Hello 2023

It’s weird that I didn’t post at all in 2022. It was actually a pretty active year! I started playing in public spaces again, first at a local coffee shop, and then I had some gigs in downtown Frederick. Life was finally stable enough for me to buy all of the equipment I needed to perform on my own (with some serious help from my partner and his family, who know way more about sound equipment than I do). I even started learning new instruments and brushing off old ones!

I don’t believe in New Year’s Resolutions. I don’t like adding another source of anxiety in a world that’s already full of stressors. But when the holidays wind down and I find myself with free time, I do like to make low-pressure goals for myself. For now my goal is to spend less time working side gigs and more time on creative pursuits. Maybe I’ll return with some songs. Maybe some stories. Maybe this will be the only post I make this year, but I hope not. I hope you’ll hear from me again.

Either way, hey, we made it to 2023! That wasn’t an easy task. I hope you all have a gentle year surrounded by the people and things that you love.

Ghost Tours – The Spooky Season has begun!

Does leading tours count as a creative project? Well, it’s a hefty project if nothing else, so I’ll include it here! This October, I’m leading Ghost Tours with Maryland Ghost Tours in Downtown Frederick. We visit 7 different haunted locations around the city, learn cool historic stuff, and tell ghost stories about each building.

It’s a pretty great side gig! I’ve been working through the scripts since mid-August, so it’s nice to finally be out and about, giving real tours and showing off all my gruesome knowledge.

You may be wondering whether there’s any singing involved. Well, I’m delighted to say yes–I sing about ten seconds of a creepy children’s song. I also act out a few murders, which I think counts as creative. Everyone knows that live theatre is an artistic pursuit.

Anyway, come by for a tour if you’re in the area! It’s a great way to get into the Halloween mood!

#ComeForTheCreepySong #StayForTheMurder #AlsoThere’sAGhostDog #DefinitelyStayForTheGhostDog

Still Here

Honestly, when I created this blog, I thought I would have a lot more creative energy. A lot more art and music and daydreams to share. Turns out this whole surviving thing is harder than I thought. Between mental illness, global pandemics, and the general challenges of maintaining a functional adult life, years have gone by, and I’m not where I thought I’d be.

But that’s ok, you know? I’m still here. If you’re reading this, you’re still here too.

I’m glad we’re still here together.

2020 is awful so I bought myself a present.

Having survived the year so far fueled by a combination of Zoloft and spite, I decided it was time to buy myself a present. We all deserve nice things sometimes. Especially in these times.

Now I have a beautiful Yeti Nano! 😍

I’ve been playing with it for the past few days and I ADORE it!

My phone was a surprisingly good substitute mic for a year. But the Yeti does such a better job of picking up sounds, and the high notes don’t sound as fuzzy. I have much more freedom and can even play with some of the settings on my keyboard that didn’t work with previous mics. I’m PUMPED!!!

(I’m also pumped to finally have a stable roof over my head, which honestly should be a normal thing and not something to get excited over. Good God, this year has been stupid.)

Stay safe and healthy, friends! And spend some time doing nice things for you. ❤

Listen to Indigo Shades Online!

Yes, the moment is here! “Indigo Shades” is now online. You can find it on:

My Youtube Channel

HearNow

Spotify

Apple Music

Amazon Music ($4.95 or free with music unlimited)

Now officially part of the internet.

Indigo Shades Credits

With Indigo Shades about to make its online debut (I know, right?!), it seems only right that the credits from the CD case be online too.

Credits

Lyrics, melodies, and vocals were written and performed by Theresa Schneider
Piano by Theresa Schneider
Acoustic Guitar by Dan Shields
Percussion by George Perilli
Base Guitar by Hollis Greathouse
Recorded, Mixed, Mastered, and Produced by Hollis Greathouse at Audible Images Recording Studio
Album Art by Jess Starwood at Starwood Arts

Thank yous

Thank you to the Creator for bringing music into the world. Thank you to my family, friends, and the countless others who have supported me on this journey. It’s been an experience that I will treasure, and I’m grateful you all could be a part of it. Thank you to my parents who endured my constant piano playing at all hours. Your support has meant worlds to me. Finally, thank you to the person who is listening to this album for letting my music into your life. I hope it brings you comfort.

“Coming Home, Pt. II” Cover

I thought I could make my lazy heart happy if I picked a song with only four chords and knocked it out in an afternoon. Then I spent three days working on (i.e. angsting over) the harmonies. Ah well, so much for laziness. It turned out quite nice, at least. Check it out!

“When Will My Life Begin?” Cover

Told y’all I’d post another cover in the next 5 years! 😉

I was pretty psyched to perform “When Will My Life Begin?” during a zoom talent show. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s the song Rapunzel sings while she’s stuck in her tower trying to find things to do. Truly the most relevant song of 2020.

Enjoy and stay safe everyone!

My TikTok Debut

Something a little different today! I got to help my friend film a “Clue”-themed video for her TikTok channel.

Whodunnit? I think we all look pretty guilty! 😮

@bibliothecarisZoom Game Night is the scene of the crime 💜:@moonlightbulb 💛:@bibliotekar7 ##clue ##tiktokdiy ##keepingbusy ##musiclives

♬ Put Your Head on My Shoulder – Paul Albert Anka

Click here or click the picture to watch the 30-second video.

A New Cover!

Lately I’ve had that rare unicorn-esque combination of free time, physical health, and mental health, which is a very nice thing to have! And which means I was able to sit down and do some artistic soul searching.