Cd's & T-shirts for the Holidays at Lou's Records

Exclusively for the holidays, CDs and t-shirts are available at Lou's Records.

Get yourself ready for great shows in 2012. We're kicking it off with our monthly Thurs residency at Riviera Supperclub Jan 5, then looking forward to rockin' the roof off of Pappy & Harriets on Jan 21 with Candye Kane. (That will be my birthday show, so come out and enjoy the beauty of the high desert with us in this amazing ol' honkytonk)

Jan 19 is a special show called "For The Sender" at La Paloma Theater, Encinitas CA. I'll be performing "Hush" as well as singing on a few tunes by the other artists (read more about it in my previous post.)

Meanwhile, i'm enjoying the holidays with my family in Baja...i'll see you in 2012!

Written For The Sender

For as long as I can remember I've written notes and letters to express my feelings...anger, worry, sadness, hope, and love. And for nearly as long, I have stashed them away in books, boxes, drawers and journals. Rarely did one of those letters ever get sent to whom it was written for. They were written for me. Written to let go. Written to accept. Written to process the emotions of the moment. Writing that would eventually evolve into my craft as a songwriter...without even knowing it.
Letters written (sent or not) became the spark for a roaring fire that has become For The Sender, a project created by singer-songwriter, Alex Woodard. It consists of a book, a twelve song album and a concert event, all benefiting several charities. Tuesday, this two-year project was released to the public (website form only) to promote the concert to be held January 19, 2012. Plans for the book/album release are for Spring 2012.
Almost exactly two years ago I met Alex Woodard: singer-songwriter and neighbor. I had reached out to him to pick his brain about music business and more importantly songwriting. I had never considered myself a songwriter and in working on my debut album, I was hungry for skills, advice and inspiration. Over that first cup of coffee he challenged me to write a song.
Alex had been receiving letters from fans telling him about their life stories, tragedies and hopes. Their stories inspired him...not only to write...but to help them. He had a plan to take several of these letters and collaborate with local musician friends to write songs about them. He hoped that we could then play and record the songs for each letter author as a gift. Within the week, Alex had forwarded me one of those letters.
Over the two years that followed, Alex wrote a book about his story, his own letter, and how the For The Sender project became a part of it. The songs (and especially playing them for the authors) are as touching as the letters, capturing the incredible emotions and stories...moments never to be forgotten.
Alex Woodard and I co-wrote "Hush" for Katelyn, widow of a police officer, fallen in the line of duty, who had written Alex her story in a letter. At the time she had a newborn baby...Wyatt...now three years old. The letter is about loss, hope and love. So is the song. read it here
I can't express how honored I am to be a part of this project...everyone involved is incredibly talented, generous, genuine and open...from the musicians to the authors of each letter. I have truly experienced how music can heal and touch people and how powerful our gifts are as musicians. Watch the videos, read the letters, listen to the music clips and become a part of it. We're all wearing our hearts on our sleeves.
For concert tickets and to watch the videos, go to: ForTheSender.com
Join For The Sender on Facebook and follow on Twitter
For The Sender features the voices of Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), Sara & Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek), Jack Tempchin, Molly Jenson, Jordon Pundik (New Found Glory), Nena Anderson and Alex Woodard.

SD Rock N Roll Reviews "Beyond The Lights"

Album Review by SD Rock N Roll

Nena Anderson’s Beyond The Lights – Album Review
Written on October 24, 2011 by Rick in San Diego Rock News

Nena Anderson’s new album Beyond The Lights is a handful of honky tonk lost love laments. The album’s ten songs focus on Anderson’s alluringly smooth vocals with the sturdy starter “I Fall In Love Too Fast” setting the table. Nena’s subtle vocal approach grabs your ear before its slow and sultry pace moves into a soft, swinging dance. She establishes her ability to tug at the heart strings early on, using an unassuming vocal style that lulls you into a comfortable listening place.
The second song “Daggers” starts to ever-so-slightly raise the vocal stakes as Anderson opens up and begins to push her range. It doesn’t hurt that she can lean on the fine playing of pedal steel guitarist David Berzansky as he creates a moody back drop. The rollicking “Daggers” also features the first of many of the album’s extremely tasty guitar solos from producer and guitarist Mike Butler.
In the third song “Sink or Swim,” Anderson wades through a bluesy shuffle with Butler dropping a quaint, jazzy flurry before the song fades into a whisper.
A few songs pass before the album finds its groove again, though song five “Long Goodbye” sounds like it can fit comfortably on any good Cowboy Junkies album. However, it’s “Promises” that cracks the whip and sets the album back on pace as the band jumps into a strong groove with Anderson pleading “Easy baby you don’t have to throw stones my way.”
It’s halfway through track number 8, “One More,” that I’m convinced of Anderson’s ability to craft multiple styles of music. Be it the heart-grabbing emotion she uses on the slower waltzes, or the punch she delivers to the up-tempo jumping jukes, Nena Anderson has a firm grasp on songwriting. She ends Beyond The Lights in style with a slow blues walk. The album closer starts with a sparse acapella before she and the boys use a slow, stinging blues pace to bring the title track home. Anderson’s ten song affair is a compelling alt country ride that casts a spotlight on a vocal and songwriting ability that is sure to last.

'Daggers' Live at The Museum of Making Music

Part of The Museum of Making Music's Local Flavor series.

