I have read every single one of your messages.

I love reading them and that you take the time to write. They always make my day and make me smile.

Yes, I wish I could get reviewed in newspapers and magazines the way I did back in the day when the music business was different and a good publicist made all the difference in the world (though, let’s be honest, it never pulled me up from the underground place I’ve inhabited throughout my career). Nevertheless, when you reach out to tell me that my music found you, that it brought you 2:30 minutes of joy, that it made some difference in your day, that is what makes me feel like I can keep going, singing my heart out, and putting my little stories into the world for you to hear. The connection I feel with you all when I’m performing, or when you take the time to write, truly keeps me going.

So before I tell you about Tailspin, my 12th album, I just want to say thank you. It feels corny to say it, but the exchange of energy is so cool. I love it!

Why It Took Seven Years

In 2010, I decided to become a single mother by choice and gave birth to twins, Rex and Della. I kept making records, kept touring, and kept bringing them along, but ultimately I had to admit I needed to make the kind of money that would let me truly take care of them and find a job that included healthcare, as unglamorous as that sounds. I went back to school kicking and screaming, got a Master's degree from USC (undergrad at UC Berkeley!), and now I spend my days teaching high school English. It took years to find peace in this reality. I resisted for a long time, hated it, and thought I was done with music for good.

But I clawed my way back, and I’m so glad that I did. It was like climbing a mountain! And now I really appreciate what I get from my job, meeting awesome young people with whom I get to share my love of words, of literature, to guide them and learn alongside them. I can appreciate it so much more now that I feel like I’m back to my true self as a songwriter, musician, and performer. I can’t stop saying this to everyone who will listen, but I love making art with my friends!

Tailspin is full of difficult emotions: loneliness, lost love, fear of the unknown, but also of joy, love, and hope (my favorite feeling!).

"Hard to Be Lonely"

One of my students once confided in me about her difficult home life. Then she asked me something I'll never forget.

"Miss, do you know how hard it is to be lonely?"

I passed her a tissue and asked her to pass me one. We both cried.

"How Will I Know,"

"How Will I Know" is what I call my wondering song. It's about that feeling when you sense trouble in a relationship but still hold onto hope.

"Music and Motion"

Maybe we all love music and motion. It immediately makes me think of my happy place: Moonlight Rollerway roller rink in Glendale, CA. This song is for anyone who loves music and motion. I mean, not much more to say about that, is there?

What I Hope You Take From Tailspin

I hope these little stories that were all inspired by my real life, the joy and the pain, will inspire your real life and bring you some comfort, a little light, maybe a laugh, or a reason to dance. Some of these songs come from dark places and difficult times, but writing them has helped me heal in some way, and I hope they might do the same for you.

Now It's Your Turn

You've heard from me. Now I want to hear from you.

Leave a note in the comments below and tell me what moved you, what made you cry, or what made you happy. Which song found you?

Press play on TAILSPIN, then let me know what you think.

LISTEN NOW