Tiamo's Blog

My untold story: it’s time you knew this big secret about me…

TiamoMusic — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:04:27 +0000

Hello friends and supporters,

It’s so great to be where I am today. But, what
you don’t know about me may shock you.
Now that I’ve reached inner peace about it, I
feel ready to share with you…

A few years ago, my career as a singer/songwriter
was rapidly ascending with the backing of my
agent, manager, publicist, investors, and
promoters. After meeting with executives at
Capital Records, my latest single was ready to hit
the airwaves with the biggest radio stations in the
country and I was told that late night talk shows
like Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien were knocking.
But, there was a catch…

I could have all of this, including instant fame,
wealth, and “rock stardom” that I was assured
would happen, as long as I kept this 1 dirty secret…

To find out what the secret was that made music
industry people call me crazy for literally walking
away from all of this (and I’m so grateful that I did),
listen to my short interview clip with Mindie Kniss
where I finally tell all here:
http://soundcloud.com/tiamomusic/interview

If you want to get access to the rest of my interview
where I talk about:

– The true story behind my name
– My inspiration for becoming a singer/songwriter
– The incredible “Becky” story behind my song “Be
the Change” that still gives me chills to this day
– My 3 keys to finding real love
– How to “be love”, create success, and live a life
filled with passion and purpose

Then simply sign up for f*ree at:
http://restartyourheart.com/2011/07/01/heart-to-heart-with-tiamo/

When you sign up, you will also get exclusive
monthly interviews from speaker-author-life coach,
Mindie Kniss, where she interviews experts on all
things love and inspiration!

Today, I know that the great success that I’ve had ever
since my “Independence Day” came about because I
took control of my destiny and did it without fear of
losing everything. The irony is, once I let go of the fear
of losing everything, I gained everything. Maybe this is
a sign for you to let go of something so that you can
find your greater purpose?

And because I love to share amazing resources to
help you elevate your life, I highly encourage you to
sign up to receive Mindie’s Heart to Heart interviews
every month for f*ree! Just go to:
http://restartyourheart.com/2011/07/01/heart-to-heart-with-tiamo/

The Power of Compliments: Why Just a Few Seconds Can Change Your Life, Their Life, and Create a Ripple Effect

TiamoMusic — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 20:17:05 +0000

Give 5 compliments each day & watch how your life transforms inside & out. Here’s 5 I gave today. Take my challenge. What’s yours?

1) I love your scarf.

2) You must be proud. You really worked hard. I admire your dedication.

2) Congratulations…you will make a really great Dad!

3) That color looks really great on you.

4) I loved your story you told the other day. You’re such a good story teller.

Perhaps you have heard the stories about how a simple compliment or taking a moment to show you care have literally saved lives. More than anything, people want to be seen and accepted for who they are. I say, why not turn things up and celebrate who people are…but not quietly. Let’s not keep this to ourselves. Seeing something good in someone is way to imporatnt not to share with them.

Maybe that one compliment you give is the very thing they needed to reach their tipping point and overcome that insecurity or fear. Maybe it’s the one thing they needed to turn their entire day around. Maybe it’s the one thing they needed to feel loved, and sometimes, we need to feel loved…even if it’s from a stranger.

And those 5 compliments? Take my challenge (is it really that much of a challenge?) and just imagine the ripple effect it can have on the people around you…and those not around you. You don’t have to be a hero to touch someone.

There’s no greater feeling than to see someone shine. So, put the sparkel in someone’s day today. Then, sit back and watch how they have a little more zest about them. This is our chance to be great by doing something small.

Be great,

Tiamo

http://www.TiamoMusic.com

http://www.CustomLoveSongs.net

http://www.TiamoKeynoteConcerts.com

http://www.MusiciansMoneyMakingSecrets.com

What Oriental Rugs Have Taught Me About True Success

TiamoMusic — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:37:23 +0000

Recently, I was on vacation walking along the cobblestone streets of Vancouver’s historic
“Gastown” district with my older brother. We passed an elegant store that sells huge high-end oriental rugs and I felt perplexed.

Turning to my brother, I said, “How in the world do they stay in business? I’ve never known anyone who owns oriental rugs THAT size in their place for tens of thousands of dollars”! After a conversation that soon felt like we were in the middle of a Seinfeld episode about oriental rugs, I remained mystified, but asked the universe to one day show me the answer. Then, I let it go.

Fast forward 3 days later….

