Log

Ultra Update: Videos, progress, and a plea for help

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:31:30 GMT

In this Issue:

1. What's Robin doing?

2. Please help my friend, Samantha!
3. Video of me doing a pop cover on the radio

March is recklessly speeding into the past and the only way to make sense of the blur is to tell you about it.

Teaching is going great. My 13-year-old voice student just got accepted to the School of the Arts! So proud of her. Also, my 6th SF Singer-Songwriters' Workshop is coming up next Thursday!

And just so you know...

But not everything is so fabulous. My good friend and bandmate Samantha (of Volary), was recently diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer after two years of remission. The cancer is now in her vertabrae, pelvis, and femur. If you haven't heard her music, she is a seriously talented woman that I am proud to know and sing with. If you are able to help, please consider making a donation toward her medical bills and essential items that will increase her comfort immensely (meds, slip on shoes, body pillow, etc.). You can also follow her experiences on Sam's blog.

And to end on a light note, here are videos of me doing a Britney Spears cover and my new song on KSFS Radio! (A recording of the Radiettes' Variety Hour will be available in the next week or two.)

Until next time...

Much love,

www.robinyukiko.com

P.S. Like me on Facebook!

Certified Creeper

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 20:42:36 GMT

There are few things I am really afraid of: lizards, black holes, and most seafood. Add to that list the guy on the 49 in the track suit and full knit mask covering his entire head except ONE EYE. It's hard to describe how terrifying this is without alluding to sci-fi monsters and Jurassic Park (which also terrified me). This dude was either recording the street traffic out the window, or watching previously recorded traffic on his duct taped phone. After elbowing the person next to him a few times and giving me THE EYE, he changed seats and continued to be creepy nearer the front. His pant legs were rubber-banded.

I've asked myself why someone would wear such a thing. Perhaps he was a burn victim. Maybe he was really cold. Maybe he could only stand to see the harshness of this life through one eye. Or maybe he really is on the Most Wanted list. Whatever the reason, I just hope the next time someone has their eye on me, that it comes in a pair.

That's cold, baby

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:54:15 GMT

I hope everyone had a good St. Patrick's Day. I must admit something: I am only rarely a big partyer. My idea of a good time on a day off usually involves staying home, eating vegetables, and watching old Star Trek: Voyager episodes. So when I finally made it out of downtown on said green holiday, I settled into my husband's Physics & Astronomy Club room and played some Magic with the guys. Yes! This is a party. Toss in some exploding frozen beers and some fruit snacks and I've got it made.

Really, anywhere I can get out of the wind and cold is fine by me at this point. I blame my Florida blood, but I also blame San Francisco ridiculousness. A city in California really has no right to a serious winter (the worst of which is that it repeats in the summer). Meanwhile, I've been getting comments on my ankle-length black peacoat. Some include:

"I used to have a coat like that, back when I was a youngster!"
"Nice coat. You look like you're ready to f*** someone up."
"Wow, that's like the Matrix. But in wool."

And my favorite:

"That's really East Coast."

Now, that last one is a comment I've been getting a lot about myself. I've been interviewing some of my friends about what they think the difference is between east and west coasters. All agree that I'm very east coast. Apparently east coasters are (in general) more sarcastic, more strict, and know how to dress for cold weather. Does anyone else have any other ideas about what seperates us (besides a few thousand miles)? Not that I believe any of it.

I'm adding "Educator" to my business card

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:00:17 GMT

Just hosted my second SF Singer-Songwriters' Workshop a few hours ago. Small group, especially due to the last minute change in venue (thank you Russo Music for accomodating us on such short notice!) But I got to hear some great songs (and even sang some harmonies) by some up-and-comers.

Apart from that, I've been teaching at the above mentioned music store. I've forgotten how fulfilling teaching can be. I feel incredibly lucky. Not only that, but putting in long hours editing my tracks for Love War is oddly satisfying. I still haven't got a clue what I'm doing, but I seem to be making progress.

In other news, I'm currently reading Jonathan Strange & Mr Norell which I'm enjoying despite the small print (and even smaller footnotes*).

*Incidentally the footnotes are quite interesting and add a great deal of depth to the world in which these two characters inhabit.

