Fan Friday! (an intro to love.)

Lately I've been spending a bit of time trying to come up with a few weekly blog features to showcase, but coming up blank. Whereas I am the Queen of Rambling and can write for hours on about any subject, I wanted to tie it in to all the She's in the Band goodness you guys know and love. 

So I thought to myself, what makes up SITB?

Well, duh.

Fans.

So starting now, and hopefully not ending too soon, I'll spend Fridays blurbing about some awesome fans that you all need to know about. 

I sure as hell love them, so I'm sure you will too.

I'm pleased to announce that our first F.F. feature will be none-other than Shereen!

Shereen is one of the sweetest girls on the planet. Shereen is always there to spread the SITB love and went on record as the first person to own a limited-edition SITB tie-dye t-shirt! She definitely gets all my love, and she should get all of yours too.

Age: Seventeen
Where you from, girl?: West Covina, California

Tell us a little something-something about yourself:
I play kazoo, my favorite number is eleven, and I believe in unicorns.

How did you stumble across SITB?:
I met Hannah at a EvelynEvelyn slash Amanda Palmer slash Jason Webley show and we talked and I found out she did this and checked it out :)

What is your favorite SITB song?:
"Ways To Die" is always a good song to listen to on bad days.


What would you like to see more of from SITB?:
Webchats are funsies! :D

What other music/bands/artists are you listening to?:
I listen to My Chemical Romance and Ke$ha and Amanda Palmer and Muse and Lil' Wayne and Nice Guys Finish First and my best friend who's in a band with a stupid temporary name and all those silly songs on the radio.

Ukulele or Electric Guitar: you must choose one, or the world will end, what do you choose?:
Uke fer sure <3

Everyone show Shereen some love! Be sure to follow her on twitter @shereensunrise and stay tuned for your chance to be featured on Fan Friday!

Also, don't forget, She's in the Band's deubt EP drops digitally this Tuesday, December 21st! 

Dear blog; Getting to know you.

Dear blog;

I have neglected you for some time now.



The weeks proceeding this have been the most amazing and stressful of my life so far. In less than a week's time, I'll be releasing my debut EP, "Better" (She's in the Band). It has been the most rewarding, exhausting, incredible experience of my life, and even though the album is finished and ready to be distributed, I know it really isn't over. Time to take She's in the Band to the streets, the stages, the soapboxes, and the airwaves; time to make it a movement.

My personal life dangled by a thread for a hot minute, and although some things are irreparable, I believe that everything is just the next step in my scientific process for living. Time to learn form my mistakes, clean out the bad things, and move on a better person. So I cut off all my hair, washed my hands of all the nonsense, and here I am, raring and ready to go.

I have so much to share with you all, but for this particular blog's purposes, I really am interested in getting to know all of you. Tell me about yourselves, tell me what you'd like to see here, tell me what you've seen so far; I'm all ears.


I want this to be more than SITB's space for ukulele news and music updates, but really a place where we can interact on as personal a level as you're ready to be on.

Ready? Go.

Sincerely,
Hannah Sciurba

EXCLUSIVE In-Studio LISTENING PARTY/SHOW/GANG VOCAL SESSION

SHE'S IN THE BAND is sending out an EXCLUSIVE invite to all fans for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

On NOVEMBER 19th we'll be having a special studio session open to just TWENTY guests.

In this little session, you'll get to be a part of lots of fun things:
...
- You'll be the FIRST to hear the "Better" EP in its entirety!
- You'll get to hang out and sing along with a special in-studio acoustic performance, featuring Will Walz and Rick Swanson
- You'll get to be A PART OF THE ALBUM for all time by banding together with all of us and sing GANG VOCALS on "Keeping the Peace", a kickass rock anthem off of the EP!

We're going to have refreshments, good friends, and great music!

We're asking a mere $10 donation at the door, simply to go straight towards finishing the album you've all been waiting for. We'll have stickers and fun things to give away, and most importantly good times to be had.

There are only TWENTY SPOTS available! If you would like to be put ON THE LIST as a SURE FIRE ticket-holder, message me DIRECTLY or email shesintheband@gmail.com and I'll put your name on the list!

It's really important to me that I'm able to share this with you all, and I'm really excited to see all of you there with your party hats and your game faces on!

Bring a friend, and be a part of SHE'S IN THE BAND history!

RSVP TODAY!

She's in the Band Halloween Contest!

 I always feel the need to begin all of my posts with huge incredible thank you's. So thank you so so so much to all of you that have pre-ordered my very first EP, "Better." We've really been struggling trying to raise enough money to meet our deadline and all your support is just so overwhelming. So here's a little raffle to show our appreciation!

What You Have To Do To Enter:

Just go to http://shesintheband.bandcamp.com and preorder ANY of the packages for my very first EP. We hae a $5, a $10, and a $15, easily fitting into anyone's budget! Each package will be one of a kind and stuffed with love, as I will be hand decorating them.

The Catch:

To be included in this raffle you must place your order by midnight, Halloween night. That is 12:00am, Pacific Coast Time, 11/1/10, Sunday night/Monday Morning. I will be hopping on the webcam at a TBD time on Monday night, drawing the lucky winner's name from one of my fabulous hats (and maybe playing a song or two). 

