Umbrella Show Photos
July 8, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

On May 16th, 2014 I had the honor of performing "The Wake" for a special art show in Atlanta. Matt Armstrong (a local artist) has created a series of works which he calls "Umbrella" that shines a light on the issue of human trafficking. I am very excited to share a few photos from that night, taken by photographer BobbiJo Brooks.

Competitions & Motivation
June 10, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

A big part of me is anti-competitions when it comes to creative works. The idea of putting art up against art to determine a "winner" seems absolutely asinine. I hate it.

At the same time I think there is a place for these competitions.

I recently participated in a single-elimination songwriter competition and it was an absolute blast! The competition part of it was fine, but the fun part was meeting other musicians from across the U.S. perform their original songs, and making new friends. The pros certainly outweighed the cons.

And one thing more. I found myself more motivated to get back out there and perform. Being an independent artist can get lonely. And if you don't participate in competitions, or open mics, or tours, or ANYTHING with other human beings, you will burn out. By spending time in a community of like-minded people, you fuel your passion and drive to keep doing what you do.

This is not an introvert vs. extrovert thing either. I am Captain Introvert. I am energized by my alone time. I like my space. Yet, I still need people. I need my support system. I believe we were designed to operate in community.

The best part about this competition that I was in is that I went into it not focused on the competition, but on networking and making friends (and reconnecting with old friends). That made all the difference. When it is only about competing and winning is when it becomes pointless. Because if you win and you have no one to share in your victory, you're not really better off. And if (when) you lose and you have no one there to build you back up, that really sucks. We weren't made to do this thing alone.

So, I'm going to keep participating in stuff like this, because I always see a spike in my motivation, inspiration, and creativity. And I always learn a lot.

What Kind of Story Am I?
May 28, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

It is interesting to me how songs can evolve over time. Not just as I am writing them, but even years after writing, recording, and releasing them. They seem to take on new layers of meaning for me as time goes by. There are a few songs of mine that have taken on different meanings over the years. Sometimes, when performing an "older" original song, I think back to the time when I wrote the song and I can see a drastic difference in who I was before versus who I am today.

"Blank Page" is an older song (from the "Crash" EP) that talks about Truth. And while I have firm convictions about the Truth, I still have my moments of doubt, confusion, and questioning. This song talks about that.

I can look back on my 30 years on this earth and see the seasons of emptiness or trial or challenge and it actually gives me confidence. Because once you've made it to the other side of a rough patch your perspective changes.  It isn't easy, but now when I face life's tough circumstances, I can have hope and peace because I can see how God has been faithful to me.

I suppose that is the biggest difference I can see in my life. That life is just better when I take my focus off of myself and my problems and my desires, and walk with arms and heart wide open.

So, I might still have some questions. Some doubts. Confusion. And it is all valid. But, taking the focus off of my problems and looking to God for comfort and steadfastness has made an incredible difference in the way I live my life.

I am more at peace. I have a lasting and deep joy. I am learning what it means to really love. It is a process. And finding enjoyment in the journey is a million times better than chasing moments of passing happiness.

I still haven't got it all figured out. But I am becoming more ok with that.

What kind of story am I? I'm not completely sure. But, I am putting some things together. With the guidance of trusted friends and a loving God who is infinitely patient I am learning what it is I am supposed to do with this blank page sitting in front of me.



FREE Download of this performance: www.kurtscobie.com/free-download

"Hello! My name is ______" name tags used for those awkward networking events. Not that I ever went to awkward networking events when I was a kid. But, you know what I mean. I LOVE stickers. I love them so much, I ordered a thousand of them!

Farewell, Hair!
February 4, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

Before

After

So, uhh... I kinda got a little haircut.

My wife and I have been growing out our hair for the past two years so that we could donate it. We wanted to do something unique to honor our daughter, Bella, who was born still on September 8, 2011. So, we thought we would donate our hair in her memory.

Well, the time has come. I had about 10 inches of my lovely locks chopped off and we're sending it to Pantene's "Beautiful Lengths" program, which provides free wigs for women with cancer.

I'm definitely enjoying having short hair again. Low maintenance! And I think my wife, my mother, and my mother-in-law are all happy with this change, too. ;) But, the long hair was fun while it lasted.

"One Word for 2014: Serve"
January 21, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

On January 1st of last year I shared that my "One Resolution for 2013" was, simply, "DO!" I was introduced to this concept of boiling your goals down to a single word that you can focus on for an entire year. It certainly helped me focus on the things I wanted to accomplish. So, I am at it again this year.

My one word?

Serve!

I wanted to keep the momentum from 2013 going, but this time I wanted to focus on ways I can "do" for others. I have been incredibly blessed lately. So many people have poured themselves into my career and family and my personal life, I want to "give back" this year and learn to to be a more generous and giving person.

When I think about the people I look up to and consider wise and successful, they are always serving. They are generous. They give, and love to give. I want to be like that.

So, here's to 2014! Time to serve.

Cheers!
-Kurt

"The Wake" LIVE at the EOP Songwriter Shootout
January 14, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

Back in November of 2013 I had the honor and privilege of participating in the Eddie Owen Presents Songwriter Shootout #3 at Red Clay Theatre. Eddie Owen (founder of the legendary Eddie's Attic) has become a friend of mine over the last few years and he is doing something very special in the northeast Atlanta (Gwinnett) area. The Red Clay Theatre in Duluth, GA has welcomed many nationally touring singer songwriters to their beautiful stage since Eddie took over. And, just as he was the driving force behind the songwriter's open mic at the Attic, he has brought his passion for the song to Red Clay.

Many people have rallied behind Eddie and his vision, including the folks at the Open Mic Project (www.omplive.com). So, on the night of the shootout, they were there shooting video of each of us performers, 25 in all, so that we could share our performances with you.

So, here it is! Check out my performance of "The Wake" and feel free to leave a comment below. I think Open Mic Project did a great job with these videos, so I hope you'll check out some more of the performances by the other artists who shared their songs that night. Thanks for watching!

Cheers!
Kurt



Kurt Scobie from OMPlive on Vimeo.

A Southern Christmas @ Red Clay Theatre
December 10, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

"Christmas is coming
The goose is getting fat
Please do put a penny in the old man's hat"

That is a song my mother used to sing to me and my siblings each year at Christmas. To this day I have no idea what it means or why she sang it to me, but I thought I'd share it with you anyway. :)

I hope you are enjoying time with family this holiday season and are celebrating with your own family traditions. The older I get, the more I value traditions and recognize their power of creating memorable moments.

Speaking of memorable moments...

My Christmas show is coming up and this is a tradition I plan on continuing for years to come. If you are in the Atlanta area on Saturday, December 14th, I hope you will join me and my friends at Red Clay Theatre (Duluth, GA). Jennifer Daniels, Mike Kinnebrew, Stephanie Staples and I will be sharing a mix of original and Christmas tunes on my favorite stage in the southeast. We are very excited for this show!

Check out this cool promo video from Jennifer Daniels team.



TICKETS are available athttp://bit.ly/1bE6BGr

RSVP via FACEBOOK athttp://on.fb.me/1bJd039

Whether you can make the show or not, I hope you have a very merry Christmas!

Cheers!
-Kurt