The Songs For Running EP can be downloaded through iTunes, Amazon, Napster, emusic, Rhapsody and Spotify. It was released independently with help from producer Terry Radigan.
The idea behind the different tempos for the songs is to slowly build up to the 180 bpm cadence.
All songs stream here:
Track list:
- 1. If You Had a Life to Kill (160 bpm)
First of all, this song is not about killing anyone! It’s about that anger that you can occasionally have toward inanimate objects that don’t work (small technological gadgets I’m looking at you…) Am I the only one that feels like they’re doing it on purpose just to make me late for things? In the background you can hear my basic experimenting with a giant accordion. When played live it takes on a Clash-like punk/reggae sensibility. That accordion part could one day be turned into a lovely ska horn section. Please note 160 bpm is a bit slow for running. This is actually where I was when I started paying attention to my stride rate, when I try to go back to it now I can hardly stand it. It sounds good sped up though, so look for a re-released live version in the future.
2. To Be Alone (170 bpm)
This song is about the more solitary meditative side of running. When the world gets crowded and frustrating it’s nice to be able to go out for a run and get some space and perspective. At 170 bpm it’s only a tad slow and a good transitional song for runners trying to increase their cadence gradually.
3. Get Out of My Head (180 bpm)
The content of this song is slightly embarrassing. I wrote it after a night out drinking when my boyfriend was out of town. It’s still fun to play and at a straight 180 bpm.
4. So Cold (180 bpm)
Running is a lot like a long term relationship, especially when it comes to running in extreme weather. You really find out who’s in it for the long haul when you’re out running in near blizzard conditions. Of course there are many patches of ice in a serious relationship too, so this song is metaphor about both.
5. Why I Run (180 bpm)
In Team in Training we talk a lot about “honored team mates.” These are people who have battled cancer that TNT participants run in honor of and think about while training to enforce their mission and give them strength. There are many inspiring individuals I have come across in my life and in my running. When I thought about who I think about when running when I need an example of strength and endurance I think of my father. Fortunately, he has not had to battle cancer and is still out there fighting the fight of life. He’s a life-long athlete and fitness enthusiast as well as some one with iron clad work ethic. I could not ask for a better role model than that.
6. Engineering Masterpiece (180 bpm)
In this song I wanted to express something that could drive you to the finish line on tired legs. I tried to tap into the state of mind you’re in when you are having the race of your life and are ready to empty the tank with everything you have. Your form is perfect, you are barely aware of the exhaustion because adrenaline is propelling you forward and somehow you manage to hit a strong finishing kick to the end. The accordion makes a re-appearance in this song as well as a Greek baglama. Recording this EP was really a fun time of musical experimentation for me.
The Lady Southpaw self-titled E.P. is also available on iTunes and Amazon. It is a compilation of older songs. It includes “Every Step Together,” the song written to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Download it free from the widget on this page or go to Lady Southpaw on ReverbNation.
Lady Southpaw (2008)
- Every Step Together (166 bpm)
- All the Images Wash Over Me
- It Settled Into My Clothes
- I Can Feel It Knocking
- Mama Blue
