I have been watching some interesting videos from Phillip LaRue (my apologies if the link doesn’t work) in which he talks about how to succeed in the music industry using proven techniques. He says that you need to be your own manager, producer, advertiser, and booker; stop trying to find others to lift you out of the musically-gifted hole you live in and take you to the promised-land where you’ll have a record deal, steady income, and thousands of fans.

What hit me the most was this statement from Phllip: make music that people can connect with. If music cannot meet you in your current struggle and give you hope, peace, or some other tool to lift you up, then it’s missing an opportunity. Music should move everyone’s heart and be accessible to all. That’s why we see so many songs about love, struggle, and redemption because we all want to feel these things and come out feeling on top of the world.

As we make music, we hope it is not simply “building an empire” as the title suggests, but that it moves your heart and lifts you up. Are we there yet? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

The first time that I heard The Rival’s song “Run Run”, I was instantly hooked.  The band is comprised of Allen Salmon and Phillip LaRue (anyone heard of the Christian band Larue?).  I checked out a few of the Rival`s songs and was really impressed with their sound.  I`ve since downloaded the album – you should check them out!

When you’re lost in love, you never want to be found.

1. Us And Our Daughters

Phillip LaRue and his wife are so beautiful I want to cry. I saw them perform live when I was in high school and was so delighted to find out that they recently made an album. Do yourself a big favor and check it out.

2. Brave Soldier Antiseptic Healing Ointment

Remember my rollerblading injuries battle wounds? I’ve been using this ointment as well as cocoa butter to try to avoid scarring. Things are healing nicely, so it must be working. And it smells good!

Oh- and in case you’re wondering, I finally got back in my rollerblades yesterday, this time with knee pads and wrist guards.

3. Veggie Burgers Recipe from Runners World

I was quite impressed while reading this article about a vegan ultramarathoner. It’s another reminder that we don’t need meat as much (or as much meat) as we think we do. I made the veggie burgers on Monday and have been thoroughly enjoying the leftovers. Give the article a read and check out the delicious recipes, too!

4. Family & My Old Stomping Grounds

I went back to UCF over the weekend for my little sister’s graduation! I still think UCF has a beautiful campus. It was great to see the reflection pond, memory mall, mini Knightros in the bookstore, and lots of black and gold!

5. Once Upon A Time finally telling us who August Boothe is.

I won’t give it away in case you missed it, but the fairytale-meets-reality TV show finally revealed mystery character August Boothe’s fairytale identity. This coming Sunday is the finale. Can’t wait!

6. Mockingjay

I’m reading it. Probably don’t need to say anything else about it since you’ve probably already read it.

7. Zooey D. on the May cover of Marie Claire

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All Worship Night
with Phillip LaRue!
Wednesday, April 27th. 7pm.

Come add your voice.

Man, ALL of those are excellent questions. And tonight I will take a stab at answering the very first question: Who’s involved?

Well, here’s the simple answer: There is a core team of about 4-8 of us who are working behind the scenes to bring this PLW vision together. Currently, I’m the only dedicated full-timer, and everybody else puts in time outside of their 9-5 jobs. And then outside of the ”CORE” core, there is a growing number of passionate people, who may not be involved in the day to day activities- but have been an invaluable part in bringing PLW to where it is. Whether it’s technical help, graphic design, financial support, spreading the PLW vision, prayer, wisdom or just the occassional message of encouragement… it’s this second level of support that makes everything we do- possible. (Can I just say thank you to you guys?? THANK YOU!) Actually… I’d love to give you guys some awesome titles, and heck- I’d even give you your own business cards if you could come up with a sweet title… I kid you not! You’re part of the P:LW DNA.

This may also be a good time to tell you about one individual who has been the glue of the PLW team. He’s the only one who really does any work… while the rest of us play Golden Eye on the N64 all day (yes… the real Golden Eye… not this Wii Golden Eye junk). I could provide a list of his credentials but it would just sound braggadocious, really. So let me formally introduce you to the brains behind Project: Living Well and my wingman…  DIEGO!