Note: if you have already preordered a package, you are already automatically entered! So keep updated by going to my Twitter and I'll be posting about the winners, the webcast time and place, and other fun stuff!

The Prize:

The winner will have his/her choice of one of the most fabulous following prizes!

- One She's in the Band T-shirt to be added to their package.

- One hardcopy of "Better" to be added to their package.

- One song request to be covered by She's in the Band and posted on the interwebs.

In addition, the winner will get a huge sloppy kiss and shoutout on my next YouTube video!

It's a cool opportunity to get some extra gear in your SITB package for your friends, family, or for another day of the week!

Thank you so much everyone for all the love. I'll be posting this everywhere, so be sure to get your names in quickly for this kickass raffle! You don't want to miss out!

Presale madness!

FIRST OFF-- Thank you to everyone that has already preordered my very first studio EP, "Better". You guys are giving me the biggest face-eating smile, and I can't wait to put together these packages in December and get them out to each any every one of you.

If you haven't gotten on the presale train yet, YOU STILL HAVE TIME! We need all the help we can get so please keep bugging your friends and family to buy you all the SITB goodness you can get your hands on!

http://shesintheband.bandcamp.com

There may have been a slight bit of confusion with our presale bonus tracks, so I'll debunk that all right now:

Upon purchase of ANY of the three presale packages we've set up for you, you receive a download code for three songs off a compilation I put together called "A Stab At Comedy". These songs are our gift to you for supporting She's in the Band, and are exclusive only to those who preorder "Better". These songs are not part of, or the EP, "Better." They are just three humorous songs we wanted to share with you for being so awesome!

If you have absolutely any questions about presale, album info, or anything SITB, please send them to: shesintheband@gmail.com!

Last but not least, I've posted a brand new, original song up on my Youtube, about Facebook and hate. Take that Mark Zuckerberg!

(Hint: This is one of the bonus tracks you get for pre-ordering the EP! ;))

START YOUR ENGINES--PRESALE BEGINS NOW.

Here we are kids. Get your rocks off and preorder my first ever studio EP, "Better."

Plenty of packages to choose from, each one with a special bonus! 

Please tell everyone.

ARE YOU STILL WITH ME? SAY AYE!

I know, I know. I'm a bad girl.

I haven't been around much, and that's not fair.

I promise, we're not breaking up, and I'm still serious about making a comittment.

I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

All of you.

All 23 of you.

(or 533 if you're a Youtube subscriber.)

She's in the Band is getting BACK ON TRACK! After a month of burrowing underground to discuss plans, try and earn more money, and dealing with our pressing, stressful lives, we are back with lots of amazingly fun information:

First and foremost: PRESALE STARTS TOMORROW, MONDAY, OCTOBER 4TH.

We have put together three really amazing packages for you guys, and each and every one not only helps us get back into the studio, but also comes with special surprises from me! :)

Check back here for all the links tonight at midnight, but for easier access to all my nonsense, please follow me on Twitter and get immediate updates and info on how you can get your hands on my first studio EP, "Better".

Also, if you're very good, maybe today if you keep checking back, there may be a new video up on Youtube, just for the occasion. :)

I hope you're all still with me. I'm scared and excited and all sorts of things and I want you all here with me to share the fun times with.

Best freakin' regards,

Hannah

"better" is the word du jour.

After our fourth, highly emotional and extremely amazing day in the studio, we're at just about a halfway point to completing this EP. I'm getting these mingled feelings of excitement for its release, anxiety hoping people will like it, and frustration knowing we have such a long way to go and so much more to earn.

But you know what? It will all be okay. In fact, it will be better than okay.

Speaking of which, for those who haven't heard, the title of She's in the Band's debut EP will be "Better".

To give you a little insight to this; these songs, collectively were the chronological steps I took to becoming a better person. Each one takes you through a different phase of completely making-over my life and how I dealt with it. My hope is to evoke that spirit of "spring cleaning" and to anyone who's having a rough time, or doesn't see themselves being the best possible version of themselves can listen to this and maybe get nudged in the right direction. It's helped me worlds, and still helps me to this day.

Also, we have the album art. Without any gilding the lily...

Tiffany Ford, a friend from high school and an incredible artist was the only person I considered for the album art. Upon our first day in the studio she was the first name to pop into my head, and I was adamant about accepting anything else.

After lots of emailing and brainstorming, some mock up photos (excuse the PJs) and color swatches, she sends me this; and I was floored. 

Go check her out, hire her, tell her you love her, and for that matter tell her I love her too.

We're inching closer everyone. We should have presale up very soon, including some very special surprises for those who decide to purchase one of the packages. :)

We can always use your help to keep us in the studio, so please, donate at Feed the Muse, get your very own She's in the Band T-Shirt, and as always, check out my new videos on YouTube.

Much love, everyone! Be sure to comment, repost, and let me know what you think!

Love,

Hannah

I am not the type of girl...

Let's not kid ourselves.

We all know I'm obviously an emotional person. I have a tendency to "sweat the small stuff" and as a wise person once said (albeit reversed), "it's all small stuff". I am an expert worrier and the duchess of doubt; I try to keep that PMA as much as possible, but nothing will help me get away from my fears.

Me outside Command after Day 1.

