Grammy Bound With YOU!

14 days left to contribute to my campaign. As the days dwindle down, it's been harder and harder to keep my energy up. I've had several shows this month and it seems as though exhaustion has start to set in.
Whether you know it or not, I do this all alone. While I've had many people join me on this journey...and I'm eternally grateful for all your support and love...the day-in and day-out of my grind is solitary. I try to cram as much into 24 hours as humanly possible, take a nap, then do it all over again.
While I LOVE what I do, as an independent artist, I do it  all...well, independently. When you're at this level, you have no real money to pay people and it's hard to get a team behind you when you're not bringing them any real income...YET.
This part of the journey is hard...more than hard...it's exhausting and many times thankless. But in this part of the journey, it's what determines who's really in it to win it. And I'm in it for the long haul.
As I write to you today, I'm overdrawn on my bank account and used the money from my outdoor performance for Make Music New York to put a few more dollars of gas in my car so I can make it to my next show.
I just need you to know that although I maintain a positive spirit throughout all of this, I'm human. I cry almost everyday fighting through this struggle, persisting despite the odds, and knowing that my blessings are waiting for me on the other side of my tears, pain, and struggle. My faith allows me to believe that my efforts are not in vain. Though I don't know what tomorrow will bring, I work hard EVERYDAY to ensure I am hand-crafting my future.
The money you donate will not go towards putting gas in my car or putting a roof over my head. I do odd jobs, cell CD's, work Weight Watchers meetings, and do anything I can to bring in income to survive while relentlessly chasing my dream. The money you donate will go directly towards my dream...an INVESTMENT towards my future.
If you know me, you know I work hard. I give 110% to everything I do ESPECIALLY my music. I promise to give you a return on your investment...great music from the heart! Please help me make this happen. It means everything and I'll give everything it takes. Please consider becoming part of my living legacy by donating a few dollars to my dream and joining me on my journey all the way to the top.

Eleanor Roosevelt has been quoted as saying, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." I believe in the beauty of my dream. If you believe in it, too, please support my mission, my music...my destiny. Thank you, as always, for all your love, support, prayers, encouragement, and faith. It's my survival.

Dare to be Different: Dare to be YOU!

For my whole life, I've been different. I realized it at a very young age. I always felt like I had an old soul...listening to The Beatles and wearing bell-bottom pants before they came back into style to my band concerts where I was the only girl drummer.
I never did things to be different on purpose...it was just who I was. Lord knows, things might have been easier if I could have blended in a little more, especially during junior high and high school when kids can be so cruel.
Because of some of the challenges that being so different created, I ultimately almost ended up dropping out of high school, but ended up transferring to another high school and attending a vocational program for graphic and advertising design. This transfer was intended to make my life easier, but because of the poor perception and stigma attached to the vocational program, I found myself living a double-life...pretending I wasn't a vo-tech student and hiding underneath desks if, God forbid, one of the "regular" high school kids came into our classroom.
I found more of the same throughout college, but started to be more accepted since I had moved to New York and could have a bit of a fresh start. I got involved with campus ministries, the folk choir and gospel choir at Iona College, where I got my BA in political science and pre-law. I had gotten that degree because my mom had always wanted me to be a lawyer and I had always wanted her happiness and approval.
After graduation, I seized an opportunity to move to FL with the woman that had helped raise me, a woman I consider to be a true guardian angel. It was supposed to be a 3-month break, but turned into years as life unfolded while I was there. I still pursued my music while down south, auditioning for American Idol, singing at local contests, and writing. I also found another opportunity for a fresh start and stopped correcting people when they asked if I went by anything other than Kathryn at job interviews, etc. Everyone had always called me Katie growing up and I never really felt like a Katie. This was my chance to be Kathryn, the young lady I always felt like.
I also took the LSATS and was working for a law firm as I was still trying to get my mother's approval and happiness even from so many miles away. I had asked the attorney I was working for at the time for a letter of recommendation. One day he pulled me into his office and told me to sit down. He started to talk to me about the letter he was going to write. He told me that he was more than happy to write the letter, that I'd be great at anything I chose to do with my life because I was intelligent and hard-working. But he also told me to think about it before I chose that path. He had seen me audition for American Idol, design a nursery for another lawyer in the office, and design a few things for people in his family. He told me that he thought I might be stifled in the legal profession since I was so creative. He was like a father-figure to me during my time in Florida and his opinion and words weighed heavy on my heart.
I was at a cross-roads. I was blessed to have the book smarts and determination to get through law school, but I was also blessed to have a creative mind that could create in both video and audio settings.
I took some time and ultimately decided to go for my MBA instead since it was a broader degree. I've always been terrible with numbers/ math and I decided if I could get through an MBA, I could do ANYTHING! I had also convinced myself that if I came back to New York, the MBA would help me further my music career.
I'm leaving out a tremendous amount of details for the sake of time here, but the moral of the story is that ultimately, I picked the hard way...and although this journey has been incredibly challenging at times, it has been authentically ME!
As I stand before you today in relentless pursuit of my dream, I can proudly tell you that I'm different. My fashion sense is different. My my musical style is different. My journey is very different. But in being so different, I feel more like myself than I ever have in my whole life. While I always thought it was some kind of curse to be different, I now understand the amazing blessing of being myself in a real way. I continue to be inspired by the people who are inspired by my journey and the fact that I'm ME with no apologies.
I thank God to have finally gotten to this point and I'm eternally grateful to have you with me on this journey!

