How far can one go on the "real"?

From the moment I wrote down my first song, the unspoken "deal" I made with myself that is absolutely non-negotiable, is that I be true to who I am as an artist and say what I gotta say because if I don't - the entire thing is pointless. Songs are my therapy sessions and if I become artificially smiley, overly chatty or god forbid schmoozy - that is when I will have shit upon my art. I like my art, it works for me and allows me to put my mouth on....

There was someone on a social network recently who puts together fairly high profile charity events - this person asked this question:

"What do I need to do differently to get y'all to come to these shows, buy these pre-sale tix, etc?" Good question! For whatever reason, I didn't have the option to comment, but if I did, this is what I would have said:

1. Don't get shitty bands/shitty solo acts to play.

2. If your standards are only to get folks that "look" the part - maybe make sure Seattle has heard of these peeps - or offer some kind of preview content (video, etc.).

3. Don't create and live in a weird bubble - if you expect the community to believe in what you're doing which will eventually lead to the community trusting your judgment - include the community. People have way fucking better things to do than go to a shitty show that is made up of "them" and "us" - time is the only valuable asset any of us have - maybe you should ask yourself what would make YOU take the time to go?

4. Nothing will ever change, be made better - or even more tolerable until people can be included and contribute their part in whatever the common goal may be and BELIEVE in it, as well as be appreciated.

This blog entry was a total tangent, but whatever - I might be naive for believing this, but I believe people can do amazing things when they don't have the limitations of assholism or status-itis. I believe there is something to be said for following your gut, being loyal, accomplishing based on merit and of course - laughing a whole fucking lot.

Peace out...

I'm a "people-ist"

I'm obviously a woman, I am not a feminist - am I thankful I can vote? Yes, I absolutely am. Am I proud of all of the great things that so many great women have done? Yes, I absolutely am - women and being a woman make me proud everyday.

Have there been situations in my life that would have been different and/or I would have been treated different if I was a man? Sure, and this kind of thing pisses me off – but, it pisses me off even more to whine about it. At some point (maybe I am the only woman who feels this way) male OR female – you have to just do your thing – as a person…..


That being said, it's funny how easily song interpretation defaults to "feminism" when the song is by a woman. For this reason, I'm going to list some of my songs and what they actually are about - you'll see I'm really a "people-ist".

Clouds in My Hair – about growing old and dying and writing songs on the “other side” – the “eyeballs in my dress” lyric is a reference to how personal songwriting can be…..I know, total let down…I should have left that one a mystery.

Rumor – this song is about the most horrible, awful and disgusting display of corporate greed I’ve ever seen. This song told me that I felt guilty because of my ethical duty of silence (lyric: “bound & gagged”)….Oh, how I wish I could be more specific.

Stealing My Amens – Primal Scream Therapy.

Love & Pictures – leaving a legacy.

She’s a Gun – pretty self explanatory….

In Stranger’s Clothes – for my grandma.

Handprints Slide – protests child abuse.

You Got Greens – stupidity, selfishness.

Ice In Your Glass – alcoholics.

Much Less of A Lady – this song is very specific and pointed – I will never ever say what this song is about.

There are 11 songs above, and they all have something in common – NONE of them are about being a woman, being a feminist or similar….They are all about PEOPLE.

I’m compelled to write about things I see, or experience – or things I think that are just fucking stupid – mostly, I write about the things that hurt my heart the most.

peace out....Annie.

Who the F#(k is Annie Lockwood?

Who the F#(k is Annie Lockwood?

Me, that's who.

I am one of the millions of musicians/singer-songwriters that walk among us. I decided to go ahead with a blog, so that I had a place to dump my stuff when I feel like dumping.

I love to discuss music and songwriting and its many mysteries. I am pretty much obsessed with the live music experience and just experiencing music all around. I may post some short write ups I've done on various musicians - I don't review the music, I discuss the experience.

I would classify myself as a decent lady, polite, modest, etc. I WILL, however, whore myself out for a good laugh - I love laughing and I love funny shit.

There is a widget (I hate that word) below with some music of mine - take a listen, I promise it's not a weird lure to get you to buy something.

More later...Annie.