ThreeBzine Reviews "Beyond The Lights"

Beyond the Lights: Falling in Love with Nena Anderson

Posted by ThreeBZine on September 14th, 2011

“I Fall in Love Too Fast” is the new single from Nena Anderson’s debut album, Beyond the Lights, but it might as well refer to how quickly you’ll become enamored with her on first listen. Recently released to unanimous praise, the Encinitas native has fashioned a solid collection of gorgeous songs that sound like they’ve been spinning on turntables since the 60’s. And if the lead-off single somehow doesn’t do the trick, songs like “Sink or Swim” and “Daggers” will have you hopelessly hooked.
Maybe it’s the melodies that seem instantly familiar; or maybe it’s her voice – a sweet, tender, yet strong and soulful instrument full of both melancholy and resiliency. In an age of bombastic, belting wannabe-divas, it’s refreshing to hear a charming, understated and tasteful singer like Nena. Her new album could rightfully take it’s place as soundtrack de facto for the poor, broken-hearted souls... continue to read the review and interview HERE

Music Video Premier - "I Fall In Love Too Fast"

Official Music Video for "I Fall In Love Too Fast" the first single from Nena Anderson's debut album BEYOND THE LIGHTS. All shot on location in Los Angeles.
Nena Anderson: vocals/guitar, Mike Butler: guitar, Patrick McClory: bass, Brian Cantrell: drums, David Berzansky: pedal steel
Cd or digital download available on Itunes, Amazon and CdBaby.
Directed by D. David Morin http://www.ddavidmorin.com
Produced by Lofty Films http://www.loftyfilms.net
I Fall In Love Too Fast ©2010 Nena Anderson, Antique Rodeo BMI
©2011 Nena Anderson & D. David Morin/Lofty Films

San Diego Music Awards 2011

Tonight is the San Diego Music Awards! Big thanks to the committee for my nominations this year for "Best Jazz" and "Best Americana" (Brawley), and to all of my fans for voting.

There is still time to get yourself a ticket to this event and join us for the best party of the year...a who's who of the San Diego Music scene. Best of all, all proceeds from this event benefit music programs in local schools.

See you tonight!

Live Recording at US Grant: July 28

Last Thursday, Ian Tordella of Dirty Boulevard Recording Co. dropped by the US Grant to record my show for his weekly 'Dirty Thursdays' podcast.

The podcast features original songs : Roses and Kisses, Win Your Heart, Say You'll Be Mine, Five 'til Eight, Daggers, and I Fall In Love Too Fast (outro).

Listen HERE

I've been playing a few shows around town with my jazz trio, featuring Adrian Demain, guitarist and Rob Thorson on upright bass. We play occasionally at the Grant, and every Sunday 5-8pm at Flavor Del Mar (Del Mar, CA) through August.

Preview Songs at Lastfm

My full album preview was a huge success... nearly 1500 plays in one and a half days! If you missed out, you can preview the record at LastFM. 30 sec clips will give you a little taste.

You can pre-order the digital release at my STORE page, or wait for the physical cd on June 30!
Digital pre-orders get an immediate mp3 of "I Fall In Love Too Fast" as well as 2 hidden bonus tracks!

Beyond The Lights releases June 30, 2011

click on the photo or go HERE to pre-order the digital release

listen to tracks on my facebook page or myspace!

Dirty Boulevard Podcast

I spent Wednesday morning in the studio at Dirty Boulevard Recording Studios recording a podcast for their weekly show "Dirty Thursdays." Here I am being interviewed by Meaux. He made me laugh, he made me cry...it was a great interview.

I played a few tunes off the upcoming record and got to visit dynamic super-couple Ian and Darci (both talented musicians as well as creators of this show.)

Listen to the podcast and music at Dirty Thursdays or subscribe and stream it on Itunes. I'd love your feedback...please leave comments here, on the Dirty Thursdays blog, or facebook . xo n

Mother's Day Show

Yeah, that's my squeeze box in the photo above.

For the last several years I have spent Mother's Day celebrating at Gator By The Bay music festival in San Diego, CA. I can't think of anything more fun (well except maybe being in NOLA) involving zydeco music and soul food!

Join me this year when I perform on MAY 8 on the Bourbon Street Stage with my band, The Mules.
2pm show means that you can sleep in and still get to the festival within plenty of time to boogie. Then you can join me for Cajun dancing to Horace Trahan and the Ossun Express and Brian Jack and The Zydeco Gamblers

Photos with Cash'd Out

Keep up to date with my adventures on the road with Cash'd Out on their facebook page CLICK HERE. I post photos on a regular basis as well as videos and snaps from friends and fans.

Here's a great shot from the Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach 2/26/2010 from Johnny Cash's birthday celebration. Photo by Dennis Andersen.

San Diego Troubadour Features Nena Anderson

A few weeks ago I had a nice chat with musician and writer, Paul Hormick, for the San Diego Troubadour magazine. I'm excited to see that his feature ran in the same issue that has my pal (and occasional musical co-hort) Billy Watson on the cover! Read the entire article HERE

January Tour with Cash'd Out

Photo by Karina Ioffee at Petaluma Patch

Calling all country music fans...I've got a new gig...singing the songs of June Carter with Cash'd Out!
Jackson, It Aint Me Babe, Long Legged Guitar Pickin' Man, Ring of Fire... all your favorites!

Join us this January for a short snowy winter tour:

1/6 Salt Lake City, UT @A Bar Named Sue
1/7 Aspen, CO @Belly Up Aspen
1/8 Denver, CO @Blue Bird Theatre
1/9 Steamboat, CO @Ghost Ranch Saloon
1/10 & 11 Steamboat, CO @The MusicFest
1/13 Jackson, WY @Town Square Tavern
1/14 Boise, ID @Knitting Factory
1/15 Spokane, WA @Knitting Factory

For more information on tickets or the venues, click HERE