KS Dec Update: Free Download + I Won Something!

KS Dec Update: Free Download + I Won Something!
December 16, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
- Luke 2:14 NKJV


Hi there!

The tree is up and finally decorated in the Scobie household. The stockings are hung. Sherlock, our "Elf On The Shelf", has been hanging around for a couple weeks. And I'm planning on making the world-famous Scobie family egg nog this week! Yes, Christmas-time is here again.

And while 2014 is wrapping up, there are still a few things happening...

SHOOTOUT WINNER
On December 11th I took home the gold at The Camp House Songwriter Shootout Finals in Chattanooga, TN. It was a GREAT night listening to a GREAT group of songwriters share their songs. I created a little photo album and shared more about my experience in my blog, which you can check out here. There are a few more photos you can hunt for on Facebook, too. 

One of the exciting parts about this is that I won some studio time as a part of the grand prize! I will be working with award-winning producer Chuck Harris to bring you some new music in 2015! Get ready. I have been focusing on creating new material this past year. Now, it is time to polish them up and get them out there for you to hear. I will keep you posted about that. 

I appreciate the support of those who were able to come cheer me on at the shootout, and to those of you who were cheering from home. I am honored.



FREE DOWNLOAD
A couple years ago I released a re-worked Christmas song as a part of a compilation with some songwriter friends. Some of you may already have my rendition of "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks", but a lot of you are new subscribers, so I thought I'd point your attention to this free download again. After all, 'tis the season!

The lyrics are from the original hymn, except I added the chorus. And the music was also written by yours truly. Please take a minute to check it out, download it, and share it with your friends. It is my gift to you. Merry Christmas! You can download this song here.



CHRISTMAS SHOW RECAP
I couldn't have asked for a better night on December 5th. Miriam Tyson and Jacob Harshman (and their musician friends) were great companions on the Red Clay Music Foundry stage. We had a blast preparing our songs and performing for a warm audience.

I collected a few photos from the show and put them in an album on Google+. Check them outhere. We had live-painting by Matt Armstrong at this event and his work turned out beautifully. 


THANK YOU FOR AN AMAZING 2014
I couldn't do this music thing without you. Thank you for all of your support and prayers and love. I am excited for the upcoming year, and I hope you will continue to follow along.

Kurt
---
Kurt Scobie
www.kurtscobie.com

KS Nov Update: Save The Date + More YouTube Videos

KS Nov Update: Save The Date + More YouTube Videos
November 11, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com/enewsletter


“If the road is easy, you're likely going the wrong way.” - Terry Goodkind
Hi there!

If I had to choose a favorite month, November would probably be it! I love Fall. I love Thanksgiving. And, to be honest, my this is my birth-month, so that's pretty awesome. AND we have had a couple cold-ish nights so I have been able to put our fireplace to use. Yay fire!

A couple things to share with you...

SAVE THE DATE
Christmas is coming! Fast! And to help you get into the Christmas spirit, I have a show for you! Save the date for Friday, December 5th. A few friends and I will be performing at the Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth, GA (Formerly the Red Clay Theatre). This will be a heart-warming night of original songs and some Christmas favorites! More details will be announced soon, as well as where you can pre-order tickets. Stay tuned!


MORE YOUTUBE VIDEOS
I have been working on learning some new cover songs. Click on over to  my YouTube channel to check out my latest videos, LIVE from my living room! This is my cover of "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith. And there are a few others you can check out as well (and even more to come). If you like it, I hope you'll share it 



THANK YOU
in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to say thanks for reading and listening and supporting me. I have the best group of people around me, loving me, believing in me, and pouring into me. I really appreciate you. Thank you, times a billion.

Cheers!
-Kurt

---
Kurt Scobie
​www.kurtscobie.com

KS Oct Update: YouTube + SoundCloud + Spotify

KS Oct Update: YouTube + SoundCloud + Spotify
October 7, 2014 
www.kurtscobie.com/enewsletter 


“To live by grace means to acknowledge my whole life story, the light side and the dark. In admitting my shadow side I learn who I am and what God's grace means.” -Brennan Manning

Hi there!

Happy October! Happy Fall! Happy pumpkin beers for everyone month! Ok, maybe that last one isn't for you, but this is a great time of year. Autumn in Georgia is always beautiful. Wherever you are, I hope you are having a splendid day! 

In this edition of the KS Email Update I am highlighting a few things I have going on in the digital world. As always, you can check the show schedule for an upcoming live performance, but I thought I'd do something a little different this month. Here we go!

