Last saturday July 11th, at Club Soda, Montreal, a little after midnight….
I was hiding behind black curtains, waiting to come on stage while I was hearing the voice of the host briefly describing my career and the recent release of my new album “I’m No Human” to the crowd. I was nervous…… SO nervous! I could not believe that moment. I was alone, because I started the show with “Ouais”, my only instrumental track of the album, and my band mates were still downstairs in the dressing rooms. In that tiny 30 seconds I was really realizing for the first time what the heck I got myself into….. And when I heard “sans plus tarder, voici Misstress Barbara”, which means “without further delay, here comes Misstress Barbara”, and then I heard a sold out / jam packed room full of people whistling and screaming to the sound of my name, I could not believe what was happening to me…. I don’t know how I found the strength in my legs to get out there, but I did….. I walked on stage, with a smile, lifted my hand to say hi to people, got to my keyboard and started playing the first song of the show.
A show that was magical.
A show in front of a fired up crowd that was singing along each one of my songs.
A show that changed my life.
60 minutes of singing, playing, giving and receiving love, laughing at the very few technical problems that are almost always part of a live show, it was a pure joy.
60 minutes semi-blinded by the beautiful lights made by Moment Factory that are now the personal signature of my show, that created so much brightness on stage and in the room that when I think of that night it almost feels like it was a dream. But the exact opposite dream of the one I sing “I’m No Human”… I wasn’t in a weird place, it wasn’t dark, and as much as I was so scared before coming on stage, I wasn’t scared anymore while I was on it. I felt in the right place. And I did fell my skin, at least the extreme temperature of it since it was SOOOOO HOT!!
I could have gone on and on and on. I had such a blast that it makes me want to write more music ASAP so I can do 2-3 hour shows at some point… After all, I do come from a DJ background and I’m used to play long sets.
So, let’s put it this way: I am IN LOVE. As simple as that. I’m in love with playing LIVE. I’m in love with the vibe created by the perfect and balanced mix between old fans of mine, and new ones. I’m in love with sharing the stage with musicians. I’m in love with the hole I get in the stomach each time before going on stage. I’m in love with the WHOLE experience. WHAT-A-THRILL!!!
I’m so grateful that the Montreal International Jazz Festival invited me to play one of their events. It was their 30th edition, such an important event, and having had a sell out for my first real LIVE show in Montreal is a HUGE thing for me. You can look at the pictures in the pics section, you will see what I mean….
For the ones who were there last saturday, thank you SO MUCH for your presence, your great energy that gave me so much confidence and made me have so much fun that I then retransmitted back to you. I love you all, what a great crowd you were! I feel pleased! And I feel so lucky! I can’t wait for what’s next, this is going to be such a fun ride!!
I’ve always said that the nicest thing that could happen to me is to see people singing along on my songs. I’ve had the pleasure of having that in my first big Montreal show ever. It’s awesome!
Right now, I’m the happiest woman on earth.
bxxx