9 Things I'm thankful for. Mainly YOU.

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:45:00 GMT

~ Happy Thanksgiving! ~

Last night, just before midnight, you helped me raise $2,600 so that I can complete my album. You read my newsletters. You answer my call. You guys are my heros.

Here are the things I am grateful for, in no particular order:

1. I have friends and family that support me, even if they aren't necessarily into my music (is this you?)
2. I have friends, family, and people who ARE into it (I hope this is you!)
3. I have a wonderful husband who keeps me laughing all the time (and can truss a turkey)
4. I live in a city (San Francisco) that has opened my eyes to so many issues in the world
5. I have been given an opportunity to teach others what I know about music
6. I have a warm coat for when it gets cold
7. I am no longer afraid of ice skating (though still not good at it)
8. People forgive me for complaining a lot
9. I have the day off today

So that's just 9 things off the top of my head. What about you?

May you and yours have safety, comfort, and the love of each other.

Much love,

~Robin

I can't keep it a secret any longer...

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 07:40:00 GMT

Dear friends...I just launched my Kickstarter project!

What does this mean?

I can finally get the funding to complete my long-overdue album, Love War--with your help!

I know some of you have pre-ordered, and you will still be getting everything you were promised (and more). This, and everything else is explained on this page:

http://tinyurl.com/kickstartrobin

There are lots of other nifty rewards that you should definitely check out (if only for your entertainment).

I really appreciate you taking the time to read this and hopefully clicking on that link. Your support means the world to me! And please, if you think your friends would enjoy the music I make, pass this along!

Much love to you all,

~Robin

Open Mic

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:12:51 GMT

Wow. I hadn't done an open mic in a while (one where I actually got to play, at least). Gotta say, Rockit Room knows how it's done.

True, it started a little late, but there was a first-come first-serve sign-up sheet (there was actually a choice of when to play!). Kanoa is probably the most talented bartender I've ever met. And I don't necessarily mean as a bartender. That man can SING! If there had been more women in the room there might have been swooning. And amazing, that can be said of a lot of the talent I saw last night. And that's what I love seeing at an open mic.

Note about Berklee...

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:44:43 GMT

Just made a facebook note about my experience/regrets at Berklee College of music. Go to www.facebook.com/TheRobinYukikoBand and "Like". I hope you like it in real life, too.

Oh, good lord...

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 02:45:00 GMT

I'm pretty sure today qualifies as the worst morning ever. Luckily, the gig started right at noon, which saved the day. It was my first time using a zipcar (the uber-convenient rent a car by the hour service) so I could get my sound system to the Embarcadero Center. It's all nifty and high tech. And apparently won't let you start the car if it thinks you are someone else (so I spent about 10 minutes thinking the battery was dead).

Once on the road, I missed the 280N ramp and somehow ended up in another town. I happened to spot another ramp but needed to turn around to get to it, so I found a nice safe place to do it: right through a parking lot exit-only. Of a police station. 40 minutes to downbeat. After some frantic begging, the officer who had immediately pulled up behind me said he would pass on the $300 ticket and gave me directions to 280 (but only after a stern "And what did we learn?"). Thank you, officer.

At some point while on 280, I realized I forgot my heels and was still wearing sneakers. Oops. Finally made it to the gig at 10 minutes to downbeat, set up the speakers (forget the stands!) and started crooning into the mic with all the angst the morning had giving me. So I guess it sounded pretty good.

It was one of those moments when I realized, it doesn't matter how crappy your day is; music can always make it better. I looked around at the band and thought, Damn, I'm lucky.

Top: Me and Keiko Takamura, who graciously turned up to support Spoonbill. Bottom: Spoonbill: (left to right) Rick Rivera, Colin Williams, Robin Yukiko, Jon Monahan.

music and books

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:06:56 GMT

Sadly, the music teaching position was filled before I even got my application out. Probably before I even saw the listing. But apparently there will be later opportunities with them. They seem cool.

I just finished A Dance with Dragons, the fifth installment of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (the first one being A Game of Thrones). Now it looks like I'll have to wait for years like everyone else had to for the fourth one. Yea. I'll try not to give away any important deaths.

