My Album Takes a Leap Towards the Finish Line

My album, "The Impossible Girl," is going to be finished soon! I have dates at the end of this month for final recording and mixing. Then comes mastering. And then I can start to release it! I'm not even going to talk about dates until I have a finished product in my hand and there is still quite a process left before the end. Art needs to be finished, packaging designed, songs chosen, songs, ordered. It's a big job. I'm up to the task.

Thank you to all who have pre-ordered - we are making this album together and it is really really great. It has meant so much to me to have so many of you believing in me through such a dark time of my life when I didn't believe in myself. The last year was hard. So hard. But I've come through and what I have now is better than anything I've ever had.

And you know what? The songs that were good to begin with are now astounding. I love my music - wholeheartedly. I love performing again and I want to do it as much as possible. So thanks for sticking with me! You are loved and appreciated!

The pre-order will keep going, as the costs still need to be met. And I still won't be releasing until I have enough to pay for the rest of the process. Those of you who have not ordered yet can still do so, though I must warn that soon the $5 option will be gone - so if that is your price range, get it now!




I will have another album preview for you soon! As well as a recording from the show this Wednesday, May 12th in Boston at Mad Oak Studios - it is a live recording session with an audience, it is free to attend, and it will be fantastic! I'll be joined onstage by Helen Gillet, my cellist friend from New Orleans and what we are doing together is jaw droppingly beautiful. I will also webcast!

Webcast from Mad Oak Studio, Wednesday May 12th - 8pm EST (5pm US West Coast)



More news:



My next webcast with Molly Crabapple and Jim Batt is on May 20th at 9pm EST (6pm US West Coast.) We will again be discussing our animated music video for "The Organ Donor's March." We'll have new art to show you and Molly will probably draw another wonderful piece to auction for the occasion.

http://www.watchitoo.com/pro/kimboekbinder/

I've cancelled my June 18th show in California - at this point I'm not sure I'll be back in California at all in June. My life is a little bit up in the air as I navigate this crazy time before the album comes out and I launch myself back into the fray of full time music making and touring.

I'm very excited to have my album coming out, and a little daunted by the task of doing everything myself all over again. This art life is impossible. And that, friends, is exactly why I do it.

If you would like to stay well informed of all things "Impossible," please consider signing up to follow along on one or all of these platforms:

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It's All About Freedom

Dear World,

I am on a bus - hurtling from NYC to Boston, MA where I will have a show. I have been laughing and having a grand old time with Helen Gillet. I am fortunate to be free to express myself creatively in this way.

I just got this email, and because there is wifi on this bus, and because this moved me so much I couldn't wait, I am posting this letter that I just received from my friend Sylvia K. If it is the only thing you do today - read this to the end:

**

Dearest Kim,

I hope I can steal a second of your time and ask you to read this. This girl's story has been haunting me for the last few days, and I feel so powerless, but I do know that many powerless individuals can make a change.

In case you didn't know her : Kiana Firouz, 27 years old, lesbian, Iranian, she stars in a movie that'll open in London in a few days, Cul de Sac, a documentary about the condition of lesbians in Iran.
Kiana is now in England, she requested asylum there but the British Home Office rejected her application. She could be deported to Iran any moment now, where she will most likely be sentenced to death, after torture and reclusion, because of the explicit lesbian scenes in the movie.

In Iran, homosexuality is not only an unspeakable sin, but it is also against the law. The punishment for lesbianism involving mature consenting women consists of 100 lashes. This punishment can be applied up to 3 times, and then the woman is sentenced to death. For Kiana though, the death sentence could come much sooner, because of the proof contained in the movie.

What I wonder is, is there really nothing we can do? Why don't other countries spontaneously offer asylum to Kiana? I know nothing about these things, would it be ''illegal''?

As the little activist that I am, I wrote to numerous newspapers, politicians (both Italian and foreign), and to the British Home Office as was asked by the 'EveryOne' activists (you can also send protest e-mail messages to the British Home Office (public.enquiries@homeoffice.gs.gov.uk) requesting that Kiana receive refugee status as soon as possible, for she is a symbol of the international fight against homophobia and repression of gays and lesbians in Islamic countries.)
Still, no major newspaper even remotely talks about Kiana's story, nor do gay activists. People don't seem to care much at all. I do.

Last night I wrote to Kiana. Nothing much, only to say that I was so saddened and angry, that her story had moved and inspired me and that I was SO thankful to her for standing up for what she truly believed in.

This morning before going out I found her reply. It goes like this :

"Dear Sylvia
I am proud of you. we should proud of each other for being strong. I am so thankful for your supportive and kindly letter. It does not matter what is going to happen to me. Its all about freedom.
Take care and do not forget you are not alone, we are many...
Kiana "


I wrote it on a piece of paper and hurried out of the house.

I spent the greater part of this rainy day sitting in one of the University's courtyards, crying alone, while listening to M.I.A.'s song ''born free'' that suddenly was making so much sense to me. I mean, somebody who is in her situation, who has the strenght to write something like ''It does not matter what is going to happen to me. Its all about freedom'' breaks my heart into tiny insignificant pieces.