And if may I take this opportunity just to say that being different may not always be the easy way, but in the end, there is no other way to find out who YOU are! Here's to being different!
My DREAM is a huge part of who I am...find out how you can support my dream by checking it out here:
http://www.indiegogo.com/grammybound

High Fashion: Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve

Back in my little hometown of East Greenwich, RI, I sit here thinking. It's usually on these occasions when I'm home that I have a little more free time than I do while I'm back in New York in my usual grind mode trying to squeeze more hours into the day than what actually exist. I've been working overtime lately to get my music heard in as many places as possible. I've been joined recently by new supporters and fans, and sponsors looking to get on board with the movement I've begun to create with my music. I consider myself abundantly blessed. Everyday I wake up and I move towards the direction of my dreams. There is not a day that goes by that I'm not proactively working towards making my dreams come into fruition. I'm relentless in my pursuit with no signs of slowing down.
I performed at New Rochelle Jazz Festival a couple weeks ago. A friend and one of my biggest fans, Jo Porty, had stopped by the show and told me to come by Post Road Ale House where she had booked another singer/ song writer, Jason Gisser. At the Jazz Fest, I had a great time performing some original tunes to my backing tracks then took the stage with The Brian Carter Trio to perform "Fever," one of my all time favorites to sing. When the show ended, I found myself sitting at the bar at Post Road Ale House sipping on club soda, trying to find the energy to stick around for a bit to enjoy the great sounds of Jason. Despite the fact I really enjoyed his music, I was bordering on exhaustion. I've been averaging about 4-5 hours of sleep and it was starting to catch up with me.
Jo introduced my to a lively girl at the bar, Joy K, whose energy and enthusiasm were initially overwhelming in my dreary state. She's also a singer/ song writer, as well as a cancer survivor and mother. I went up and sang "Back With You" with Jason who was so gracious to let me take a few minutes of his gig to perform my music. After I sang, I sat back down and chatted more with Joy, who was still full of all the energy I was trying to find within myself that night. She told me about her battle with cancer and her background in music.
Eventually and inevitably, our conversation transitioned into matters of faith. Joy is Wiccan and started to share with me some of what that means. She also began to share with me some words of inspiration about my musical journey. She advised me that I'm going to make it and to not give up...something I really needed to hear on that particularly exhausting day. She also shared with me the importance of being transparent about my journey...more specifically, to wear my heart of my sleeve. I listened as tears ran down my face.
As most of you already know, I'm a positive person. Despite any challenges, I focus on the good and find the blessings in every situation. After living out of my car for four months, that was a large part of how I survived and overcame that situation. I believe that being happy and positive is a choice that we make everyday.
So I find myself once again in Rhode Island, sitting in a Starbucks that I only knew as a bank growing up here in East Greenwich. I sit in this bank-turned-coffee-shop and realize all the changes that have taken place since I once lived here over 10 years ago. Last night I got into one of the only arguments I've ever gotten into with my brother. Our argument was about my dream and about my objectives in living out my dream.
But to get into why this argument happened in the first place, I find it necessary to give you further background. I recently got a phone call from my father telling me that my parents were being forced to sell their home, the home my parents have lived in my entire life. My father stayed on the phone with me and proceeded to tell me, "I'm f@*ked. I've worked 70 hours a week, holidays, weekends, and overtime and now I have nothing to show for it. I can't even afford buy another house after we sell it." To clarify, my mother is a manic depressive who has created many financial obstacles due to her mental illness. In all fairness, I've done my fair share of contributing to the financial issues of my family, needing help with student loan payments and car insurance since I'm not working a traditional job with a steady income. I sat there on the phone with my father and pleaded with him to stay positive and believe in my dream, believe in all the hard work I'm putting into this, and believe that I'm going to be able to repay my family for all they've helped me with throughout the years.
Going back to the argument that I had with my brother last night, I was telling him about everything I have going on in New York and how I can feel the momentum building. I told him that I just prayed that I would have a breakthrough soon so I could help my parents. This is where the breaking point came. He told me that as an artist, I should EXPECT to be broke for the rest of my life and to not live to help my parents, or anyone else for that matter. I was livid and standing there defending something I have given everything inside me to make happen.I stood there with tears streaming down my face...not because I was sad or had given up hope in my dream, but because I realized how misunderstood I am by the people who I'm closest to.
Most of my immediate family can not even fathom the dream I have in my heart. I realized there are strangers that have known me for 5 minutes that have more faith in my dream than my own family. It's a hard pill to swallow. This journey is already a relatively lonely one...and that's before the realization that your family isn't really on board.
I sit here in my hometown, one of the smallest towns in the smallest state in the country, and realize that my responsibility is great, my dream is giant, and my work ethic is the only thing that's bigger than even both of these. I know this and believe this...even if no one else does. And while yes, my dream is for me, first and foremost, it is also for my family and for everyone who has been with me on this journey. I have inspired others in this pursuit and countless others have inspired and motivated me. This has become so much bigger than just me. This is for you...so that you know you can do anything you set your mind and heart to with enough hard work and dedication.
If you've seen pictures of me performing, you know I'm usually wearing a dress or a skirt and a pair of stilettos. Today, I also add to my style a new fashion statement...my heart on my sleeve.

