Oct. 5, 2009

The first time I met Staci Frenes was in Nashville, Tennessee.  I know it’s shocking that two singer/songwriters would meet up in Nashville, but it’s true.  We were both tracking our records at Darkhorse studio and both working with Producer Nate Sabin (Sara Groves, Jason Gray…Staci Frenes!).  When I arrived she had already spent a couple of days in the studio.  I remember hopping in the backseat of her car while Nate, who had shotgun, was excitedly popping the rough mix of a few of her tracks in the car stereo.  He put the song “Meteor Shower” on and Staci sang it for us.  That was our introduction.  She sang “Meteor Shower” in her car for me.  It was such a cool and unique track.  It was also amazing to be one of the first people to hear the song fresh out of the gate.  After that we went to Chili’s and I distinctly remember talking too much about books I was reading.  I believe the book was “Christ Plays In Ten Thousand Places”.  I don’t understand why talking about the real meaning of the ten plagues isn’t the best conversation starter, but it isn’t.  Anyway, over the next few days I got to know Staci, and I have continually gotten to know her through her music.  The CD that she was working on is her latest titled “Meteor Shower”.  I would call it folk/pop music, but whatever you call it, it is groovy.  Check out the song “Know Your Voice” to catch what I’m talking about.  This is a really laid back tune that finds it’s groove in the space created by the band and by the incredibly placed vocal.  Staci is a writer.  She doesn’t just write for her own projects but writes for other great projects as well.  She has collaborated with other artist such as Ginny Owens, Margaret Becker, Nichole Nordeman and Sheila Walsh.  Needless to say, the writing on this record is beautiful.

“I believe God wants to speak to us through the ordinary and not so ordinary events in our lives, and like a meteor shower, show us glimpses into His world. If we can learn to be more expectant, less distracted, and willing to let go of our preconceived notions of Him, then the best and deepest truths about ourselves and about God’s heart will be revealed to us.”

This captures the overall theme of the project - awe through the ordinary.  This is not only captured lyrically, but also musically.  By the way, I’m a huge fan of how the strings are used on this project, they seem to really lend to the theme of the song and the record overall.  Well written, well produced, well sung.  Meteor Shower.

So, there’s a little bit of information about Staci.  The best initial way to get to know her as an artist is through her music.  Her music is available on iTunes, and through the store on her website.  You should also check out her Myspace, Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.  After you’re initial musical meet, the better way to get to know her an her music is to hear her live.  Staci is from Northern California, but she gigs all over.  She does large shows, smaller shows, intimate house concerts, and if you’re really lucky - car concerts.  You should also know, with the Christmas season fast approaching, that she has a Christmas EP titled “Wise Men And Angels”.  You should start booking now for Christmas.

Here is a video of Staci performing her incredible song “Meteor shower”.  Enjoy!