My brother and I were staying in a hotel on the west shore of Vancouver Island…right
on the beach. This area is known for its amazing “storm watching”. Sure enough, that evening, I was sitting there in the grand hotel lobby that is adorned by dark wood floors,
warm reading lamps, a big crackling fireplace, and I was looking out of the floor-to-ceiling
windows at this powerful rainstorm with howling winds and waves crashing against
the rocks. In this moment, my mind went so still and quiet, and it’s as if a soft voice
whispered inside of me…

“Look down, Tiamo, look down.”

I sat up from my lazy position in the over-stuffed chair I was in, and as I looked down,
to my astonishment, what did I see?

A huge, beautiful oriental rug. The kind that fills rooms.

“That’s it”, I thought to myself! “Hotels and resorts buy these oriental rugs”! Now, here’s
the good part…

The answer to my question about oriental rugs was always RIGHT UNDER MY NOSE.
But, I couldn’t SEE it before. Why? Because my mind was lost in the static of trying to figure this out by reason and logic. You see…

When we open ourselves up to the unseen, what is real becomes….seen! For me, the
unseen was that subtle inner voice that led me to the obvious. Are you listening to your inner voice?

What questions in your life have you been impatiently waiting to get answered? Is it possible that the answer has been right in front of you, but you haven’t taken a moment
to find that quiet space where your truth lies?

It’s time.

It’s time for something more. It’s time for the answers to your questions to emerge from
the fog. I want to help you bring that forward…here and now.

Join me THIS Sunday (Jan. 16th) as I speak and perform at: “Here and Now: A Conventionfor New Year’s Resolutions” in San Diego! This event will powerfully kick start your new year featuring 9 speakers and experts on areas of optimized health, wellness, interactive demonstrations, and 20-plus exhibitor booths offering free massages and more. And, as a special fan club offer, you can attend for ONLY $7 good until Jan. 15th (50% off regular admission)!!

Purchase your discounted tickets and get more info at:
http://bit.ly/gOvFTT

I’ll be on stage at 1:15 PM.

I hope you will join me in taking a huge step forward in a year that is miraculous for you!!

Be the dream,

Tiamo
L.A. Music Award’s “Singer/Songwriter of the Year”
San Diego Music Award’s “Best Songwriter”
Home: http://www.TiamoMusic.com
Custom Songs: http://www.CustomLoveSongs.net
Keynote Concerts: http://www.TiamoKeynoteConcerts.com
Success Coaching: http://www.MusiciansMoneyMakingSecrets.com

My Conversation with Jason Mraz: a Gem I’m Sharing with You

TiamoMusic — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:36:20 +0000

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to hang out with Jason Mraz. While Jason has been a musical inspiration to me, he shared something during our conversation that really impacted me. Now, I want to share it with you.

Considering that Jason has won a Grammy and holds the record for the longest standing single (“I’m Yours”) on the top 100 charts, you would think that he would have all kinds of profound advice for me about reaching stardom in the music industry. But, delightfully and surprisingly enough, Jason told me something so simple, yet so memorable…

“I don’t know a thing about how to make it in the music business. All I know is that I do what I love with all my heart, and because of this, the right people keep showing up in my life over and over again. They take my love for music and turn it into a business. My job is to just keep creating and keep giving.”

So, here’s what I walked away with that I believe relates to your life and mine.

The most important thing is to not get so worried about the “how” in life. The universe is begging for us to just put things in motion. It’s like an excited child, waiting for us to find our gift, then open it up to the world. So, my question to you is this…

How can we expect the universe to carry our dream for us if we don’t give it the very thing it needs to carry?

What we’re responsible for is to do what we love the most. Then, as we’re
doing and being what we love, the universe will figure out the how. We just have to keep showing up. Sometimes, over and over again.

So many times, we over-think “how” we’re going do it that we do the worst thing of all…we don’t do it!

Jason told me that he simply committed to doing what he loves…no matter what. So, here’s my invitation to you.

Stop worrying about how your dream is going to work. Just start working on your
dream. The time will never be “right” or “perfect”. If you wait for it to be “perfect”,
it won’t happen. All that has occurred is that you will have hid behind the
“it’s-not-perfect-yet” excuse that is a form of self-sabotage.

And if you’ve already been pursuing a dream and you’re feeling defeated? Get up, get back up. Keep creating…and don’t believe your unsupportive thoughts.