On My Own

17 years. It's hard to even wrap my brain around the amount of time that's passed since Tim died. It seems like only yesterday and a million years ago...all at once. One thing's for sure though...today, the pain seems more substantial than ever before. Maybe each year that passes, I feel like this. But there's something almost tangible about the pain this year. Maybe it's because I'm getting closer and closer to the realization of my dream. Perhaps that realization makes me even more sad at the fact that Tim's not here to cheer me on...or maybe he would have been playing guitar with me.

Though I sit here today "on my own," a reference to the song I sang in Tim's memory back in 8th grade when he died, I know I'm never really alone. I carry Tim's spirit with me as I travel on this journey. My journey is filled with countless people, places, lots of music, and not much sleep. God's equipped me to deal with all the hardships that come along with this adventure, which can be so hard at times. But aside from the joy that music brings me and the satisfaction of seeing my hard work produce results, I have Tim's memory and legacy to keep me going.

I know that Tim is one of my angels, one of my guiding forces. For when it seems too hard to go on, I realize that I MUST continue...if for no other reason than I'm alive to do so. It's so much more than that now, but I know that I have this great responsibility to do what God has built me to do with my time here. I'm taking time today to sit and meditate on the life and gifts I have been blessed with, to celebrate Tim's life and legacy, and to thank God for blessing me with a clear path in life, a path which I know I will never be "on my own" for as long as I have my ears, eyes, and heart open to all the angels God has surrounded me with. I miss you, Tim, but you will never be forgotten. I carry you with me always just as you carry my spirit when it's hanging in the balance. You are a true friend and a very real angel. You are missed, but never forgotten.

Him or the Music REMIX

Him or the Music REMIX

Him or the Music

Him or the Music

Artist Spotlight: H DIRT

If there's anything, I've learned in this journey, it's that we can do so much more together than we can on our own. I'd never have my music out on iTunes without the kindness and generosity of others believing in my dream. Accordingly, I'm working hard to help others with their dreams. It's time to pay it forward. That's what life is really all about. It's about learning how to move forward in a positive direction and then showing others how to do the same and helping them move in that direction.
In this spirit, I'd like to introduce you to someone who's graciously featured me and my music on his blog, "H Dirt." Take some time to check out his work. He's got his hand in several projects...reminds me of someone else I know. ;) Enjoy!

H dirt Biography: H dirt formerly known as Dirty Hari since the early 90's way before he spoke a tongue of English, has been a fan of Hip-Hop music. Coming home from school and tuning in to Ralph McDaniels' "Video Music Box". Hailing from borough of The Bronx, New York City. H grew fascinated of the Art Rap Music and its culture but never thought of persuing a rap career...

Then, Now, Still DoitYaSelf Vol.1

Mixed & Hosted by DJ TICAL

AVAILABLE NOW - DIRECT LINK > http://www.mediafire.com/doityaself

WATCH THE PROMO VIDEO! DIRECT LINK @ http://youtube/clPp3vGP1o4

MIXTAPE DESCRIPTON

New York recording artists Skylar "Points" Williams (Rapper) & Hari "H dirt" Espinosa (Rapper/Actor/Manager), who are a part of the hip-hop group M.P.H (Money, Power & Honor). Are bringing you their newest project to properly reintroduce themselves back into the rap game. Not just as artist or as a group, but also as an indie label. Devised partly from their own indie label, Do It Ya Self Entertainment titled: "Then, Now, Still DoitYaSelf Vol.1" MixTape.