I've been a wrecked emotional rollercoaster lately. The idea of finally creating this album is not only exhilarating, strengthening, and exciting --- it is also overwhelming, exhausting and stressful.

I've had many worries since we've started this: what songs will we pick? How will we know they are good enough? How will I write enough? Who is going to play with me?--- but the one absolute Wonder-Worry trumps them all: The ever-challenging, always-present...money.

I knew from the start this wasn't going to be cheap. I knew from the start this album was going to have to mark the beginning of a new Hannah, a frugal Hannah. After missing the "Savings" train early on in the quarter, I, with the undoubtedly incredible/amazing/overwhelming/fantastic help of countless friends/fans/family managed to pull together almost half of the potential cost of this album in only two weeks.

It was a big hurrah, really. No one can express how grateful I am to have a support system that is seemingly unstoppable right there with me throughout all of this. I am constantly meeting new people who want nothing more than to help me make this happen and as wonderful as it sounds---it's put me into emotional ruins.

This is hard to type, as I feel I will immediately be misunderstood. I do not take anything for granted. I do not in any way disrespect or misunderstand the magnitude in which people have been helping me. But I just don't know what to do with it.

Will watching the scratch for "Feels Like Home"

My engineer/producer/mixer-extraordinaire, Will,  is constantly telling me how badly he wants to make this album great for me; he says he's never seen someone put so much heart into an album, let alone the task of self-funding it (or as I've just now dubbed it, help-funding it). For the past month or so (and to add insult to injury it's all happening so fast) I've been running around like a madwoman; collecting donations, making t-shirts, mailing benefits, covering songs. As a barista I make a pittance, but I've taken every possible cent out of every possible paycheck and put myself in some very uncomfortable financial positions because this means everything to me.

I never imagined I'd have to ask for help. I'm not entirely sure where I thought the money would come from (though a tree in my backyard was a nice daydream for a while). Although my producer/lifter of heavy things/business guru/close friend, Joey had been telling me for years I had the potential to make an album and have it be good, and to be able to get people interested, I think the idea of actually getting into the studio was so far-fetched in my eyes, that worrying about how I was going to pay for it was the furthest thing from my mind; I wasn't even convinced it could happen!

Asking for help has been the hardest thing for me. My entire life I have wanted nothing more than to be completely self-sufficient. I have failed miserably in many aspects of that, and each blow is more harsh than the next. While I do think hope I have something genuine and interesting to offer people by way of music and personality and a general thirst for the open road and meeting new friends, as people have been donating and supporting and reposting, I get stuck on the question: why?

Why am I good enough? Why does this mean anything to you? This is my dream, and all of you are putting your love and your support into it.

I know. It sounds bad. I sound bad. But let me finish.

Today at work after speaking with Will, I broke down a little bit in the back room. Money has become the solitary road block to this album's success. It pains me greatly to say that; I've always hated money. Not only the idea of not having enough, as always seems the case, but even the idea of having more than I need terrifies me. I am scraping together recycling and tips and the very last bit of my paycheck before I'm forced to starve just to pay for one more studio day.

Brian "Dogboy" Burwell tracking drums.

As you may or may not know, we've already had two days of recording at Command Studios. I will briefly sidetrack to tell you that these were some of the greatest days I've ever had. In tracking just drums, a few electric guitars, and some beautiful strings, I've been completely floored. I never thought I'd hear my songs without just me and my ukulele. I never thought I'd hear my songs coming out of some fancy equipment that I couldn't even begin to tell you how it worked. I never thought I'd get the chance to stand in an airtight, suffocating, sweltering hot little booth and sing like it was all I had left in life. It was overwhelming. And as my good friend said, I've "caught the bug".

Having said that, knowing that I only have enough money to pay for one more day (when we need at least three more) is the most depressing feeling in the world. I'm spending all my spare brainpower into trying to plan something, organize something, make something, wash something, clean something, cook something, do something just to help pay for one more day. And after that do it all over again and pay for another day. And again after that until I finally have something to give you all.

I am a nervous wreck. But please, don't take that the wrong way. You all are the only thing that keeps me going. Because of the help and time and support and love you all have donated to me in more ways than one, I'm slowly but surely realizing that I may just be good enough. And you do really just want to help. And maybe, just maybe, I can really give you something to be proud of.

Me being far too short for this soundbooth.

I'm constantly blowing up everyone's feeds on here, on twitter, on facebook, telling about all the ways you can help She's in the Band work our way towards this goal. Everything helps; maybe buying a t-shirt, or getting on the list for some gang vocals, or even just telling someone about the cause. I promise that I am personally doing everything I can to ensure that we stay as on track as much as possible.

My biggest worry though, is that it won't be enough.

Trying to stay afloat in shallow water,

but successfully fighting the treacherous the Under Toad,

Hannah Sciurba

THE ULTIMATE BATTLE: almost, but not quite, and still so far to go.

As you may or may not know, my goal was to achieve $1500 (1/2 of what the total cost of this record will be) by today, August 1st.

Looks like I just fell short...

But don't worry. I'm still going to do whatever it takes to ensure that we're in the studio in a couple weeks as planned.