Because I look at myself, always complaining about homophobia in Italy, about the fact we have no equal rights, and I feel like a fucking piece of shit. Because for me, it is SO easy to go to London, to Paris, to Berlin and be the butchest fiercest lesbian around, without having to be afraid of being lashed 100, 200, 300 times and then hung, a thick rope around my neck, people rejoycing all around.

So please, please, please, I beg you, just talk to people about this, send Kiana's story to someone who could help, just raise awareness before it's too late.


For reference, here is the movie's official website with some contact info too
this is the petition endorsed by Kiana herself
and here you can find out some more about her story

Thank you SO much in advance.
<3

The Australians

This past week I've accrued a gaggle of Australians. Some of them have been staying with me. They are very distracting. Hard to get work done with all these attractive people wandering around my apartment in underwear and inviting me out for pie and speakeasies. But instead of going out for pie (and instead of blogging about something very important - I'll post that later today) I am posting this blog about this beautiful group of people I've had the great pleasure of getting to know. Mel leaves today. I get to keep the others for a little longer.




Mel is quick and energetic. She bounces from topic to topic. Her beautiful eyes sparkle with electric life as she tries to scoop up as much experience as she can. When she talks about the future her eyes get dreamy. She makes plans every day, attacks the city with a vitality I've never seen. Her charm and joy are infectious. She is happiness with substance. She is a force of nature and an inspiration.






Rachel is soft and delicious. She smiles when she talks and has a precise lexicon of Rachelisms that the others pick up and toss around for fun. Her small, graceful body fits into vintage dresses perfectly. Her red hair falls in curtains around her pretty face as she leans her head back to laugh. Often in her own little world she can drift away from the group and amuse herself quietly, only to bounce right back into the conversation with a quick word and a laugh and a toss of her ginger locks.






Jimmy's curly blonde hair cannot pick a direction from which to spring forth from his head and so has decided to leap out at all angles. His small leather pouch holds the treasures of his travels - rusted bits of metal and love notes from strangers. He sings with a voice stolen from the 1930's, he plays guitar with long, thin fingers that dance across the strings. His mustache curls up on one side and down on the other. The quality of his eye contact is breathtaking.







Anthony has a quiet magnetism. He is thin and willowy, looks stunning in a sequin dress. Both completely feminine and completely masculine. His hair stops traffic, his eyes stop hearts. He is stoic and can seem aloof, but is always engaged and present. He is a pole dancer and a painter. He is up for adventures and down for 4am rambling talks. Everything is genuine. And he smells like cake.

I fall into the light

On my calendar today it says: ALONE. 

My first day alone, with nothing scheduled. I haven't been alone for weeks, I won't be alone for weeks to come. There are three Australian house guests who do a slapstick variety routine of hangover comedy in the morning. Last night they came home at 4am, broke a mirror, left the glass on the bathroom floor. They are tan, with hard bodies, boisterous and full of energy to be in New York. The boy has long black wavy hair, like a wig. I stare for  long time while he puts on his zebra striped pants. The girls are covered in tattoos. I luxuriate in the accents. They bring me fancy sea-salt chocolate to thank me for my hospitality. I like them.

Last week I played four shows. Had five rehearsals. Hosted a friend. Went to two other concerts. And met a British man - Malcolm - who was stranded by the ash cloud and became my best friend for a few days. He's gone now, and with him his friend Paulo who worried that once they stopped buying me dinner I would never eat again. I still eat, and for my size I eat a lot. But now I eat at home instead of at the table next to Susan Sarandon in that fancy place with red velvet booths and chandeliers.

It's all spit and glitter here. Shiny teeth and introductions. Everyone is maneuvering all the time. I intrigue them with my genuine nature. Or is it the pink hair and leopard print cape? Whatever it is: doors are opened, dinners paid for, emails sent, kisses on both cheeks, please stand here while we take your picture.

Yes, it's all red carpets, art openings, celebrities, guest lists, PR, interviews, secret clubs, and more. And more.

Am I empty? Am I full? Is any of it substantial or will it all fade if I try to grasp the treasures that are flashed before me?

My shows are still badly attended. It's not like I'm suddenly famous. I just fall into the light sometimes.

The Cup

It wasn't really a cataclysmic event. I just looked up from my sushi dinner and told my date I didn't believe in love anymore.

"I don't believe in love anymore."

I felt the words, each a separate shape that hooked onto the one next to it, as they left my mouth. The words hung, in an eternally awkward moment of silence. The sentence fidgeted, scuffed one toe against the other and bashfully tried to insert itself back between my lips.

My date looked concerned.

"Since when?" he asked.

I shrugged and said nothing else until we got home. Home that is not my home anymore. Home that marks the absence of a geriatric cat. Home that I am sad, no glad, no sad, no glad, to leave. I brushed and flossed, stared at my new, not-believing-in-love face in the mirror, made aquaintance with eyes that no longer glistened with suspended disbelief.

"How do you feel?" He asked.

"Empty."

"I think you still believe in love." He said as I crawled into his lap.

But I feel empty. Like a cup that is about to be filled, but never is.