And speaking of books, it breaks my heart to walk by a darkened ex-Borders and see their sign that says "Borders is gone forever! Bye-bye!!" I used to play there (and the staff was SO nice) and now it's no more. But we will live on. I'm thinking about getting a library card.

Just curious, is one new song per week too much for everyone? I can cut back... :P

new songs, new friends

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:15:48 GMT

You may have noticed that I've been writing a few new songs. My only wish at this point is that my plans and life could line up a little more. My brain is already on the next album after Love War, but life is still stuck on bass and guitar tracks. Meanwhile my style is getting more and more romantic and the edge is coming off the angst. I guess that's to be expected.

I went to Red Devil Lounge for the 1 year anniversary of their open mic. Apparently they went til 1:30am (I didn't play but was on the waitlist). There were some great performers (Benjamin Brown for one) and I got to make a few friends and taste delicious beers. I'm thinking maybe I should go down there more often.

And on that note, I am going to go to bed thinking of ships and mermaids.

Teaching and Busking

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:55:00 GMT

I've just applied to www.musicnationalservice.org to teach music to inner-city kids. I'm really hoping I get this gig. I've missed teaching a lot since leaving Japan. Granted, I've done clinics at the SF Bay School, and that's kept me going, but I miss the long-term connections I used to make.

In other news, I've been busking lately. Last week while playing in Powell, this awesome guy, Peter Taylor, came up with serious lights claiming to be an "amatuer photographer" and took some shots. I also ran into some awesome fans of Keiko Takamura who recognized me from the acoustic video of Grayscale. They totally tipped me.

Pop Songs and Particle Physics

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 01:10:57 GMT

A while ago I started doing the 50 songs in 90 days challenge. I'm actually not sure how many days ago that was, or how many songs I've written, but let's just say it got the ball rolling again. For my birthday, my dad got me the Harmony-M (a great harmonizing device that Imogen Heap uses in her song Hide and Seek). I can't get enough of this thing! I'll have samples for you shortly. Here's a heads up: romantic pop songs are coming out.

I am currently in the computer lab at SFSU after watching my friend's thesis defense on particle physics. Yeah. Quark bondage is hot, if a little strange.

Hoping for lunchtime celebrations...

Just another day...

Thu, 19 May 2011 08:35:00 GMT

Good evening all. I'm hoping that you are less exhausted than I. Or, if you are exhausted, that you feel a sense of satisfaction. For me, it's a combination of day job working and frustration that simple technology eludes me ofttimes. That, and I seemed to have really bad luck today.

Sometime during my commute whilst reading A Clash of Kings, my cell phone fell out of my pocket and escaped. I spent the whole day worrying about its whereabouts and possible kidnap. To add insult to injury, I discovered a mysterious stickiness in my hair(?!?). Complements of the 49 bus, I assume.

I came home after a good 8.5 hours of work to continue my *head*desk* ritual of trying to import video from miniDV so I can perhaps get some content out there in the world. No avail, no cigar, nothing.

Big, exciting things are happening in my life. I have huge plans. But at the moment I seem stuck in a holding pattern until I can get my arse in gear, a phone in my pocket, and a vid in my comp. Hopefully I'll have things squared away before I go to NY to be a bridesmaid!

Until next time...

~R

I made this for you!

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:05:00 GMT

Good morning friends!

I know it has been a long while since you've heard from me. Alas, I've been secreted away by the music spirits leaving me mentally incapable of delivering news that is not in song form. Luckily, I have emerged from the Lair long enough to relate a few very important things.

As you may know, Love War has been in the works for over a year now. There have been setbacks, challenges, and general life events that have pushed back its release date (relocation, marriage, etc). But I am pleased to say that the bulk of it is done and as proof, I have made a little medley for you and included a download code at the bottom! (If you like what you hear, keep an eye out for the next newlsetter to find out how you can help!--And those of you who have PRE-ORDERED, you will be getting a special digital EP before the album release for your patience and support!)