Unfortunately, I still have such a long way to go. I hate to ask more of the people who have made this happen (you), but if you're at all interested in helping She's in the Band record it's first studio album, then here are some ways how!

1. Tell EVERYONE. I'm an avid "tweet-er" and I will constantly post links to sites where you can buy SITB t-shirts and other merch. Simply copying and pasting and spreading the word about the cause is one of the greatest things you could do for me. The more people hear about me, and (hopefully) like my music and what I'm about, the more love and support enters into this big ol' family we've got going.

Will "Balz to the Walz" Walz modeling!

 

2. Grab some merch! I've started a store on Etsy recently to sell one-of-a-kind SITB t-shirts! Tie-dye is currently the only design posted but if there's a specific design you'd like, let me know and I will work to give you a kickass custom order!

3. Visit the Feed the Muse page! I'm constantly changing/lowering prices on donation minimums for certain fan benefits as well as adding new ones! JUST ADDED: Be a gang vocalist on the new SITB album! (SoCal only) for just a $30 donation! Grab all your friends and get the opportunity to come into the studio and shout on a SITB track! You can also still get your favorite song covered by SITB for just $15! I'll post it on YouTube and send you the sloppiest e-kiss imaginable!

4. Tell everyone (again)! I can't emphasize enough how much every retweet, every bulletin, every repost means to me. Spreading the word about She's in the Band makes me feel like there's really a shot out there, and you guys are helping make it happen.

SITB and team arranging and rehearsing!

Thanks again for all your help. We've got a long way to go, but I know we can do it, and I know that we're going to have something wonderful for you when all is said and done.

Love eternally,

Hannah

THE ULTIMATE BATTLE: I HAVE LOST COUNT, BUT I HAVE SITB T-SHIRTS!

THINGS ARE GOOD, PEOPLE.

After getting my tips this week (yep, I'm an expert barista) and a wonderful $20 dollar donation from an old friend (Dear Michelle, I love you.) I am now past the $700 mark! Yay!

Again, I can't thank you all enough for all the support. Keep donating, I have lots to give you in return! Like Tommy for example; he donated money and in return got to request any song for me to cover and post on Youtube. And I did:

 

Check out my Feed the Muse page to find out more about how to request your favorite song!

IN OTHER NEWS: WE NOW HAVE T-SHIRTS!

(Left: Front - Right: Back)

Yes, they are very DIY, but I love them. This is just the first design I have, but I'm planning a whole series of "that's what she('s in the band) said" t-shirts (and yes, they will be available in solid colors) including such memorable quotes/lyrics as:

"Is that a euphemism for sex?"

"I only listen to Throwdown."

"My heart feels like Hiroshima, I am under attack!"

"I'm in the band."

I'll be creating an Etsy account this week and putting them up for sale for just $10! I'm so thrilled with how many of you have already placed orders, and I can't wait to keep making them! All proceeds go towards the SITB studio time.

We're gonna make it guys. It's going to happen.

Thank you,

Hannah

THE ULTIMATE BATTLE: 7 days and the most overwhelming night.

(Hi, I haven't slept.)

Yesterday was a pretty good day! Feeling ignored is so prevalent in my life, and has been for so long that I just couldn't let it get me down.

I counted up the money and did the math and rounded what I had yesterday to $650, and then I received a $25 donation from Tommy!

He put in the donation via FEED THE MUSE and in return got to request any song for me to cover. He's chosen a really cool A Day To Remember song and I'll be posting the video tonight to show my thanks!

(Want She's in the Band to cover your favorite song? Visit FTM to find out how!)

The other night I posted a tweet about making tie-dye SITB shirts, mostly on a whim to see what the response would be. I ended up getting 12 orders! So yesterday I made the first batch of tie-dye shirts, and I'll be creating an Etsy account to display and sell them to anyone who wants to rock one in their hometown!

On top of that, I get tips today! Yay! Another 50 bucks to the total, ideally.

I'm excited, kids. It's all coming together.

 I sent this to my producer last night:

"I'm so happy, Joey.

I mean, I'm stressed and anxious and worried and want to tear my hair out sometimes...but I'm really happy."

That's absolutely, completely, because of all of you.

Thank you.

-Hannah

THE ULTIMATE BATTLE: 8 days and it appears we've made a dent, Johnson!

I fell asleep last night before I could blog, but don't worry, I'm on top of it! You know...for all 14 of you. (who I love unconditionally<3)

OKAY SO.

YEP. 600-ISH.

My actual estimate is something closer to $650, however due to the crazyness of the garage sale, some things weren't recorded and it got a little confusing.

Needless to say, the garage sale went pretty well! I sold basically all of my "big-ticket" items and really didn't have enough to do another sale today, so that's gotta be good! It was a stressful day, but I'm always grateful for any progress we can make towards the ultimate goal.

Once again, this week I will be out and about collecting donations for one more garage sale all over Southern California, so if you or anyone you know has anything they'd like to donate, please put them in contact with me and I'll come take it off their hands. (and hug them and thank them obsessively).

shesintheband@gmail.com

IN OTHER NEWS: I'M MAKING T-SHIRTS.

Not just normal t-shirts... TIE-DYE T SHIRTS.