(We were fortunate enough to pull him away from his hectic work day to snap this photo)


This little dude hangs with me while I work all day. He’s our 1 year old Yorkie. When you come visit the PLW batcave, I warn you- this little dude will find a way onto your lap and he will never leave. (That’s what our unofficial PLW Prayer Warrior, McD finds out everytime he comes over. McD- you best not get any ideas of kidnapping him. Christina will hunt. you. down.)

Thanks for following along! If you haven’t already, follow us on Facebook.

Can’t wait to share what’s next! Looking forward amigos.

Blessings
- Meeting with my friend Scotty Moe, the Founder of Root Awakening and our jam packed conversation. He has such a great heart. And when he tells his story, it’s like I’m hearing my own. It’s such a blessing to journey through this with someone else who can truly relate.
- Hearing back from the woman who introduced herself a few weeks back when I had breakfast with a buddy- and the way that God has been stirring her heart.
- I think I’ve shared that my fav stud musician, Dave Barnes has been on my radar with this PLW thing. Him and I have exchanged a few emails these past few months. And last Wednesday a guest came in to lead the music at Axis by the name of Phillip Larue. I talked to him afterward and came to find out that he lives in Nashville and is a songwriter for Dave Barnes!!! No fricken joke. I’m still wrestling with how to process this and how not come across as a creepshow to Barnes lol
- Attending a small leadership group and the one guy I met there was one of the leaders of the Men Of Willow- a group of men from Willow who come together to help fund clean water projects.
- The arrival of our limited edition PLW water bottles, that they turned out perfectly and for a large chunk of them to already be claimed!

Prayers
- I’ve been told that there is someone who may be able to provide some substaintial financial backing to PLW that I will be meeting with later this week. Please pray for that conversation to be blessed. I know this vision is bigger than any one person, but it would be such a blessing to have some leadway in the financial arena to focus my attention on developing this organization.
- I’m in need of a laptop and to know what I’m supposed to do. Right now I only have a desktop and it keeps me tied down. But I need to be mobile so I can work from different places (I can’t tell you how hard it is working from your bedroom- it takes a ton of motivation to get the day going).
- To continually be humbled. To be reminded that this, is not my doing. I tend  to get a little prideful at times and forget who is in charge. It’s hard to admit, but it’s honest.
- For wisdom on how I am to best use my time. I feel pulled very thin in many areas. And to know where I am supposed to dedicate my focus.

Haay.. after 10 years, naupdate ko na rin sa wakas ang blog ko..

So since it’s a weekend again, lemme share again my top 5 songs for this week

Top 5 Songs 08.01.2009

1. Found – Phillip Larue

2. Falling For You – Colbie Callait

3. Love Drunk – Boys Like Girls

4. Bahay Kubo – Hale

5. Ego – Beyonce

As you noticed, my top 5 songs are all new songs of RX 93.1. The first song is actually from a new artist who (I heard) is also a myspace star, just like Colbie Callait, who is at #2.

Then there’s this new song of Boys Like Girls, and our very own Hale.  I miss OPM so much, and I’m glad they’re back with this song.  Lastly, my #5 song is from Beyonce, an awesome awesome track.

But for now, here’s my #1 song. Phillip Larue’s Found

or click here or check out SOTW

PHILLIP LaRUE
Found

Faster than a shooting star
Baby you stole my heart
I never want it back
I never thought it’d be like this
So surprised by your kiss
I didn’t have time to react

Believing in us
Feels so dangerous

When you’re lost lost lost in love
You never wanna find your way out
When you’re lost lost lost in love
You never want to be
You never want to be found

I feel so strange because of you
I have everything to lose
I wouldn’t have it any other way
If this turns out to be a dream
Please don’t wake me
I don’t want to leave this place

Believing in us
Can feel so dangerous

When you’re lost lost lost in love
You never wanna find your way out
When you’re lost lost lost in love
You never want to be
You never want to be found

What a lovely mystery
All the ways two hearts can meet
We were made to collide
You and I, you and I are lost
Baby we’re lost

When you’re lost lost lost in love
You never wanna find your way out
When you’re lost lost lost in love
You never want to be
Oh, you never want to be
You never want to be found…

What a lovely mystery
Come on get lost with me
What a lovely mystery
Come on get lost with me
Get lost with me…
Get lost with me…
Get lost with me…

The song “Chasing the Daylight” is free from iTunes for a limited time courtesy of BEC Recordings.