ED SHEERAN COVER "PHOTOGRAPH" VIDEO
I am thoroughly enjoying the new Ed Sheeran album. A little pop, a little hip-hop, a little folk, and a lot of talent. So good. One of my favorite songs from his new album is "Photograph", so I covered it! I hope you will take 4 minutes and 27 seconds to check it out. 

http://bit.ly/1uAszS4


NEW ORIGINAL SONG "REST IN ME"
As many of you know I have been focusing on writing a lot this year. And part of my goal to finish 12 songs in 2014 is to get out and PERFORM the new song each month. Well, I had the pleasure of sharing a new song "Rest In Me" at Red Clay Theatre in Duluth, GA for their songwriter's open mic. I love that room and the recording turned out nicely so I decided I'd upload it to SoundCloud and see what people think. So, I hope you will check out the new tune and share it. And if you want more info about the song, read the blog I wrote about at http://bit.ly/1pTXGEd

SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS
There is quite a debate out there about whether Spotify is good for the music industry or not. But, I am experimenting with this new music streaming model by creating playlists of some similar artists and including my own music. Spotify is an undeniably huge player when it comes to music discovery, so I am embracing it and hoping to reach more ears. You can follow me on Spotify at http://spoti.fi/1nUQeP9 and check out the playlists I have created (and add songs you think fit with the theme/style).

TRULY GRATEFUL
I have the best supporters in the universe. I am truly grateful for each and every person who follows along and joins me on this journey. Thank you for listening. Thank you for reading.

Cheers!
-Kurt

---
Kurt Scobie
www.kurtscobie.com

LINKS
www.Facebook.com/KurtScobieMusic
www.Twitter.com/KurtScobieMusic
www.YouTube.com/KurtScobie
www.iTunes.com/KurtScobie

KS Sep Update: Fall Festivals, Faith, and Food Trucks!

KS Sep Update: Fall Festivals, Faith, and Food Trucks!
September 2, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com/enewsletter 
"God has great tasks only for those who have demonstrated their ability to deal with great failure. The greater the failure, the greater the opportunity for service." -Landon Saunders

Hi there!

It is another beautifully HOT day here in Georgia. Summer is not going out without a fight. I love it. I'll be spending some time outdoors in the coming months so I'm not ready for the cold just yet (ok, so I'm never "ready" for the cold weather). 

Anyway, there are some exciting things happening as we head into these crisper months. Here's the scoop...

NEW WORSHIP ALBUM
My church, Victory World Church, has a new album out TODAY on iTunes! I am honored to be a part of this LIVE worship album and I hope you will check it out! 

"Covered" Live
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1r8MOXC
Amazon: http://amzn.to/VQbnMx
Spotify: http://t.co/HvblovHjxK


FALL FESTIVALS
I've got a few performances lined up at local Atlanta-area festivals this fall. The following festivals have invited me out to share my songs.
Roswell Arts Festival
Duluth Fall Festival
Oakhurst Festival
Norcross Arts Festival
For more info on these and other performances, check out www.kurtscobie.com/shows

FOOD TRUCK ALLEY
Alpharetta, GA holds it's Food Truck Alley on Thursdays and I'll be performing a couple times this fall as well. If you love food (from a truck) like I do, you definitely ned to come check this out. I am performing Thursday, September 11th and Thursday, October 16th. Come on out and say hi!


Thanks for reading and following along with me. There is more to come! New songs. New shows. And I will be sure to keep you updated! 

Cheers!
-Kurt

---
Kurt Scobie
www.kurtscobie.com

KS Summer Update: Fall Festivals + A Special Side Project

KS Summer Update: Fall Shows + New Songs!
August 5, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com/enewsletter

"Our patience will achieve more than our force." -Edmund Burke​
Hi there!
It has been a great summer for me -a lot of things happening! First, we moved! The Scobie family outgrew the little 2-bedroom condo in Sandy Springs and we have found a nice new home to rent for a while. Moving is always fun... after it is all done. We're happy in our new digs!

NEW SONGSI am still working at my songwriting goal for 2014. I haven't been as diligent as I should, but I am getting back into the routine of it. These days, I pretty much have to schedule time to write. If I don't I find myself playing with trains and cars and reading books to a toddler all day (which is awesome, by the way).

So, my latest song I am pretty excited about, actually. Some songs I write and I'm like "Ok, that's pretty cool", but others I am really excited to let people hear. And now that I've told you that I am afraid I cannot share it with you yet. Sorry. Hopefully soon. But, I assure you that I am eager to get this new batch of songs recorded and released ASAP. Stay tuned.

FALL SHOWSMy fall schedule seems to be coming together with a few important dates. For my Georgia peeps, there are a few opportunities for you to see me perform. I hope you will check out the schedule and come on out! 