Is there a new song in there somewhere? You better believe it. It’s already been written. And it’s going to be on my next album. More to come soon…

Be the dream,

Women, I Wrote This Song for You. Men, Help Me Honor Them

TiamoMusic — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:34:51 +0000

Women, do you have a voice in your head that says things you would never say to another? If you did, that would be hurtful, painful, and perhaps even abusive, right? So, why is it ok that you say those things to yourself? Loving others starts with you, yes?

Men, do you have women in your lives that do this to themselves? Do you wish they could only revere themselves in the way that you revere them?

I do.

That’s why I wrote this song called “The God in You” for all women.

Ladies, for just a moment, turn the voice off in your head, and allow me to sing to you in my music video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ISSvgOlMIU&feature=player_embedded

If you want to be bold, I ask you to believe everything I sing about in this song. Because in my reality, it’s true. Will you make it true for you?

And if you find yourself having a hard time believing my words, that’s ok. But, imagine if you thought this way about yourself on a regular basis. Wouldn’t your life transform?

To help you get on the path of transformation, I invite you to take the 1st step in attending my friend Lisa Steadman’s empowerment event for women!!

Not only will it be an incredible evening where you take control of your destiny, but I will be performing my song “The God in You” live for all the women there!

My hope is that every woman in my fan club will attend. Why? Because I love it when I see you shine!

To learn more about the WooHoo Women’s event on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 30th in L.A., go to:

http://www.WooHooWomenOfTheYear.com

When you attend, be sure to visit me after I perform! It will be great to connect.

Be the dream,

The Meaning Behind My Song “Butterfly” and How it Relates to…Soccer?

TiamoMusic — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:32:15 +0000

Recently, I performed at a private VIP event to motivate and inspire life coaches, speakers, and heart centered entrepreneurs and business owners. Based on all the emails and messages that I have received since that event, one song in particular has seemed to really connect with people. Maybe it will connect with you?

Could it be the idea of transformation, or hope, or embracing change that’s touching people? After all, haven’t we all experienced some significant change in our lives recently? And whether it might be the kind of change that we label as “good” or “bad” with our human intellect, doesn’t it all lead to spiritual growth? Tell me this…

Have you experienced fear of the unknown or what’s ahead lately? I know I have. But, here’s a verse from my new song “Butterfly” that people have been telling me has kept them moving forward, even when doors seemed closed…

I’m taking one step backward—but two steps forward—I’m growing up before my eyes
One step backward—but two steps forward—I’m metamorphosing like a butterfly

Did I just say one step backward?? YUP! Think about this. In soccer, it doesn’t matter which direction the ball goes. Sometimes, you have to pass the ball backward in order to advance it. Ultimately, all that matters is that you move the ball around on your path to scoring a GOAL. The key here is that you maintain possession and just keep the ball moving. Life is the same way! You see, even if we do stumble or take one step backward, as long as we keep moving, that is SO much better than standing still! So, my question to you is this…

What area in your life are you standing still? Or, what area in your life did you take a step backward, and now you’re afraid to take the next step? If this is you, pause, take a moment, and let this song accompany you as you lift that one foot up and begin your journey again.

To help you get every word out of this song, you can visit my special lyrics link at: http://tiamomusic.com/lyrics/48-lyrics-butterfly.html. To get a gifted mp3 of “Butterfly” sent to you, just send me an email at TiamoMusic@gmail.com.

This is my way of telling you that you are not alone, and if I can’t be with you in person, I at least can be there in spirit as you rise again and transform into that beautiful butterfly that you always knew you could be…

Be the dream,

Frustrated with Furloughs? Laugh at my “Furlough Friday” Rap Music Video

TiamoMusic — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:30:11 +0000

A few months ago, I took a weekend trip with my good friends to Las Vegas and for whatever reason, we kept singing “Err’ body in the club gettin’ tipsy” which is a song by J-Kwon called “Tipsy”. Every time we sang it, we laughed out loud…no matter how many times it managed to recycle itself throughout the weekend. When I returned to work on Monday (yes, I have a day job) at the university, my friend Josh and I were having lunch and I was telling him about my trip. We were also sharing some of our feelings about furloughs, and suddenly, I exclaimed to Josh “Dude, wouldn’t that be the funniest song” and I started singing “Err’ body on campus gettin’ furloughed”! He and our other furlough counter-parts started laughing and I said “No seriously, let’s do it”! We then talked about how great this song would be for people to hear as it might ease some tensions and anxieties that thousands of state employees are experiencing with furloughs.