I had a bunch of really fun ideas hit me last night and I'm going to be working with Joey to get everything settled. After I announced the possibility last night I got 10 ORDERS. I'll be starting an Etsy account and offering the t-shirts for sale on there in any combination. I can't wait for you guys to see them, this is going to be fun.

Keep your eyes peeled! Hopefully I'll be posting the designs today or tomorrow!

Like every day, thank you so much for the support. We're inching closer, and as I pull out more and more of my hair, I get more and more excited.

Love forever,

Hannah

THE ULTIMATE BATTLE: 9 days and I'll always be nervous

WOOP!

Got two more donations to the Feed the Muse site today!

Big thanks to Joseph and Francis!

Yeah, I know we're still lightyears away from $1500 (or the $3000 I'll end up needing) but I'm amazed every time someone gives just a little. Warms my heart in a way I didn't think was possible.

THIS WEEKEND ONLY: Starting TOMORROW (Saturday, 7/24) I'll be lowering one of my donation minimums on the FTM site from $50 to $15 dollars. That means for that low low donation you can request ANY cover song from me, and I'll post it on Youtube for the world to see. I will also include the mushiest, most lovey-dovey shout out to you I can possibly manage! Tell EVERYONE!

I went out and picked up a couple pieces of furniture from my coworker and good friend Mike, today. Tomorrow's another big garage sale and I'm astounded by the amount of stuff I have to try and sell!

Tell everyone you know in the Los Angeles area! Everything MUST go so just MAKE ME AN OFFER.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/gms/1860190856.html

I'll be playing ukulele all day, and if you give me any donation, I'll play the cover song of your choice!

And now, since I have to be up in 6 hours, I must go to bed. But I leave you with this new She's in the Band cover I did today.

Enjoy!

Love,

Hannah <3

THE ULTIMATE BATTLE: 10 days and the mood swings begin...

Today was rough. I hate to say that, but it really was.

I woke up to the most incredible piece of news ever. It didn't necessarily bring my any closer to my fiscal goal, but it is very exciting. Unfortunately I can't share it just yet until everything is finalized, but it draws from what I talked about in yesterday's update, and could mean very big things for She's in the Band.

So here we are.

(Pardon the crazy hair, it's been a long day.)

It's hard to do a daily update, when I'm just not earning money every day, rather lump sums on days where I do garage sales, or hopefully, one of these days when someone thinks I'm worthwhile enough to invest in, or if anyone donates on the Feed the Muse page.

I was talking to a customer today about how exhausting these past few weeks have been. I've been feeling awful because I hate asking for things, and it makes me feel arrogant to assume that this is worth while, and that people care...

And then when you guys came through, and just overwhelmed me with your love and your support it filled me with the greatest feeling of confidence and excitement.

But then when my mind settles on the reality that I have to come up with $1,100 $1,089 in 10 days the anxiety really sets in.

After I finished my venting, he handed me ten dollars and told me to remember that everything counts, and no matter what, this will happen.

Everyone seems so sure that I'll make it. I admire that in you all.

Guess it's just time to keep my head up, and keep moving forward.

Love and rock and roll (with ukuleles and an empty bank account)

Hannah <3

P.S. I also found a dollar while walking back to my car. 11 dollars made.
P.P.S. Big thanks to Erin Bird for donating some more stuff for me to sell at my garage sales this weekend. Lot's of adorable clothing and jewelry, be sure to come snatch it before it's gone!

THE ULTIMATE BATTLE: 11 days and counting...

Well, I'll just get out there and say it: We didn't actually raise any more money today.

BUT

I have the most amazing fans and the most amazing friends in the world. I traveled to my old watering hole, the Antelope Valley today to pick up donations from the wonderful Suzey Q, the supportive and generous Engel Family, and my talented engineer, Will Walz.

We filled up two cars worth of donations and my best friend, Steven helped me drive it all back down to my house. 

I'm holding more garage sales this weekend. I'm excited. People have been incredibly generous with their donations (TVs, fax machines, furniture) and I'm beginning to think that even though I am so far away from my goal, I may actually make it with the incredible backup I have in friends, fans and family.

So here's where we're at...

As of today, we're still at $400.

Much against my mother's liking, I've taken to keeping written track of the money I earn over the next week and a half...with sharpie...on my arms.

If we're being honest, I just like drawing on myself.

This weekend I'll be cutting down the donation agreements on Feed the Muse (any donation helps). You'll be able to get fan benefits (including one song request to be posted on Youtube with a shoutout to the "beneficiary"!) for cheaper then their original listing for one night only! 

Keep in touch, a million thank yous and many crossed fingers (and other extremities).

Love,

Hannah

THE ULTIMATE BATTLE: And the countdown begins...

I'm actually scared, kids. That rarely happens happens all the time but now it's something more than a bug, or the dark, or the scary dancing old man from the Six Flags commericals...

This is the dream.

I finally have the opportunity to record my first studio EP, as you may know. You may also know that to make that happen I need to come up with $3000 dollars, half of which needs to be in my hands by August 1st. That's right AUGUST 1st. That's a mere 12 days away.

I've been holding garage sales, and collecting donations of junk and services and money from all these amazing people, and I couldn't be more thankful...

But god do I have a long way to go.

