometimes the heart can take a long while to recover from an ending. Especially when a relationship holds so much potential and the “without you” part feels incredibly difficult and unclear. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="font_regular">But one thing I am discovering is that we <em>can</em> move forward. However, first we need to stop and grieve. And just feel. And sometimes we need to sing in the moment it hurts the most, as raw and shaky as our voices may be. And sometimes we need to cry our eyes out all night and use every tissue in the Kleenex box. And pray. And talk to friends. And listen to sad songs. And sometimes we need to repeat the process again and again. And again. <br> <br>After I recorded With or Without You, I never planned to release it. I figured it was just kind of for my own processing. But recently, in my own efforts to be courageous and vulnerable, I decided I wanted to. <br> <br>And so I offer it to you. May it help you feel... and, if needed, even grieve. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="font_regular">I wish you real healing and love. From my broken—and still healing heart—to yours.</span></p>April Meservytag:aprilmeservy.com,2005:Post/46033072016-09-15T07:45:00-06:002021-09-22T14:29:11-06:00Home Means Nevada<p style="text-align: justify;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="X9VBPaCQQd4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/X9VBPaCQQd4/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X9VBPaCQQd4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Around this time of last year I was looking online for our state song...I had been raised singing it (like all Nevadans) and wanted to hear some recordings and find out who wrote it. I was disappointed that I could find only a couple female vocal recordings of it out there, but in the process I discovered this gem of a story on how it came to be our state song. I reckon'd maybe it was time for another female recording of it. ;) </p>
<p>Growing up in Nevada was a magical experience for me. As a child, I loved its rugged desert landscape peppered with pine trees, golden sunlight bathing the earth and mountains at dawn, the lullaby of a coyote's howl at night outside my window, the smell of wet sage after rain, the power and beauty of the Truckee River, and the strong cool evening winds that became a game to lean into as a child. I was charmed by sunsets so epic they lit up and saturated the open sky with colors so fierce I could've sworn the sky was on fire. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The story behind how 'Home Means Nevada' came to be written is a charming one, so I'll share it with you for a bit of Nevada 101. In August of 1932, Bertha Raffetto stayed up late into the night writing the majority of this song (until 4am to be exact). She had accidentally marked her calendar wrong and discovered that the event she had been invited to sing a song about Nevada for – the annual picnic for the 'Nevada Native Daughters' held at Bower's Mansion – was the very next day. Months prior, she had determined to write a new song because she couldn't find a song that quite expressed her feelings about her home state. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With little sleep, the next day she sang her new song from the balcony of the Bowers Mansion. Governor Morley Griswold and former Governor Roswell K. Colcord, who were both attending, liked the song so much that Bertha recalled, "Former Governor Roswell propped his gold-headed ebony cane against the old square piano, removed his high topper from his leonine-head, and looking every inch the statesman, said to me, 'Honey, that's the prettiest Nevada song that I have ever heard. It should be made the State Song of Nevada!' And that's exactly what it became.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I hope you enjoy my personal take on this song I grew up singing as a child: <a contents="Home Means Nevada" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/432382/home-means-nevada-sage-mix" target="_blank">Home Means Nevada</a><br>(And for my fellow Nevadans: I'm pretty sure you know the chorus by heart. Feel free to sing along).</p>3:12April Meservy