Shasta County Stocking Stuffer

Just in time for the holidays - our new CD - Storms and Other Blessed Burdens -- is available in Redding at Wrap-N-Pack (2205 Hilltop Drive) and on CDBaby.com.

The 10-song collection was inspired by the Shasta County landscape, and it pays tribute to the power of love that sustains and endures on even the darkest of days. That's why we look so serious on the back cover. We often stand in the backyard and stare intently at our UPC barcode:

The album includes an original Christmas tune: Christmas Carol Wishes and a duet of Kris Kristofferson's Casey's Last Ride. If you're looking for a unique Shasta County stocking-stuffer for the country music fans on your list, the CD is only $5 if you buy it at Wrap-N-Pack. And if you'd like it autographed, just shoot me an email and we'll have it ready for you.

erin@stillmarried.net

Free Advice for Musicians

Make money with music? Now there's a novel concept. It's never been our strong suit - much to my husband's chagrin. Desperate times, though, require desperate measures -- so I'm giving myself a crash course in this maddening-but-lovable music business.

CD Baby - a company that does their damnedest to help indie artists suceed - is offering free advice on the subject. They're giving away a download of a handy-dandy guide: "What You're Not Doing is Costing You."

Find it on the CD Baby Website: Here.

Generous Souls

Derek Sivers founded CDBaby, THE spot for indie artists to sell and market their CDs.

His latest projects are all focused on helping independent musicians. He is a very smart man -- with a lot to share. And he is immensely generous with his advice and his ideas. Sivers has a blog, marketing advice, inspiration, coaching and more.

Check out his offerings (most of them free) here: Derek Sivers web site.

Craig and I are recording on Sunday - hoping to have a new song to post on Monday.

For the bluegrass fan on your Christmas list

The perfect gift: Rita Hosking's CD: Silver Stream.

We bought it last night at the show at Bernie's - and what an amazing show it was. Hosking's lyrics are incredibly detailed and visual, her melodies move in familiar yet interesting ways. And her voice - clear, pure and honest -- brings the whole thing together in true folk-singer style.

She tells stories in her songs that speak on so many levels. I judge songwriters on their ability to give me goosebumps - and she delivered.

Surely you know a bluegrass fan who deserves some new music this Christmas. You can listen to the songs, and buy her CDs at Cdbaby. CDbaby makes it easy -- and the artist gets to keep a good chunk of the sales price - so it's a good deal all around. Rita Hosking on Cdbaby.