So after thinking about it, and talking with friends, I came to the conclusion that there is nothing funnier than a frazzled Hannah. Having said that, I've decided that I'm starting this blogging project for the next 12 days to document my saving, earning and collecting stories.

Money has always found a way of alluding me all my life; I've never been good at being frugal so it goes without saying that the title, THE ULTIMATE BATTLE is appropriate for the treacherous journey I am embarking on.

So welcome to day one! As of right now, I have roughly $400 dollars towards my $3,000 $1,500 goal.*

Yeah, I know. Ouch.

(*Not including anything I have in my bank account by the deadline and the mountains of change I have in a bucket in my room.)

Anyways, it's been tough the past week. I hate asking for help, especially in the form of money. It makes me feel like a douchebag. Which makes it all the more overwhelming when I find that there are people that actually care, and are really pulling for this EP. It astonishes me daily.

Tomorrow my dad is meeting with a friend of his who has always shown an interest in She's in the Band. Ideally, if all goes well he might be a potential investor (in which case I would send him the most obnoxious, mushy thank-you basket of baked goods known to man).

I also wrote up an email that I'm hoping to send to Eastwood Guitars. It's a fantastic instrument company that has sponsored bands like The Foo Fighters and the Decemberists (two of my favorites). On top of that, though being predominantly an electric guitar company, this year they released the beautiful, wonderful, gorgeous Airline Solid Body Electric Ukulele. 

The second I saw this magnificent beast I squealed with joy. I considered hanging a picture of it on my ceiling, like a teenage boy and his Halle Berry poster (do kids still think she's hot?).

If this letter has any charm or luck attached to it, maybe Eastwood would sponsor me as one of their players. It'd be an amazing gift and a blessing to work with such a cool, approachable company. Fingers crossed.

I think that's about all the stress I can handle for one night. Stay tuned tomorrow for more on the ULTIMATE BATTLE.

And though I know I only have very few readers, if you feel at all like helping the cause, visit www.feedthemuse.net/shesintheband.

That way, if you donate even just two dollars you can receive some sort of gift from me in return.

And please, tell your friends. If you haven't heard any of She's in the Band's music, please visit my Youtube Page or my Myspace for covers and originals.

Thanks for all your help, and support, and love.

I'm trying to keep it with me always.

Love,

Hannah

CALLING ALL PACKRATS.

In my first of many ideas to make money and put it aside to get this album recorded, I've decided to hold a series of weekly garage sales.

Are you a packrat? Got lot's of crap lying around that you just can't seem to get rid of? Send it to me!

I'll take it off your hands! Ideally, I want a portion of anything I make to go towards an organization designed to keep music and art in schools. 

I could really use everyone's help on this one. I wouldn't ask if it didn't mean so much to me. I do everything on a "Pay It Forward" basis, so next time you need help moving, or showing your senile relatives a night on the town? Be sure to call me. I'll be there with bells and denture glue.

We're gonna make this happen, folks!

email me if you're interested getting rid of some junk!

hannah.sciurba@gmail.com

I'm excited, folks. It'll happen.

And our journey officially begins...

Today I had my first meeting with my good friends Joey Engel and Will Walz. Not just any meeting, I tell you, but the first, albeit somewhat informal production meeting for my second-ever recorded EP for She's in the Band.

I've been talking/working with Will and Joey for months now, trying to get a plan together for getting things recorded, and I came to the conclusion a long time ago that I wouldn't trust any other people with this EP. They know what I want and can help me capitalize on what I already have, as opposed to try and change it.

I'll admit, when we first got into this our goal was a full-length LP, but given the position I'm in, it makes more sense to release a solid EP in hopes that I can show people what I'm really about in just a few songs, and find out if it's something people really want to hear.

I'll be the first to say how excited I am. It's all I think about, it's mostly what I talk about, and most prominently, it's what I stress about. It sucks that I feel that I'm missing out on being excited because of this one, looming worry stuck in the back, front, and middle of my mind...

Money.

I have to come up with a certain amount of money in a very short amount of time, and it just about gives me a heart attack every time I think about it. Those of you who know me know that I am terrible with money. I am very much a spender, on other people and myself, and I foolishly ignored cautions to put away money for such an occasion. So now, I'm stuck.

Okay, "stuck" may be a harsh term, but it definitely feels that way. I've spent the last two days brainstorming idea after idea of how I can earn enough money in the given time frame, and have only come up with a few ideas.

So, I'll ask you readers: when was the last time you were in a crunch to get some money? For bills, or an important purchase, or a trip? How did you pull it together?

I have three weeks. I'll take all the suggestions I can get.

recordings sound better with a broken leg

Alright, it's technically not broken, but I've felt like crap today. 

In a fit of exercise frustration (I haven't gotten to run all week due to finishing my leg tattoo) I decided to get a light jog around my block in this morning. Unfortunately, it's not a very good idea to run on an already swollen leg and what resulted was a broken Hannah.

But not a lazy one! After working a full shift at the good ol' Bean it's back to SITB-related work now that I'm home. 

I've been instructed to go back and record every song I've ever written (don't get ahead of yourself, that doesn't amount to too many) to be looked over and "evaluated". I don't know if we're supposed to find some hidden gems in songs titled "No, Paula Doesn't Want Any Champagne" or "Intervention" (a song I wrote entirely based on a John Irving novel), but what I do know is that I a good number of these songs are ones I never wanted to see hear the light of day ever again. 

