Heather Mae Video Release!

DSC_2705-Edit.jpg

Heather Mae, an amazingly talented local singer and song writer, released her much anticipated music video "One of these Days" on the fourth of July.  It is a message we all need to hear; one to live by, one to share.  She describes her song as, "a call to arms to live life to it's fullest extent by no longer waiting for one of these days."  Heather is the perfect example of challenging yourself to live life now.  The driving force behind her album was a self-imposed challenge:  write a song, every day, for one year; 365 days.   She was committed to the challenge, and the results?  In a word, breathtaking.  "One of These Days" is a moving video that speaks for itself, so take a minute to watch it (or do as I did and listen to it about 15 times in a row ;) ), share it, then come back to read the interview below where she gives us a peek at the awesomeness that is Heather Mae!  

And finally, here it is!  One of These Days...

http://bit.ly/17RJs3Y

DSC_2759-Edit.jpg

Tell us a little about the journey your One Year Song Project has taken you on.

It was a roller coaster. I learned so much about myself. Doing one thing every single day for an entire year will do that to you. I also met some amazing people, traveled all over the country playing music, and came to terms with some goals and aspirations of my own that had been hiding in the back of my mind. It was a year of transformation for sure. I look forward to challenging myself like that again one day...one of these days!

What is your writing process?  What is your main source of inspiration?

True, honest, and raw inspiration comes at the most random of times. Driving in my car, washing the dishes, in the shower. Not very convenient times, considering I don't usually have an instrument or pen and paper handy in those moments. I usually quickly jot down in my phone whatever words, images, and lyrics I'm given. Later on, when I have time to write, I look back on those moments and build off those ideas.My writing process is hardly a process at all. Each song has a mind of its own and expects to be written it's own way. Sometimes the words are first, sometimes the melody, sometimes instrumentation. I like to think of songs as living and breathing things. I don't write the songs. The songs are already written, I'm just transposing them. 

Why this song?

"One Of These Days" ended up being the anthem of the "One Year of Songs" project. I was tired of the life I was living before the project. Working a dead end job, not really playing music, no inspiration to be seen. I decided to take my career into my own hands and stop waiting for "one of these days" to roll around. My fans seemed to really connect to the message in this song. I decided it only seemed fair to include them in the video. 

How did you come up with the concept for the video?

The idea of doing a fan contributed video where people would send me pictures and video just kind of came to me. The rest of the creative brillance behind the video was all Dave Farah, the director (http://www.davefarah.com)

 

It is very obvious from the video that this song and your music as a whole touches so many people. How did you get the message out there for people to send their photos in?

It was crazy! I just asked. The power of social media is amazing. I posted a couple status updates on Facebook, sent a couple reminder newsletters, and the pictures and videos just started flooding in. I was humbled and inspired by each one that came in. I honestly only expected to get 10 or 15. Most of which being from my family! 

When will we catch a glimpse at some of your next album?

I'm still in the process of writing the next one but I have a single, titled "Listen", which will be released sometime this Fall! It's an honest look at the way we look and listen to ourselves. Sometimes we can be pretty harsh on ourselves and act as bullies but deep down we all know how truly deserving and wonderful we are. "Listen" takes a microscope to that approach.

How can someone help spread the word about the "One Of These Days" video?

Living presently, with intention, and not waiting for one of these days to come along is key to having a beautiful, colorful, and well lived life. We all have dreams. We all have goals. We're all afraid of trying and failing. What have you got to lose? Help us get the word out about this movement by sharing this link with your friends: http://bit.ly/17RJs3Y

LIFE IS SHORT. LIVE LIFE NOW.

  

DSC_2726-Edit-Edit-Edit.jpg

for more information, and more music, visit www.HeatherMae.net or find her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/heathermaemusicpage?fref=ts 

Engagement Session at Paradise Springs

What do you get when you put together a professional surfer from the west coast and a sweetheart from the east coast?  I'll give you a clue... It starts with "L," ends with "ove,"  and when you put "a whole lot of" in front of it, you perfectly describe Tyler and Elena.   Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton, VA ended up being the perfect choice for their photo session.  The environment there was so peaceful, it matched Tyler and Elena's calming and beautiful beings perfectly.  Thank you three (Zoe, their adorable dog is included too!) for sharing this special time with us!  Hang ten and stay cool ;) -hr

DSC_0128.jpg
DSC_0155.jpg
DSC_0140.jpg
DSC_0071.jpg
DSC_0074-Edit.jpg
DSC_0077.jpg
DSC_0088-Edit.jpg
DSC_0104.jpg
DSC_9988-Edit.jpg
DSC_0001.jpg

Sunshine and Smiles

I recently had the opportunity to photograph this absolutely sweet and beautiful family at nearby Lake Fairfax. The sun was just starting to go down which made the whole park glow, especially the hills upon hills of buttercups.  Thank you three for a wonderful evening stroll through the park and for sharing your sunny smiles!  -hr

DSC_9759-Edit.jpg
DSC_9507-Edit.jpg
DSC_9569.jpg
DSC_9643-Edit.jpg
DSC_9667-Edit.jpg
DSC_9706.jpg
DSC_9725.jpg
DSC_9675-Edit.jpg
DSC_9697-Edit.jpg
DSC_9785.jpg