Thanks for hanging with me during a time that there isn't too much to tell you about. I appreciate the love and support! Exciting things, I promise, are coming. Sometimes not as quickly as I like. :)

Cheers!
-Kurt

---
Kurt Scobie
www.kurtscobie.com

KS Spring Update: Song-crafting

KS Spring Update: Song-crafting
May 9, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com/enewsletter

“Art at its best draws attention not only to the way things are but also to the way things will be, when the earth is filled with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea. That remains a surprising hope, and perhaps it will be the artists who are best at conveying both the hope and the surprise.” - N.T. Wright

Hi there!

I wanted to check-in with you to let you know 1) I haven't forgotten about you, and 2) there isn't a whole lot to update you about in my world. My calendar has a few shows (I'll get to that), but I have been focusing my energy and time on songwriting. So there isn't much happening "visibly" here.

SONG-CRAFTING
I am facing some new challenges and uncharted ground in the songwriting realm, which is a good thing, yet it can get uncomfortable. In other words, I'm growing. And it isn't always fun. Just today I received some feedback on a new song I have been working on. A trusted friend and mentor of mine, in a kind yet direct way, sent me back to the drawing board. So, I've got some work to do. Which is good. I'm glad I haven't "arrived". That would be boring. (NOTE: I am thankful for honest friends who aren't afraid to tell me things that I need to hear)

So, this is my world right now. Writing. Re-writing. Crafting my songs. I'm still hoping to get into the studio again this year to record some of the material I have been working on. When I do I'll be sure to give you updates! 

I'm excited. This process, this journey doesn't always move at the pace I would like, but I am committed to creating with excellence. And, I am eager to see where this next batch of songs will take me.

ATLANTA SHOWS
In the meantime I'll be Instagramming, Tweeting, occasionallyFacebooking, AND I have a few shows coming up, which I'd love for you to attend if you can. Here's a simplified list. Details are atkurtscobie.com/shows

MAY 11 - DUNWOODY, GA - Dunwoody Art Festival 3:00 PM
MAY 14 - DECATUR, GA - Concert on the Square 12:00 PM (NOON)
MAY 16 - ATLANTA, GA - Umbrella Art Show 7:00 PM

Thank you for keeping up with me. I appreciate the support! 

See you soon!
-Kurt

---
Kurt Scobie
​www.kurtscobie.com
 

KS Mar Update: Tour Dates + FREE Stickers

KS Mar Update: Tour Dates + FREE Stickers
March 6, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com/enewsletter

“If you are renewed by grace, and were to meet your old self, I am sure you would be very anxious to get out of his company.” - Charles H. Spurgeon

Hi there!

What a season! So much learning and renewal has occurred in many areas of my life over the past year. And I cannot even fully put it all into words because I am still in the middle of it. I feel that there is still more to come in this season. 

Exciting things are happening below the surface and behind the scenes. And I am working on writing it all down. If there is one area of my career that has suffered in the past few years, it is my writing. Which is ridiculous because if I am not writing, I might as well quit. So, I have made an effort to purge the things in my life that distract me from my art (Facebook). I still log-on and can get sucked into the social media black hole occasionally, but I am pleased to say that I have gained some serious ground in "fighting the resistance". I am on-track with my songwriting goal for 2014 thus far and I am gaining traction!

So, my show calendar might not have much going on right now but there is movement. And if I can keep the momentum going, there should be a new album coming soon! I will keep you posted. Until then, here is what else is happening...

TOUR DATES
There are a few college shows lined up for March and April. I am excited to get back up to Maine and New York (upstate) for some performances. There may be a few other events that fall into place so stay tuned.

FREE STICKERS
The very last "I Really Like Kurt Scobie" sticker departed from my merch table a little while ago, so I am excited to have some new stickers for you! As usual, stickers are FREE at my shows and with any purchase from my e-store. Come and get 'em!

RUNNING FOR PUNITA
I am excited to see that awareness has grown over the past few years for an issue that I am very passionate about. Around 27 million human beings are bought and sold all over the world each day, an ugly truth about our world in 2014, but I see a lot of people rallying and fighting for freedom in many ways. One of the organizations I have partnered with over the years is As Our Own. Their work to rescue orphaned girls in India is truly inspiring to me, so I am heading up Team Atlanta again this month to raise support for them. We still have a way to go in reaching our financial goal, so we could really use your help! Please take a minute to read more about As Our Own and consider partnering with me as we run for their daughter Punita. The race is March 23rd in Atlanta and I'll be sporting my As Our Own jersey while running 13.1 miles through town. For more info, visit www.kurtscobie.com/team-scobie

THANK YOU

Thank you for reading and following along with my journey. I am excited for all that is brewing and super glad to have your support!