Psssst……in case you don’t know, a furlough is when you take time off of work, but don’t get paid for it. University staff don’t work, students feel slighted, pay cuts ensue, you get the idea. I commence….

After our little lunch time pow wow, Josh and I had written the lyrics by the end of the day. Hence, a song was born! But wait, there’s more! After recording the song in my studio, we decided to take things to the next level and make a funny video integrating the university community. We thought this would be a great way to bring some joy and laughter into peoples’ lives who might be carrying heavy hearts about furlough related issues. So, I went to the thrift store to get some “gangsta’ wear” and Josh, well, he let me borrow some props from his closet, and we went around to different offices on campus filming the video.

The video was released on Friday, March 12, 2010. Josh and I knew that the video would make some people around campus and the university community smile. But, here we are, 10 days later on March 22, and the video at this moment has reached 40,017 views and stories about it have been covered online at MSNBC, NBC San Diego, FOX News 5, The Sacramento Bee, the San Diego North County Times, etc. Something tells me the universe was really behind this one!

I have received a tidal wave of emails from people who have been touched by this video more than you can imagine. It’s the everyday people that work hard in the trenches and who can’t seem to get a break that have been reaching out to me expressing the impact the video has had on them. Yes, for many, it’s a good laugh and a nice distraction in their day. But for others, they have seen the bigger picture which goes something like…

Maybe we’re all going to be OK? Maybe we can find humor amid stressful situations? Maybe something like this can bring us even closer as a community as we have something to rally around? Maybe we’ve been taking life too seriously? This is based on the emails that I have been getting all day long. More than ever, this has helped me to see that people are thirsting to feel good and want to be connected through something that binds us. I have heard your voice. The one that comes from “the little guy” in all of us, just trying to keep moving forward with pride. For this, I thank you for sharing with me.

This is not meant to diminish the stress that people have felt from furloughs, pay cuts, and possible lay offs. But, if our little 3:55 video can create a ripple effect that has now reached an international scale, I believe the potential for all of us to shine is beyond imagination.

This makes me feel so alive and energized to know that I can influence a shift in consciousness…no matter how big or small. I invite you to contribute to the shift by sending our light-hearted video to the people you care about. Every tree of inspiration begins with the seed of possibility.

To watch the video, go here: Furlough Friday

P.S. Update: The video has now reached over 72,000 views! Thank you all for your support.

Be the dream,

Can Hugs Change the World? Here’s Proof…Hug it Forward

TiamoMusic — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:27:57 +0000

As you know, my music is something that it is very close to my heart. But, even closer to my heart is the feeling that I am truly making a difference in the world. Recently, I was asked to create and record a song for the “Hug It Forward” movement that was launched globally. I have been waiting for the right moment-in-time for my music to be associated with a beautiful global cause, and this is the start of so much more philanthropy to come.

Since its very recent launch on YouTube just a few days ago, my song called “Be the Change” along with the music video has been viewed over 10,000 times. The song is also being translated into 12 languages, and the Spanish and Hebrew versions have already been recorded by other recording artists. To view the song and video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Mvomuh7qCM&hd=1

Send an email to TiamoMusic@gmail.com and I will send you a gifted mp3 of the song.

It is my intention, that with enough support, I can help “Hug It Forward” by raising awareness through my music, and eventually, be able to actively contribute in rebuilding third world communities…all the while, giving hugs unconditionally to those who welcome it.

To date, Hug it Forward has raised enough funding to build 4 new schools per month in 3rd world countries. Currently, they are focusing on Gutemala.

I hope that you will share this song and video link as freely and openly as you desire. At the very least, I guarantee that it will make your family and friends smile inside.

Be the dream,

Overcoming My Biggest Challenges and How You Can Too: Magazine Feature Story

TiamoMusic — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:24:42 +0000

Recently, I was interviewed and featured by “Insights Magazine” that highlights success stories and secrets of accomplished visionaries and entrepreneurs. Not only did they decide to put me on the cover, but they turned my tele-class with their international subscribers into their feature story. Where can you read the story? Right here. Where can you hear the full length 1 hour tele-class about my biggest challenges and how I overcame them…for FREE? Just send me an email at TiamoMusic@gmail.com and I will send you the download.

Though I’m a singer/songwriter, I’ve experienced many challenges that I believe you have too. For example, do you ever…

Feel like you have the hardest time starting tasks, goals, and projects?

Fall victim to your own self-sabotaging where the judgmental, fear-based voice in your head stops you from moving forward?

Feel like you are pulled in so many different directions and have a hard time getting focused?

