Ana Silvera

Dearest friends,

It's been a long time coming but finally...my debut album "The Aviary" is being released today on KMC Recordings! You can purchase a digital or physical copy of the album on Bandcamp or other outlets such as itunes, Amazon and such. 
The Aviary has been getting some lovely reviews and I am very excited to release my little song ducklings into the big wide lakey world. 

In the words of Paul and John...Help!

Just one tiny thing all added up could really help The Aviary fly (ahem!).
Being as we are a very busy people, I've compiled a little list of things you could do depending on your time (Virgos love lists, apparently) and for which I shall be forever grateful. 

"I have 5 seconds to spare" 

Tweet (bird puns galore) sweet nothings about the album using hash tag #theaviary
Post the bandcamp link on your facebook status 
Tart around the free download link for Rainbows
Give a thumbs up or comment on my facebook artist's page

"I have 2 minutes free whilst I eat my jammy dodger"

Listen to the tracks on Youtube (they're all there!)and comment or post links to your fb/twitter
Write a review of the album on Amazon 
Send an email to 3 people that you think might like the album

"I truly have all the time in the world"

Get the artwork for "The Aviary" tattoed on your body in its' entirety 
Stunt abseil from the House of Commons/other important local landmark dressed as a bird and squwaking loudly. When gathered press ask why...well, you know the rest!

THANK YOU MILLIONS IN ADVANCE.

We're having a free in-house launch to thank you for all your support over the years this Wednesday at my label HQ: Karamel Music Club, Chocolate Factory 2, Coburg Road, London N22 6UJ. I'll be on at 9pm. 

With all love,
Ana. 

Ana Silvera @ The Junction, Cambridge 02.02.12

Ana Silvera is a poet who wraps her words in a style of music that is as personalised as the stories she tells. Her songs reflect episodes in her life, influences and characters, full of historical imagery and dramatic fantasy.

2. The Instructive Story of Fred and his Kazoo.
Surround yourself not just with people who believe in you individually, but who also have a positive take on life generally. For there will always be people out there who will take any opportunity (“for your own good”) to let you know that its nigh on impossible to be a successful artist because:

i) the arts industry is screwed

ii) the global economy is fucked

iii) people don't buy records/books/paintings anymore

iv) funding is non-existent.

“Look at my friend, Fred”, they intone, “so bloody talented, does an amazing version of Smooth Operator on the kazoo, and he's never made it”. Here are the questions you should be internally asking yourself : One - what is Fred's mental attitude to life? Does he, for instance, share the same, self-defeating beliefs of his friend? Two - What does “making it“ mean to Fred? It's good to know what this amorphous phrase actually means to you personally. Three - And most importantly what do you think the underlying motive is in imparting this story? Answer: It's 99% likely that this person did not have their own artistic passions strongly encouraged or supported and were told to be sensible and get a proper job and to stop all that nonsense. I can almost guarantee it. That's unfortunate for them, but this mustn't become your problem, nor should you enter into this dialogue.

In short, ensure that you surround yourself with your cheerleaders and supporters, not those who will undermine you due to their own insecurities. Seek these people out when you feel like throwing in the towel. Raise a glass with (and to) these people when you succeed.   

1. “No. No. No. No thanks. N.O”. Don't take it (too) personally. I know that you know this already, because it's the sort of received wisdom that your grandma tells you in between sucking eggs. But I think its fair to say that if you have high expectations of yourself and are ambitious with what you wish to do/create/be, most of you'll hear “No” many more times than “Yes”, especially at the start of a fledgling artistic career.
   
   By the way, as much as the media enjoys the 'JK Rowling's book got turned down 20 squillidillion times before it was published' , it enjoys so very much more the tale of Overnight Success. “Last month, Bob was living in a bungalow in Brent. Since signing a contract with X, he's had ten hit singles, got John Legend on speed dial and employs a minion to peel and de-seed his favourite grape variety”.
   
   I say: be patient, be appreciative of the support that you already have and expect, even welcome, th 'No's'. If you're aiming high, anticipate an – I don't know, 70% rejection rate, and be joyous about the 30% of Yes's. Take the No's graciously. Some people will like, even love what you do, some will blow hot and cold depending on how well you seem to be doing, and others simply won't like it at all. That's fine. Don't start spitting about how you're gonna get your revenge on the HATERZ one day (we all have our moments, even if its an internal conversation).
   
   Each 'No' is a useful challenge to see how committed you really are to what you love. I've had many dark days feeling miserable after certain performances, and that have made me question why I am doing what I do. And the answer always emerges: Because I absolutely love it. Remind yourself why you are doing what you're doing. I have found the more I can diminish the role of my ego, the better. Each time you get up, dust yourself down and keep going, you are re-committing yourself to your art, you are re-stating your love for your muse and she'll repay that loyalty as thousand times over. 

She dreamt of apples and heather 

And the trees seem to dance with an unseen lover

When she walks, on the banks wind-lashed

Rain in the boat lamps, looking for dawn

And cranes making their neat arabesques

And the ashes of park fires that fall on the ledge

Of Pont Mirabeau where she toasts you alone

And sings with the wind that she'll never find home

Oh come near me, cos its been too long a time

Oh come near me 

Sous le Pont Mirabeau coule la Seine

La joie venait toujours après la peine

Sous le Pont Mirabeau coule la Seine

La joie venait toujours après la peine

After the night falls this love will remain 

Season of tumble weed weather

How that evening she woke  to the touch of a lover

Still felt like the ebb of the tides on this river

Pulling her back to those shores

And it wont be redressed but she cannot forget 

How she never did turn, when that moment was set

And how history is filled with these tomes of regret

She was the coward and you went unmet

Oh come near me, cos its been too long a time

Oh come near me 

Sous le Pont Mirabeau coule la Seine

La joie venait toujours après la peine

Sous le Pont Mirabeau coule la Seine

La joie venait toujours après la peine

After the night falls this love will remain