Go download it now!!!

I remember seeing LaRue in concert when I was 21.  My single female friends and I all commented how we wanted to meet a guy like Phillip LaRue—who loved God, sang, played guitar, and had cool hair.  His sister, Natalie, seemed pretty hip, too.  But, really, we were all about the male half of the duo called LaRue.  Then, it seemed, the band disappeared.

That was eight years ago, and Phillip LaRue has re-emerged as a [married] singer/songwriter debuting his first solo album, Let the Road Pave Itself (Bec Recordings).  Phillip’s song, “Found” has been featured on “One Tree Hill” and “The Ghost Whisperer” and another song has appeared on “Harper’s Island.”  Then there’s “Chasing the Daylight” and “Running So Long,” which are fast becoming fan favorites.  Such is the power of Phillip LaRue.  And, yes, his hair is still very cool.  He’s even cooler for agreeing to Take 5 with Backseat Writer.

*You started out singing with your sister, Natalie, in the popular band LaRue and then working on indie projects, but then you left the industry altogether in 2003—why?  And what prompted your move to come back?

Well, I didn’t necessarily move out of the industry just in the background a bit. After LaRue I signed a publishing deal with a company based in Nashville which led me to writing and eventually co-producing a compilation record called “The Message Psalms” with Monroe Jones. I got to work with some great artists on the project like Chris Rice, Dave Barnes and Ginny Owens. However, the label that released the project folded a month after the release of the album which struck my heart to its core, but after producing it, I thought about production and artist development.

Thankfully about 6 months after that I met some great guys in a band called Tenth Avenue North and ended up developing and producing them with a friend of mine Jason Ingram in Nashville. Since then I have stayed busy writing and producing for other folks including myself. It does feel a bit strange stepping back into the artist world in some ways but at the same time it is freeing as well because I am less intimidated by it and more excited about connecting with people than any other time of my life.

*Besides being incredibly organic and original, Let the Road Pave Itself, is an intriguing title in and of itself.  What does “let the road pave itself” actually mean?

Well, I was struggling back and forth with what step I should take as an artist for a while there. Struggling with questions–Should I stay independent?..Should I sign a record deal? Should I just give up the artist thing and focus my attention writing for folks?  My thoughts were like walls around me. But one day I hung out with a good friend of mine named Jeff Balding. I really respect him musically and spiritually and after I told him everything in my mind he sat back with a smile and said “Phillip, you just got to let the road pave itself.” After hearing this something switched in my heart and I began to watch what God was trying to tell me. After I recorded the record, I felt like it would be a perfect title.

* I read that a lot of the songs on the album are first takes, which you didn’t edit.  It’s a pretty risky move (which pays off, by the way).  But why did you decide to record like this?  How did the other studio musicians react to this decision?

I really wanted folks to hear this record and hear my heart. Too many times Nashville can make music too perfect, too on time and too polished. Don’t get me wrong I am a big fan of some pop music, but for me, I knew I needed to record the record as organically as possible. Thankfully, Paul Moak (co-producer) felt the same way as me and we began creating an environment that would suite what we were hoping to capture. A lot of what was captured was in part of how amazing the musicians played on the record. Each one embraced what we were aiming for and gave 100% of them selves.

*”Running So Long” is one of my favorite songs on this album.  What can you tell me about it?

It’s a love song in many ways. Too many times in this life I just ran face forward without really knowing what I was aiming for. I wanted to write a song about catching myself in that act and remind myself of what really matters. My wife and I have have been through a lot together through the years and I wanted to try my best to say to Lia, “You’re what matters most” in a different way acknowledging the pain and beauty that we have walked through.

*OK, I noticed in one of your press pictures, that you have tattoos on the inner part of your forearms.  What does the lettering say and what is the significance of these tats?

On my right arm it says “Your love is the music of my life”- that is for God. A way of saying I see you everywhere.  On my left arm it says- “Lia is the song of my heart”- That is for my wife. A way of saying, “I love you.”

Visit Phillip LaRue online at philliplarue.com or myspace.com/philliplarue.