Cheers!
-Kurt

---
Kurt Scobie
www.kurtscobie.com

KS Feb Update: Snow Jam 2014 + College Tour

KS Feb Update: Snow Jam 2014 + College Tour
February 4, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com/enewsletter

“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like there's nobody listening, and live like it's heaven on earth.” - William W. Purkey

Hi there!
Happy February! We've had QUITE a start to 2014 here in Georgia! Atlanta's "Snow Jam 2014" has gotten a little buzz across the U.S. and we're still trying to figure out what happened last Tuesday. All I can say is that I am incredibly thankful that we are safe and sound here in the Scobie household. I was at home with Judah when the madness began on the roads, and it only took my wife 4 hours to travel 10 miles to our apartment (after abandoning her car, taking the train, and then walking 3 miles). Many other Atlantans had a much more stressful day, to say the least.

Well, the snow has almost all melted away now, but I have a feeling there will be more winter weather in my future. I'm thinking of this little snowstorm as conditioning for what I might have to face in the coming weeks. Here's what is happening with me this month.

COLLEGE TOUR DATES
I am hitting the road! This month I will be starting back up my college touring for 2014. I am excited to get back out there and play some shows. If I am coming to a city near you, I hope to see your radiant face! Also, there are still just a few openings for house concerts, so if you'd like me to come play a concert in your house, email me. Let's make it happen! It is easier than you might think. Take a look at my calendar for upcoming tour dates. www.kurtscobie.com/shows.



"THE WAKE" LIVE @ EOP SONGWRITER SHOOTOUT
Back in November, I had the distinct honor to perform in the EOP Songwriter Shootout #3 at Red Clay Theatre (Duluth, GA). I am excited to share a link to a video that was shot that night by the Open Mic Project. There are some exciting things happening on the Atlanta music scene and it is awesome to be a part of it. Check out the video at http://www.kurtscobie.com/blogs.

Also, I am excited to announce that I'll be participating in Eddie's Songwriter Shootout AGAIN this June! I dropped by the Red Clay Theatre last Monday and the judges voted me the overall winner, so now I advance to the bi-annual shootout! I am honored. You can hear my performance of "Waiting" from that night at http://bit.ly/1bgRIY6

By the way, if you live in the Atlanta area and have not been to a show at this amazing venue, I HIGHLY recommend it! www.eddieowenpresents.com.


FAREWELL, HAIR!
If you follow my blog, you might have seen something surprising this morning. I could tell you about it here, but... why waste a perfectly good opportunity to drive traffic to my blog?! :) Visit www.kurtscobie.com/blogs for the details.


RUNNING FOR PUNITA
I am running the Georgia Publix Half-Marathon again this Spring for As Our Own. I hope you'll check out this amazing organization and consider how you can get involved in the fight against human trafficking. Here's the link: http://bit.ly/1jYVSMm.


FOLLOW ALONG IN 2014
Exciting things are happening! Be sure to follow along at home (or wherever you are). I'll be posting to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and more about my adventures. Let's keep in touch!


Thank you for your support. And thank you for reading my little update. Have a great day!

Cheers!
-Kurt

---
Kurt Scobie
www.kurtscobie.com

KS Jan Update: Happy New Year!

KS Jan Update: Happy New Year!
January 7, 2014
www.kurtscobie.com/enewsletter

"I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the years'." -Henry Moore

Hi there!

Happy new year! Happy new day! I hope you've had an amazing holiday season. And I hope the adjustment back into your normal routine isn't too painful. Christmas was a blast in the Scobie household, but I suppose my pass to act like a child has expired. Time to tackle 2014! Exciting things are in store, I can feel it!

HOUSE CONCERTS IN THE NORTHEAST
My tour schedule will be picking up again this spring, and I'm heading back to the northeast! My relationship with this part of the country has grown over the past couple of years and I think it's time to get a little more intimate (wink, wink). One of the reasons I love playing house concerts so much is because they are so intimate and laid back. If you've never experienced one, here is your chance to try something new. Isn't that what the new year is for? Well, if you are even the slightest bit interested or just want more info, email booking@kurtscobie.com. You can also visit the House Concert page on my website www.kurtscobie.com/house-concerts.

SONGWRITING 
I like goals. I try to write down goals for different areas of my life at the beginning of each year. And this year I am stepping up my songwriting game. Ever since Judah came along he has been a (wonderful) distraction from what I consider my most important work, my writing. So, I am "fighting the resistance" by setting a goal to write 12 songs in 2014. Hopefully I can write more than that, but I think that is a good start. AND more songwriting means I'll be planning studio time! And studio time means I'll be planning my next release! And a CD release from me means more music for you! (Yaaayyy!!) Stay tuned.

Thank you for following along with all that is happening in my music world. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Cheers!
-Kurt

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Kurt Scobie
www.kurtscobie.com