In other news, I have been having a blast with Spoonbill. If you haven't heard us yet, here's the perfect opportunity!
Spoonbill ~ New Orleans inspired blues/rock
Pier 23 Cafe (on the Embarcadero, SF)
Sun, May 8 (4-8pm) - Right after the Giants game!
$10, all ages

I hope to see some of you there! (We'll even be doing a couple RY originals!)

Much love,

~Robin

P.S. I highly recommend Moonstar in Daly City for all you can eat sushi!

Camping on Angel Island (complete with pictures!)

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:20:00 GMT

Last weekend I went camping with some very good friends of mine who are to expatriate in a few months. It involved getting through San Francisco weekend traffic to the ferry on Pier 41. Once on the ferry, there was the tedious task of enjoying the Bay breeze with good company and shimmery water, all the way to Angel Island, whose majestic beauty I had to endure.

After lunch at the cafe, we hoisted our packs onto our backs and trotted along trails for a few miles until we reached the campsite. We stowed our rations in the racoon-proof cupboard and set up camp. Luckily we had enough food to last us for several days should disaster strike.

As many San Franciscans know, the past week had been Fleet Week, causing even jaded ears to cringe with noisy delight. From Angel Island, it was truly a sight seeing the jets flying in ridiculously close formation and, at times, ridiculously close to our vantage point from the side of Mt. Livermore. Even the field mice trembled.

That night, after the miracle of fire was created on our grill (it was a long, arduous miracle), we feasted on veggie dogs, s'mores, and mac and cheese that tasted delightfully of hose water. More s'mores were had. Games were played. We watched the sunset and enjoyed the city lights of SF from afar. There was even some constellation spectulation which turned to identification once the Droid was produced (cheating, in my opinion). Milky Way was spotted. Ghost stories were told. A racoon watched jealously from afar.

In the morning, we awoke just before dawn to share the sunrise together in our dishelved states after a night of tent sleeping. (If you don't know anything about tent sleeping, it involves shifting restlessly, a hard ground, and in this case, foghorns and buoys beeping all the night.)

Breakfast was granola and soy milk, more s'mores, and, since we had mastered fire, hot tea. These things were important, as we had a long day ahead of us.

After being tempted by the slopes of Mt. Caroline Livermore the day before, we knew we had to conquer her or else be conquered ourselves, in our hearts. We left all behind but our water and made it to the top where we acted very triumphant and, in my case, took a short nap.

We went on to see mysterious graffitied ruins and fallen-down buildings. I briefly considered renting.

When we discovered the beach, our hearts lifted and our feet rejoiced. Then hunger came upon us like a pouncing beast and we made for the campsite with as much haste as we could muster, cursing ourselves for not bringing any of the various snacks now sitting uselessly in our racoon-proof cupboard. When we reached our base and unburdened the cupboard, we descended on the food like vultures. Pretzels and peanut butter. Potato chips. More s'mores. Buffalo jerky. Cucumber. It was all ours. We had earned it.

Eventually we came to our senses and packed up. It was time to return to civilization. We made our way back to the cafe (where more food was had) and racoons roamed without fear, and no cupboards kept them from their prize. We boarded the ferry but, even as we did so, we knew we had changed. We had camped. We had made fire. We had feasted.

We were men.

Even the women.

Special secret recording GO! (exclusive download)

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:25:32 GMT

Hi folks!

I wanted to share this with you because I'm very excited about it. I recently joined a project with the amazing bassist Colin Williams, the project being a (pseudo) New Orleans jazz band. He was gracious enough to let me bring one of my own pieces to rehearsal, which you may know as "Chronicles of a Kidney Thief". The stroke of brilliance was that he recorded the entire session and now I can share it with you. So please download this free track and enjoy it!

Robin Yukiko - vocals
Michael Finnican - guitar
O. Andrew Schreiber - drums
Colin Williams - bass

This version of Chronicles of a Kidney Thief
was written by Robin Yukiko
and arranged by Colin Williams.

Much love,

~Robin

P.S. Don't forget, San Franciscans, this Sunday is the FREE show at Brainwash Cafe, 6pm!

