You know, I like to simply think of myself as a woman.  Am I proud to be a black female?  Sure, as proud as anyone can be about something they had no control over.  I think self esteem and pride in origin, history and background are all very  important.  Yet, I find it very interesting that the very people who say that there is no such thing as hyphenated Americans seem very driven to label me as a "black " rocker or a "female rocker."  Can't I simply be an  individual who performs rock music—does the fact that I have boobs and brown skin automatically separate me from the boyz?

I mean, I am an indie artist who happens to love rock music.  I take great pride in being among the independent artists out there who do what they do, not to get famous, but because music is a part of them and that getting it out is better than holding it in.

I also love being an American, a mutt mixture of all that is holy and blessed about being from the  good ole US of A.  Every time someone tries to place a label on me, I feel as if I am an out cast—as I f I have no part of this heritage.  It’s almost like the slave mothers and fathers who died so I could just be a woman and not a colored woman alone, did so in vain.

I am black.   I am woman.  I am American.  And I am a rocker.

In the world of chick rockers, record labels and indie music,   they should always be one in the same.

So, anyone who  knows   me knows how much I love  the Finnish band HIM, and not just because of Ville Valo’s smoldering hotness.  I adored the band the first second I heard WINGS OF THE BUTTERFLY on radio, back in the day when 99X played rock music.

I didn’t even know what dude looked like, but My hubby and I both fell in love and years later we are still rocking to these relatively new artists to America.

Somewhat underground, I still have people asking me “Who?” when I mention the band HIM.  The fact that such a kick arse band like HIM could remain relatively anonymous while crappy bands like My Chemical Romance walk around pretending to be musicians and are adored is beyond me.

More dismaying to me now however, is the recent fact that Ville isn’t looking like his jovial, open  self.  Even a good friend of mine noticed he looks as if he is close to tears in every interview.  He has had it rough, what with a friends  recent suicide and a hectic tour schedule wearing him down.

I just hope he isn’t about to throw in the towel—I feel he is closer than ever to  obtaining the goals he has always desired, namely, to win American hearts—he just has to keep the faith..

I mean, as an independent artist who is struggling to get recognition, I live vicariously through HIM—All I can say is, Ville, new artists like me need you—please stick around for a bit and don’t give up!

Well, since I am newly emancipated artist, I have to do everything myself.  This means I wear many hats.  I am my own record label, executive producer, organizer, marketer and promoter.

I am an indie artist who is as independent as it gets.

I was thinking about that the other day and realized that even if I never sell a download I would be happy.  This isn’t to say that I don’t want to sell music downloads—there is nothing more wonderful than to have people respond positively to your work.  Besides, support helps you to continue on in the business, especially if you start thriving in the independent music world.

No, what I mean is, I love the creation aspect — having people like my stuff enough to buy it is a bonus.  

The bummer however, is that things have been delayed a bit, I wanted a summer release, but it looks more like a fall one.  Well, sometimes that the way the cookie crumbles, especially when you are financing your own music projects (most of the hold ups are money related—others are scheduling—there are certain musicians I just have to have on this EP!

But I promise all who listen to my new music, that it will be honest—even if you don’t like my style, you won’t be able to say it isn’t real.

I will probably start a hot debate over this, but some groups of  new music fans tend to have a very nasty attitude.   For example, I have heard many people complain that Linkin Park and My Chemical Romance fans are known to be extremely rude.  This is another things that I think HIM has over a lot or rock music bands.

Maybe it is the message in HIM’s music, but Ville and gang tend to lure more intelligent, open and caring individuals.  Like the Grateful Dead, there is a sense of community.  EveryHIM fan I have met online has been incredible—I almost feel sense of kinship.  They also tend to be more open to new music as well as independent musicand independent musicians.

HIM has always shown a great deal of respect for their fans, offering free music downloads,  samples, and even chances to obtain merchandise. They also  have  music contests where fans can be showcased and given a chance to shine.

This wonderful and refreshing attitude is why I can’t wait to get to a HIM concert – to be among people who not only want more from rock music, but who also enjoy actually trying to connect on a genuine level with fellow homo sapiens.

I, like many independent artists,  have a love/hate relationship with MySpace. 

The one thing I hate most  is the inability to change your MySpace page name once you’ve chosen it.  I am sure they have their reasons for the rule, but the unfortunate thing is life is not static.  Sure, I could open a new account when I change my musical name, however, I lose years of connections, friends, free downloads and networking.

This is the main reason why I have a Rae Rae ending on my MySpace page.

After years of offering free downloading and building a bit of an internet presence, I would have to give it all up to create a new MySpace page.

I weighed  the option heavily and decided not to give up my Rae Rae page even though my indie artist identity is now LUV.

Besides, Rae’ ven Rae is a part of me—the name is my heritage, and I shouldn’t so easily give it up.

So, I guess it’s not really so bad.  As indie artist LUV takes up Rae Rae’s mantle and marches on, she is evolving.  Who knows what new music an ideals and incarnations she will create.

Anywaz, if you are so inclined, feel free to visit  myMySpace page and friend me and check out my free downloads!

You can also visit my Him Myspace Tribute Page as well!

Thank you!

LUV

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L.U.V IS THE CURE…

L.U.V has always believed that music is a universal language and thinks that people from different backgrounds can be united by music's commonality.

A melody has no color and a song knows no nationality, race, orientation or religious structure—-