Artist Appearances by Points, H dirt, Molly, Thural, Promise, Victor Dortch, Snugz, Anita Clay and battle rapper DNA. Production by Dj Tical, Victor Tortch and Joe Hernandez. 

Mixed & Hosted by South Germany's own Dj Tical. Appearances by Molly, Thural, Promise, Victor Dortch, Snugz, Anita Clay and battle rapper DNA. Music production by Dj Tical, Victor Tortch and Joe Hernandez

This MixTape also marks their first collaboration with a DJ. Mixed & Hosted by South Germany own DJ Tical (Rock The World Entertainment), The official Wu Tang DJ, Do It Ya Self Entertainment DJ and Vel a/k/a Mr. 7 Cities.

Dj Tical's WEB SITE: http://www.wix.com/thisisdjtical/portfolio

M.P.H The Saga Continues... A Short-Preview DocuFilm

THE 

OFFICIAL MOVIE TRAILER COMING SOON!

Inspired by the lives of Skylar Williams & Hari Espinosa. 

Narrative by Joyce Elwick. W

ritten & Directed by Hari Espinosa

ABOUT THE FILM:

This is the real life story of two long time friends (Skylar Williams known as Points & Hari Espinosa known as H dirt, formerly known as Dirty Hari), who shared similar goals and aspirations to follow a career in hip-hop music. This film takes place in rough streets of New The City - The Bronx, Underground Hip-Hop scene. Where they became locally known for their music. Since establishing the rap group (M.P.H), in the summer of 1999. But it was in 2005 when Points recruited big supporter Barbara Laureano, nickname Molly into M.P.H - That kicked things off for the inspiring rap group. In return making her an invaluable asset to their growth.

SYPNOSIS:

Music, Drama & Life became their struggles, yet their passion for success was undeniable and could not be ignored. M.P.H collectively were determined to become the next big act in hip-hop. Unfortunately differences in opinions, poor finances and personal rifts greatly affected the progress of the group.

A Film Written & Directed by first time director (Rapper/Actor) Hari Espinosa and edited by Victor Tortch. Co-Written by Darren Whitfield, Janice Smith and Joe Hernandez. Produced By Hari Espinosa & Joe Hernandez. Narrated by Actress/Singer/ Model Joyce Elwick

WATCH OUR PROMO VIDEOS: http://www.vimeo.com/mph

This film is presented by Do It Ya Self Entertainment

ALSO COMING SOON!

DJ TICAL & M.P.H: "WE WANT IN" EP

DoitYaSelf Vol.2 (MIXTAPE) Hosted & Mixed by Dj Tical

"We Run It" by Points - Produced by Joe Hernandez

AVAILABLE NOW FOR DOWNLOAD! LINK BELOW

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/we-run-it-single/id419265186 )))

PREVIEW THE ENTIRE TRACK ON POINTS' YOUTUBE CHANNEL

URL LINK > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpiS0CaOvAs&hd=1 )))

ALL OUR ORIGINAL SONGS: http://www.soundcloud.com/mph-1

BRIEF BIOS

Points Biography: Points "That Ni*** That Sh** Poppin' " A phrase which spawned a wave of infectious tunes in the New York Underground Hip-hop circuit in 2003, when releasing his first tangible project DEMO/MIXTAPE Vol. 1 & 2 From 149Th St., 3rd Ave in The Bronx and back to his old stomping ground on 111 St. 7Th Av in Harlem...

M.P.H Biography: (M.P.H) an acronym which has signified "Money, Power & Honor", for the New York Underground Hip-Hop group which is consisted of two original members " Pac-One now know as Points and neighborhood friend Dirty Hari now known as H dirt, then in 2005, Molly, appointed by Points as a big supporter and business partner. Established in the mid summer 1999...

INDIE LABEL

Do It Ya Self Entertainment LLC is an independent record company label based out of Bronx, New York. Specializing in urban underground / alternative music. Founded in 2004 by Artist/Actor/C.E.O. Hari "H dirt" Espinosa with partner Artist/Co-C.E.O. Skylar "Points" Williams for the main purpose of do it their selves when nobody thought it would be possible...

CONTACT MANAGER: Hari "H dirt" Espinosa - EMAIL: info@moneypowerhonor.com

M.P.H Blog: http://www.moneypowerhonor.com

TWITTERS: http://twitter.com/pointsnews

                     http://twitter.com/ElDirtyNews

                     http://twitter.com/DoitYaSelfPR

                     http://twitter.com/thisisdjtical