I've been thinking about the value our culture puts on music these days. We need it, we love it, we share it, we keep our personal soundtrack with us at all times, but we don't always expect to pay for it. We like the idea of independent music and artists, but when we do buy CDs or download tracks, they tend to be the latest major artist or project with a cool buzz, that we heard about from - KCRW, Rolling Stone, NPR, or wherever we get our music news from.

Hey - I'm guilty of it too. I just went crazy at Barnes and Noble for XMas gifts. But, I'm turning over a new leaf, and I ask you to do something exciting! Start your OWN buzz. Think of yourself as the latest tastemaker blogger and share your great finds with your friends, co-workers and loved ones. Why not! Let's fertilize independent music and art with our attention and cash. It's just as easy and usually more affordable. Here are my picks (including my own new CD) for your last minute holiday gifts!

Love you all, Joselyn

1. Joselyn, "Chance For Rain" (new soulful CD with vintage sounds and excellent contemporary songs) on sale for $12 in December - Buy Here

2. Jason Luckett, "MMIX", (excellent singer-songwriter new album)

3. Francisco Letelier, artist, mixed media and painting, 310 399 5505

4. Marti Walker, amazing composer/vocalist (great jazz/world/pop CD)

and...Zia Barrozo, jewelry artist (affordable and beautiful necklaces), Gale McCall, ceramic and metal artist (amazing ceramics), and so many more. Contact me for their info and share your own. Give Music - give art - give love...