Recording the Tonalita Album

G'day everyone!

Goodness me, i feel like i've been reborn. I'd love to say I'm starting a new chapter but really, the saga continues. Having stepped out of the studio 2 days ago, I'm still feeling mentally, physically and psychologically exhausted. 

The last 2 weeks was spent between my home studio, REC Studios (the old 301, now owned by Savage Garden), in my car and my bed. All i remember doing was looking at computer screens to finalise scores for  my 9 piece orchestra, practising piano, scoffing down the odd piece of gluten-free bread or hot chips ... or if I was lucky enough, whisked away by a friend here and there for a meal forced upon me (gladly so though, otherwise i would not eat because I was so immersed in the process of finalising tracks and for many days the diet would consist of only tea, coffee, lollies and the odd muesli bar). Quick massages also made a sporadic appearance to de-stress and take away a throbbing migraine with thanks to my barista/dear friends (who knew some of these friends had such hidden talents haha).

4 days in at REC studios, 10 tracks + one bonus track, 16 people involved. 

Thank you to Victor Caringal Photography for capturing these behind-the-scenes moments (these ones are from Day 2 with more to come):

I cannot wait to get back into the cutting room to mix and master. The CD launch concert is locked in for Sunday December 2 2012 @ The Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House so please do keep that day free.

You're all in for a show and i cannot WAIT to get more details out to you all.

with much excitement, love, blood, sweat and tears,

VANANH :)

And for what's now:
Fav food: longans.

Reading: no novel at the moment but eventually, i'm sure i'll have to read 50 Shades Of Grey.

Wishlist: anything Patricia Changy right now! her robot collection is SOOOO fricken cute!

Current city: Sydney

 

Listening to: old school RnB.

Fav clothing item: All Saints dress.

Next destination: Beijing

 

Missing: my girlfriends.

Recycled Fashion

Good morning!

Are You OK? Yes, it's National ARE U OK DAY! And to be honest, yesterday, i wasn't. Nothing seemed to be going right. In essence, the ARE U OK day is on a much more serious note and please get out there and ask someone you know, or even a stranger, ARE U OK? because, it's really ok not to be. 

I had a real downer of a day. I can't say it was writer's block but the sound i wanted for a particular song i was cleaning up wasn't quite right. I was struggling as my parents had just left for a one month holiday in Asia, my sister just left for a 9 month contract to teach English in the South of France via Rome (envy much?!) and I was suffering from the travel bug (not long now til Beijing and Tokyo but still!). Not just that alone, it was 28 degrees outside and I was in my studio crunching away at finding the right sounds. So, i decided a change of clothes would change my mood. And not by going shopping (which is the usual quick fix, i mean, they DO call it retail therapy right?). I've banned myself from shopping until after the CD launch concert is over. Insert RECYCLED FASHION.

Clothing is totally a reflection of you. How you feel. It can totally be a pick-me-up as well! Threw on a complete outfit change with not a spot of black and it totally changed my mindset and I was ready to go again (not to mention a snip by my amazing hairstylist Sandy Farac!).

Today, I woke up refreshed and decided on the same thing. It's Spring. Bright colours. The key rule: rummage through the wardrobe and pick something you haven't worn for ages and mix and match. There's no real reason to be 'on trend'. Just wear what makes you happy and what reflects YOU. On a side note, i found many pieces that I had totally forgotten about (and realising i don't fit other pieces because i'd put on weight = WINNING!) :) It's like shopping all over again, just in your own wardrobe :D

So, my outfit today consisted of:

Zara silk shirt, Maurie & Eve Blazer, Vintage knot necklace

The entire outfit with Maurie & Eve boyfriends blazer, Voila Watch, Zara silk shirt, vintage knot knecklace, Leonardo Salinas tailored pencil pants, Peep Toe Shoes heels, Gucci sunglasses, BLVD Collective silver handbag.

The amazing Voila 'V' Watch 

Today's look. 

Barbie-doll corporate chic.

And none of it was bought recently!

And for what's right now:

Fav food: pineapples and strawberries.

Reading: The 4 Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss (for the 2nd time)

Wishlist: oh there is SOO much! the Karla Spectic jumpsuit first and foremost, followed by Zimmermann Clique Twist Playsuit and a Unicorn onesie from animalsuit.com.au :D 

Current city: Sydney

Listening to: Hot Chip - How Do You Do (Todd Terje remix) (thanks to DJ Matt Cahill for the link! UNREAL!)

Fav clothing item: Jonak Ballet flats whilst writing music. mmmm soft leather.

Next destination: Beijing

Missing: shopping.

Happy ARE YOU OK DAY everyone :)
Love and grace,
Van-Anh

xxx

August in Adelaide

This post is much overdue but better late than never.

For some, Adelaide is a sleepy town.. the city of churches they say. It is also named the Festival State. Churches they do have a-many. I did not have a chance to check out any of the festivals/gigs however was down for a whirlwind trip to be part of a fashion show as well as visit Penfolds and wander good old Rundle St.

The Lyric Theatre show, Sydney (in the same dressing room that Stevie Wonder & Elton John was in!!!)

the night before we head to Adelaide ... late night snacking :)

right down the middle of Rundle Mall

street art off Rundle :)

don't mind if i do :)

sunset from Penfolds winery

being silly with the lovely Miss Shirley backstage :)

running into Kamahl at Sydney Airport on our way to Adelaide

It was a tiring but fabulous weekend.
And for RIGHT NOW:
Fav food: thai papaya salad and hazelnut gelato from Green Peppercorn (salivating as i write this)

Reading: Korg Triton Le Workstation Manual (so many buttons to press!!)

Wishlist: Aurelia Costarella gowns and anything form the Nicholas collection.

Current city: Sydney

Listening to: Frank Ocean ~ Thinking About You (can't get enough of this song)

Fav clothing item: Alexander Wang pants... sooo comfy!

Next destination: Melbourne

Missing: long chats with old friends.

Adios my friends xx til next time,

love and grace,

VANANH :-)