******

New Website, New Art

"Unipus" by Shannon Marshall

I am listening to this: Botanica because it is SO effing good. (Fun fact: Brian Viglione plays drums.) Go listen. Then buy a ticket to their show: TICKET LINK

Then eat a cookie.

I am re-doing my websites because I was tired of the art that had nothing to do with me, even though naked ladies are nice to look at. I rather like the image of me holding a severed heart - by the wonderful Mary Larsen

I have your heart...I have your heart...I have your heart...!

Speaking of which! Molly Crabapple and I are working with a truly wonderful animator, Jim Batt, in Australia to make "The Organ Donor's March" animated music video! We had our very first cross-continental Skype meeting last night and got some good things accomplished. I am a very lucky girl. We'll be posting images/videos and more soon.

Then Molly and I did a quick stop-motion test for another music video idea I have - because we must always be doing as many things as possible. It goes by fast, but it works and we did it on an iPhone (and a bottle of champagne.)



I now have three music videos in the works. And new artists who will be contributing to the album art. I am absolutely over the moon, ecstatically happy, and a little delirious about the people who want to be involved. There will be A LOT of art - one beautiful piece for each track on the project! Feast your eyes on their talents (these are not the pieces for the album...those come later...)

Travis Louie





www.teeteringbulb.com





Dax Tran-Caffee.





As well as the art of a beautiful gypsy (yes, by blood) who writes, paints, tells fortunes, and lives a passionate life. The enchanting, Katelan Foisy. Read her blog, it is delicious.


There are more, I will be announcing them as they come.

If you would like to make art for "The Impossible Girl" please send it to kim (at) kimboekbinder.com - I will post every piece I get on the website - though they might not all fit in the "official" release.

I'm also looking for short stories about "The Impossible Girl" - whatever that means to you.



And while I'm at it I will tell you the thing that has been making me smile happy little heart warming smiles to myself all week:

Rosanne Cash - yes, THE Rosanne Cash - pre-ordered my album! We follow each other on twitter, and after a 140 character conversation about nuclear physics she watched my webcast from my last show. She liked my album preview so much that she ordered the album. And this, I must say, is quite a compliment. Here is a lady who has been steeped in amazing music since before she was born. She is incredibly talented, intelligent and lovely - her Twitter stream attests to these allegations.






And I put up a subscription button on my website - by request - for people who want to give me money every month. Whee! What you give will be tallied up and you'll get the album pre-order package that corresponds with the amount you give.

SUBSCRIBE


And....whew...Oh man, I'm exhausted from all these words and concepts, but just one more thing: I'm hosting this event on April 24th, I'll play a few songs, but mostly will be very charming with the microphone and dancing to the music of my fantastic friends, Budzillus - from Berlin! These parties are legendary. Get tickets!

Also going to see Budzillus tonight in the East Village - come!

BUDZILLUS
Mehanata Bulgarian Bar
9pm, April 15th
113 Ludlow
NY

It is Gorgeous in My Head

Exclusive! Pre-Order only T-Shirt! Click for details.

Tweet this!

Molly Crabapple and I teamed up to create this T-shirt design for people who pre-order any album package of $100 or more. And I LOVE this design. The shirts will never be made available again. Oh ephemera!

Pre-Order now/Add to your existing order



In other news:

I am completely in love with New York. My time here has been amazing. Every day I meet to collaborate with artists. Today I have two rehearsals, tomorrow as well. Shows keep rolling in and I have two music videos in the works! One with BriAnna Olson, one with Molly Crabapple and Jim Batt.

I got recognized on the street yesterday by a man whose seen me play. My friend Lucio says that being recognized in New York means you're doing something right.

And it feels right. I am in the right place, at the right time and I am soaking it up for all it's worth. Life doesn't often feel this...not perfect, but just somehow precise.

Yesterday morning I woke up discouraged. Yes, it's hard, this life. For everyone. And for me sometimes with the music. But I decided to change my outlook and then wonderful things started happening. I have a bunch of new artists signed on to make art for my album, and some writers too. And there will be a big post about this, and about how you can make art, or words, for The Impossible Girl project - which is getting big and lovely and growing beyond and growing up and taking flight.

I say I decided to change my outlook, as if that were easy. And it is easy, when it's easy. Other times it is nigh impossible. I haven't had a serious depression since December. There have been hard days, and a dark week after getting that terrible flu in Alabama. But really, for the past few months I have felt very strong.

I feel as though I have this swirling mass of energy, thoughts, actions, life, all around me. I am in the center of a Kim vortex. And when I am strong enough I can use the momentum of the spin to fling the bad thoughts back out into the stratosphere where they burn up. But if I am not strong, or not diligent enough, if I let the thoughts sink down, they take hold, the spin gets denser, faster, I get sucked down and down, collapsing in on myself. A hard little nut of awful gravity. A black hole.

Happiness is a full time job. And for the most part it is not bliss, or joy, or smiling all the time. Though I am smiling a lot these New York days. Happiness is presence, and intent, and feeling that I am in the right place at the right time and I can say yes. To life.