Undervalue your most natural gifts, skills, and talents and think that you can’t get paid well to do what you love?

As far as I have come as an entrepreneurial artist, I have had to slay the dragons in my head along my ascent. Now, I feel like a “fear terminator” and I share what I do to maintain this.

You can read the magazine article for leisure, but it is about 25% of what was actually said on the call. So, check out the article, but listen to my free tele-class to hear the hidden gems on my pathway to the greatest success I never imagined I would reach when I first picked up a guitar and started humming a melody.

Deepak Chopra (world renowned personal growth leader) was recently featured in Insights Magazine, Jack Canfield (author of Chicken Soup for the Soul) was featured in the June issue, and now…me in the July issue??

Sounds funny, but it’s all happening for me…and I am so excited to share it with you so you can turn your own keys to success!!

Check out the full magazine that highlights not just my story, but amazing wisdom and insight from 6 great business leaders here: http://www.getei.com/InsightsJT.html

Be the dream,

10 Year Anniversary of My 1st Song Ever Written: a Moment Revisited

TiamoMusic — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:21:42 +0000

It is hard for me to believe, but 10 years ago today, on a rainy night in Richmond, Virginia, I picked up my guitar (which at the time was called “Jasmine”) and accidentally, wrote my first song. Why accidentally? Well, at the time, I only knew one chord (which was a D) and was slowly learning a C chord (thanks Ray). Switching my fingers from D to C felt impossible to me. My fingers would get all tangled up, my wrist felt like it was a block of immobility, and my finger tips were burning as if they were in flames! My intention was to simply get from D to C and back again in enough cycles to where I felt like I had accomplished something. But then…

After growing impatient with the D to C “situation”, I started just strumming the D chord. As I was doing that, I began to hum a melody. As I was strumming and humming the melody to a rhythm, somehow, I felt like an instrument. Like something was simply passing through me, instead of me trying to force an outcome. Then, a collection of words came out of my mouth as I sang…

“I stare at the numbness via satellite, but then I watch as the world starts to reunite, because we’re all just swimming through the thickened sand, but we can do the butterfly if you just take my hand…”

As soon as these lyrics spilled out, I started feverishly writing them down as not to forget them. All the while, I was not questioning what was going on, but just letting things flow. Then, my fingers started guiding themselves toward chords other than D, and I began playing chords that to this day, I have no idea what they are. One verse became two verses, a chorus (the meat of the song) was added, a post chorus (the change up), and 30 minutes later, I wrote my first song called “Dip Your Toes in the Water With Me.” I’ll never forget…

Calling my friends and family and playing this song over the phone for them. My dear friend Ray, zoomed over to my place the next day, and I gave him a personal concert of the one song that just happened upon me. Within a week, I took this one song, the one chord that I knew (and the other truncated chords that were a mystery to me), and performed at my first open mic night in the Shockoe Slip area of downtown Richmond. The crowd loved it, and I thought “Really”??? But then, I realized that writing songs could be a way of inspiring others. It could be a way for me to express the unexpressed for people. Now…

Here I am, 10 years later, and would you believe it, I still write songs the same way. In most cases, I “invent” the chords that I’m playing, and I just create what feels right to me…in my gut. No filter, no intellect, no structure, no mental noise. I just let the universe deliver its song to me and I don’t question the process. I’ve still never taken guitar lessons, I can’t read sheet music to save my life, music theory is like a foreign language to me, but what I’ve learned from all of you is that none of that really matters. What matters is that it comes from the heart. That it’s honest, real, and 100% authentically who-I-am. This is what you have taught me.

After writing my first song in Richmond, a few months later, I clearly remember having a dream to one day, write 10 songs and come out with my own CD. Well, 84 songs later, an internationally released CD (Back to Love), and many other extra goodies that I won’t get into right now, I have far surpassed my original dream. So what’s my next dream?

Well, that one is being worked on, as I write this. I have a really exciting vision for the future of my music that I can’t wait to announce to you. It’s still in the works, but when the time is right (in the very near future), I’ll be ready to share it with you. In the time being, I just wanted to say thank you to those of you who have been a part of my journey and who have continued pushing me and encouraging me to create and share my music with the world…even when I felt at my weakest and defeated. For those of you who are newer to my music, I thank you for opening your hearts to it and I look forward to moving into this next chapter with you as I continue bringing you new messages of love, hope, humanity, joy, connection, acceptance, and celebration.

Be the dream,