But since I am but a lemming, and they say it's best, then I have to trust them.

Don't worry, come studio time I will exact my revenge; I can be quite the prankster when provoked.

Time to get crackin' folks. There's a storm a-comin', and it's mostly compiled of ukulele strings, homemade burritos, and a hell of a lot of whining. 

I'm ready.

i'm gettin' too old for this stuff.

I've completely forgotten what 4:38am feels like. I never stay up this late anymore. Granted, if I didn't have soreness radiating throughout my leg, I'd be knocked out like Fedor Emelianenko (I hate to take it), but here I am, drifting aimlessly closer to sunrise, without more than 30 minutes of sleep.

I've forgotten what 4:47am feels like. It's a mixture of shame and confusion with just a hint of debauchery thrown in.

I've forgotten what 4:53 feels like. Kind of makes me feel silly for hoping you'd be awake, long enough for me to say more stupid things and embarrass myself further. But hey, maybe my lack of an edit function and my unsinkable sense of self confidence is what attracts you to me. No? Oh yeah, I guess you're right.

I've forgotten what 5am feels like...

More than anything it just feels like I need to get some fucking sleep.

Yours sincerely,

Hannah daSciurba

late-night, no-pants blogging for happiness

I know it's late but...

the last few months have been overwhelming.

Between the Stick To Your Guns cover, Ben Folds acknowledging me, Chad Gilbert acknowledging me, being featured on the 20SB homepage and just all the wonderful people I've met and spoken to and gotten to share with what I love do to, I feel a little brighter, a little warmer, and a lot more blessed every day.

"Move over, refrigerator. This is the new cool!"

I got that comment on one of my YouTube videos and I almost squealed in gratitude. 

Things are happening, everyone. I am grateful and appreciative and anxious and excited about you all being here and riding this out with me. I can only hope you stay tuned, stay with me, and that I don't let you down.

Thanks to everyone who has ever listened to one of my silly covers, or listened to my silly EP, or sports one of my silly stickers on any of their possessions. 

I promise, big things are coming, and I won't let you down.

Love,

Hannah

what's eating gilbert, devo, and song completion

It's been a while, friends! 

I've been keeping myself as busy as possible lately. I'm a mere eight songs shy of my quota to get my full length album, "These Songs Transcend Titles" under-weigh. As I write more and more, and travel back and forth from piano to ukulele, I'm noticing a crazy diversity in some of these songs, that I can only hope you all will enjoy.

What else has been going on? I've been working on my special cover of The Ghost Inside's song, off their new album, "Returners". If you haven't listened to it just yet, you definitely should get out and grab it! It's definitely a step in a great new direction for the band, and I'm glad they've taken an interest in what I do. I only hope I won't disappoint!

This weekend proved to be very exciting. For those who may or may not know, Chad Gilbert (of New Found Glory, "Nothing To Prove" producer, and Shai Hulud fame) is one of my idols. He's a wonderful musician spreading awareness about keeping a positive attitude; a regimen that I try to keep up with in my day-to-day life nowadays. He recently sprung out with his own solo project, What's Eating Gilbert, and all of us listeners were lucky to receive a flurry of catchy, upbeat tunes for free download. Yep, you guessed it; I had to cover one! Long story short, a while back Chad caught wind of my cover of his song, "Like It's The Last Time" and emailed me asking permission to add it to his website. Of course I agreed, and this past Friday he did just that! So check out his new blog, featuring yours truly! It's an honor to be recognized by someone I look up to as a musician, and I hope I have more experiences like this in the future.

Last but not least, in a fit of I'm-bored-with-my-hair rage, I decided to man up and throw a good ol' punk rock bleach streak in it.

(Effect may vary.)

Hope you all are having a great week, stay tuned for more from She's In The Band!

the hope division chronicles

I'm sure you've heard by now, that Stick to Your Guns' new album, "The Hope Division" was released this week.

Aside from being excited to hear all the new songs and all the hard work the boys have put into this album, I have to admit that it was a pretty powerful experience for me. What feels like forever ago, the band got in contact with me and asked me to record my cover of their infamous "This Is More" for the album. Five months later I still can't believe it's actually on there. The love I've gotten in the last week has been overwhelming.

But none of that love should compare to what you should be sending these boys. I haven't stopped listening to this album since I got it, and I don't anticipate the end of that in the near future. If you haven't bought it just yet, get out there and do so. You won't be disappointed.

So, without further adieu, here's my videoblog depicting our treacherous adventure to find "The Hope Division" on release-day, and the very first time ever hearing my hidden track. Enjoy!

(special features by The Ghost Inside, and everyone's favorite, Throwdown)

SOME KIND OF HOPE.

Today is the day. The long-awaited third album from Stick to Your Guns, called "The Hope Division" was released today.

I woke up early to make the drive up to Lancaster. I decided that it would be the best if I could share the experience with my two best bros, Joey and Steven. After waking up two severely groggy boys very early in the morning, we set out to our chosen buying location: Target.

After freaking out a sales representative with our ninja-filming skills (or lackthereof) we were informed that it wasn't available in-store just yet. Slightly disheartened, but not shaken, we move to our back-up store: Best Buy.