Video, MUNI poems and show dates

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:47:13 GMT

In this issue:

1. Video in my living room
2. "Ode to MUNI" - a poem
3. Show me the shows!

Hello pretty people,

Thanks for those of you who came to the Borders show! Also, I just did a live show with Keiko Takamura (the Shebangs) in my living room! It's very silly and was streamed through her iPhone so the video quality is pretty terrible, but it was still a super-fun time. We traded off doing Shebangs songs (by Keiko) and my originals (with a couple covers splashed in at the end). View ithere (http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/5196423).

And here is something you may have seen if you follow me on Twitter:

Ode to MUNI (San Francisco's light rail system)

Muni O Muni, your breaks exude noise.
A pain in both ears you give all girls and boys.
Muni O Muni, your sign at the top
does not always tell me when we've reached my stop.

Muni O Muni and your proposed cuts,
you already leave us to wait on cold butts
Muni O Muni, our fare be increased,
and ere my bus comes I may well be deceased.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~fin~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That said, here are my upcoming shows:

This Sunday, 3/14 @ Bazaar Cafe (6-8:30pm)
5927 California St., SF 94121
Free, all ages!

Thursday, 3/18 The Shebangs (9:30pm) w/My Monster, Robots of Fury
@ Kimo's
1351 Polk Street, SF 94109
$6, 21+

And MAYBE
Friday, 3/19 The Shebangs (9pm) w/Letters Make Words
@ The Blue Macaw
2565 Mission St., SF 94110
Cost: tba, 21+
(This show is tentative, check back here)

Of course, after that I will be busy getting married! So expect a brief break before shows start up again in April (and more with the whole band).

Much love,

~Robin

www.robinyukiko.com
www.myspace.com/therobinyukikoband

Happy February!

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:21:45 GMT

I hope everyone had a good St. Valentine's Day (or Singles Awareness Day)! I spent the day with my future hubby (did I really just use the word "hubby"??) wandering around downtown San Francisco until we ran into a flash mob pillow fight (video at www.pillowfight.info). From up on his shoulders I could see the whole thing! It was like in Lord of the Rings when the Ents start attacking the Orcs... Anyway, I also wanted to let you know about my upcoming show this Saturday in SF. If you're around, you should come out because it's going to rock (Warning: loud music)! I'm playing back-to-back with the Shebangs. Here's the info: THIS Saturday (2/20/10)! Door opens @8pm Anu 43 Sixth St. SF, CA 94103 $5 cover, 21+ 8:30 The Robin Yukiko Band <--me, of course, but with bass & drums! 9:30 The Shebangs <--I'm singing with these guys too! 10:30 The Corner Laughers 11:30 Letters Make Words

January 2010: A look back, a look forward (and this week's show)

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:34:39 GMT

In this issue:

1. Looking back on 2009, possibly the most eventful year of my life
2. What's in store for January

Happy New Year, friends. I started 2009 off with a meandering adventure in Choshi, the easternmost point of Japan, to watch the first sunrise of the year with my partner, Greg. There is a belief that how you spend the new year will set the tone for the rest of the year. I must say, it did.

In April, Greg and I left Japan (after 2.5 years) and returned to the US. After a brief stop in Denver, I spent most of the spring/summer in L.A. recording my album "Love War" (and getting to record with the world famous Will Kennedy!). Oh, and the album is overdue but still in production. Along with visits to New York and Boston, my long weekend in D.C. in July resulted in me and Greg getting engaged! I then saw my hometown of Orlando and made my way to Las Vegas and Reno (visiting family and future family).

After a few months of struggling with getting settled in San Francisco (and a lot of busking), I spent those amazing 10 days in Israel (after a pit stop in Dallas and NY again). Then, of course, came more resettling.

I joined the band The Shebangs and have started to make friends and meet other musicians here. It's always hard in a new city, but I'm hopeful that 2010 will bring good fortune. :)

This Saturday, January 9, I'll be making an appearance at Borders Bookstore in Stonestown Galleria. I'll be there from 4-7pm playing solo and signing CDs.

Borders
Stonestown Galleria
233 Winston Dr.
San Francisco, CA 94132
415.731.0665

On various other days, you will find me busking in Powell Station and loving every minute of it.

I wish everyone a fantastic 2010, and I hope to see you soon!

Much love,

~Robin

www.robinyukiko.com