After hanging out in front of the (surprisingly minimally crowded) store before it opened, we trekked through the blue and white aisles in hopes of ending our search. But alas, Best Buy failed us too, and we were forced to head out to find another store.

Hot Topic wouldn't let us down! We headed over, knowing that it would be there. It was the coolest feeling being able to walk into a store that I used to work in, for a long time, where I used to review bands and pick and choose music to play, and be able to walk up to the counter and ask for a CD that I am a part of. We all bought our copies and started listening immediately upon getting back in the car.

 "The Hope Division" is a fantastic album. STYG has always been a great hardcore band, with great values and songs that come straight from the heart. This third-installment to the legacy is no exception. It's a powerful album that hits home on some serious issues. It's true, the music style has changed since the last two albums, but I consider it a wonderful progression, taking steps toward creating a great sound for the band.

I have to admit, once we got to the final track, I was very tempted to stop it, or walk out of the room. I hadn't heard my recorded cover of "This Is More" since the very night we recorded it, so I was a bit nervous (albeit excited) about how I remembered it sounding. I was slightly terrified that anything good I remembered about it would end up being horrifyingly wrong. Well, my friends got me to stick through it (and filmed the reaction!) and I was able to hear my first ever contribution to a legitimate studio album put out by one of my favorite bands on a great record label.

It still kind of feels unreal.

Half of me feels as if I shouldn't be this excited. I didn't write the song, I didn't write the album; I just got a small, (albeit immensely appreciated) piece of an overall illuminating project...

Well, fuck it. I'm giddy, happy, relieved, excited, grateful, and overall blessed to have had this experience. A huge, ridiculous thank you to Stick To Your Guns for allowing me a little piece of their amazing new album, and another thank you to everyone that has commented, messaged, tweeted and poked in my directions with kind words.

I encourage everyone to get out there and buy The Hope Division today! You won't be disappointed!

Stay tuned for videos and pictures from our adventures, coming soon! Be prepared to watch me freak-out several times, all before noon!

just when you thought things wouldn't work out...

The Stick To Your Guns album comes out in a few days.

"The Hope Division"

I just found out (though it should've been obvious) that not only is it being sold online and in Hot Topic stores, but Best Buy, Target and a number of other big chains will be carrying it as well.

Am I allowed to be this excited?

I'm not sure what I'm more anxious about: hearing these new songs from an incredible band, or being able to buy the album and know that I'm a part of it in some way.

Buy it. These guys worked hard, they deserve it.

dominating sticker-dom and breaching the merch barrier

It's been at least a year since I attempted to start creating She's in the Band merchandise by spray painting shirts in my backyard. You may see a few of them walking around the San Fernando and Antelope Valleys one day, but I doubt it. 

Today solidifies the first "real" merch SITB has ever had, and I'm pretty stoked about it.

So without further ado...

who wants one?!

A big huge shoutout and sloppy hug and kiss to Joey Engel, who designed the logo and helped me order them (because I am not exactly well-versed in the ways of the merch-world).

Let's make this viral! Put 'em on your cars, your books, your ukuleles!

ben folds rules my life.

I went with a good friend to see Ben Folds last week. This man never ceases to amaze me.

A Letter To My 12-Year-Old Self

 After reading the Pink Moss blog (www.pink-moss.com) I came across a project called "In My Daughter's Eyes" involving a plethora of letters written by women to their twelve-year-old-selves. Although I was much to late to submit my own, I figured I'd share mine with you all today.


Dear (barely) pre-pubescent, flat-chested me,

Let's not argue over over how in the world this letter is even possible, and get down to brass tax. There are things headed your way missy, and you need to start preparing yourself for them now.

First off, your boobs are coming. Actually, any day now. They won't gradually become present, they won't ease their way onto your body, they're going to sneak up and attack you like a ninja on a mission. Buy a bra and prepare yourself for some extra poundage and a life of mild back pain.

Next on the list, those cargo pants have got to go. Yes, I know they zip off into shorts. Yes, I know they were on sale at Old Navy. There's a reason for that. You look ridiculous. Also, since we're on the topic, in a few years when you get to high school if you ever put on that pair of white and black camouflage pants, I will take a personal day and come back there beat you with them.

Eventually, you're going to get into this thing called being "Goth". This is a trick. The sun is shining, the world is beautiful and you do not look good in black lipstick. Avoid this at all costs.

I don't want to expose too much, you've got some pretty interesting years ahead of you and I'd hate to spoil them, but here's a few things to remember: embrace things like the RX Bandits, ukuleles, electropop (I know you can't dance, and you don't get much better, but you're still allowed to have fun), eating carbs, playing basketball and crowdsurfing. Stay away from things like mushrooms (seriously, eventually your stomach will be able to take it but we've had some bad times), dairy (same concept), turtlenecks, Jamocha Yerba tea, Justin Beiber, and Smart Cars.

One day it will all make sense. You're a cool kid, but eventually you'll get the hang of it and realize that being a dork is really what works for you.

Love,
Your much cooler, much more proportionate, kickass older self.

P.S. Okay, I know we've been saying that we wanted to be Whitney Houston when we grew up since we were about five, but dude, trust me, it doesn't end well.