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Cognizance

by BRENDA CARSEY

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  • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    "Cognizance" Vinyl - limited edition first pressing - Brenda Carsey's first album pressed to vinyl!

    With gorgeous photography inside and out by Morgan Demeter and font and formatting by Piknik Press, this stunning record includes all 13 songs from the album PLUS A BONUS TRACK! This secret bonus track will not be released digitally and will only be available to enjoy/hear via the vinyl record! The track is a super extended, musically delicious, jammed out live in-studio performance of "Home"! PLUS you get a free album digital download too! So you get the best of both worlds!

    About the record:
    • 13 tracks + 1 bonus track (only available on vinyl)
    • 4 sides/2 LP set in full color, gloss finish double gatefold jacket in protective no flap polybag
    • classic black vinyl with full color labels
    • Digital album download card included
    • 33 RPM, 150 gram weight

    Includes unlimited streaming of Cognizance via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ... more
    ships out within 14 days
    edition of 500 

      $40 USD or more 

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    "Cognizance" CD - limited edition 4 panel digipak, 13 track album

    Album photography by Morgan Demeter
    Album packaging formatted by Piknik Press

    Includes unlimited streaming of Cognizance via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days
    edition of 200 

      $13 USD or more 

     

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $13 USD  or more

     

  • Full Digital Discography

    Get all 14 BRENDA CARSEY releases available on Bandcamp and save 15%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Cognizance live at Moroccan Lounge, Cognizance, Man of Mine, I'm Sorry, Party's Over, Just Trying To Do My Thing, Stand Up, Box Cutter, and 6 more. , and , .

    Purchasable with gift card

      $68.43 USD or more (15% OFF)

     

1.
Just Trying To Do My Thing by Brenda Carsey I refuse to sell out completely Make some stupid music just so you can dance to it, baby I’ve got truth to share and chords to play with I’ve got time on my side I’m just trying to do my thing I’m just trying to do my thing Let the spirit move me how it wants to I’m just trying to do my thing with you I refuse to be fake and shady Smile at your face then flip you off as you walk away, baby I’ve got truth to share and friendship to give I’m got patience and kindness I’m just trying to do my thing I’m just trying to do my thing Let the spirit move me how it wants to I’m just trying to do my thing with you I’m just trying to, I’m just trying to do My thing with you Said I’m just trying to do my own damn thing with you
2.
Home 06:19
Home by Brenda Carsey I was born in the winter But where I’m from That means the sun was shining And my mom was wed to a drinker She struggled hard as he kept on fighting Then she went out on her own And together we crossed the county line Her head held high with me in her arms Set out to find ourselves a new life Oh, you’ll never know Which way the winds will blow Can’t guess how the currents Will bring you home But they’ll bring you home Then she met another man And this man sure did treat her right Stood tall, yah he stood strong And held us both as his shining lights Treated me just like a father should Played with me and taught me about life Firm as a rock, soft as a feather A humble man to act as my guide Oh, you’ll never know Which way the winds will blow Can’t guess how the currents Will bring you home But they’ll bring you home I was born in the city Where all the lights shine oh so bright Everyday is such a journey Flowing through with just a bit of fight Give me a wall in a maze And I’ll climb it and find my own way Give me some truth and I’ll preach it Cause I always got something to say And right now I’m saying Oh, you’ll never know Which way the winds will blow Can’t guess how the currents Will bring you home Oh but they will bring you home Yah they will bring you home
3.
Bang Bang 04:17
Bang Bang by Brenda Carsey Sister girl, where have you gone? I’ve been walking these streets for so long Following echoes off the walls Your voice, I swear it calls Never could I’ve imagined That you would be gone forever And never could I have fathomed One click would be it Now I’m pissed and I’m screaming out Bang bang Too many people dying From other people who are taking their lives Bang bang Too many friends are leaving Me in the dust as they take to the sky Oh, it shouldn’t be like this my baby They had so much life to live, this shit’s crazy Ooo, too many families broken Trying to hold on to the memories, to the memories, to the memories, to the memories Brother man, where have you gone? What the hell is going on? You always did what you should You were always doing good And always had a smile Beaming from your face But now I sit in denial How could one click be it Now I’m screaming out Bang bang Too many people dying From other people who are taking their lives Bang bang Too many friends are leaving Me in the dust as they take to the sky Oh, it shouldn’t be like this my baby They had so much life to live, this shit’s crazy Ooo, too many families broken Trying to hold on to the memories, to the memories, to the memories, to the memories I never thought I’d lose you to a hand that’s not your own Seems like everywhere I go, your face appears And I thought I had you for at least a few more years But I guess that’s out of my hands now Trying to get you out of my head now Bang bang Too many people dying From other people who are taking their lives Bang bang Too many friends are leaving Me in the dust as they take to the sky Oh, it shouldn’t be like this my baby They had so much life to live, this shit’s crazy Ooo, too many families broken Trying to hold on to the memories, to the memories, to the memories, to the memories…
4.
This Damn Place by Brenda Carsey Too much responsibility Always seems to follow me Try to get my feet wet But the world won’t seem to let me do this yet When you gonna come my way? Take me away from this damn place And these bills to pay When you gonna come my way? Take me away from the struggle And responsibility Try to let my hair down But half the time I find it’s bound, bound Try to loosen up my belt But those just weren’t the cards that I was dealt, no When you gonna come my way? Take me away from this damn place And these bills to pay When you gonna come my way? Take me away from the struggle And responsibility Sometimes I feel I could cry My pockets are running dry Each day we’re losing time Can’t seem to make things right When you gonna come my way? Take me away from this damn place And these bills to pay When you gonna come my way? Take me away from the struggle And responsibility
5.
Unfortunate Men by Brenda Carsey You’ve never felt like a piece of dead flesh that’s been Poked and prodded You’ve never been followed and chased like You’re being haunted And you’ve never been slapped and grabbed while Just walking quietly Just for breathing in the streets Oh, you dear unfortunate men We don’t think that you’ll ever understand The true grace and beauty Wisdom, humility, Strength and magic Of being a woman You don’t know what it’s like to feel with Every piece of your spirit You don’t know what it’s like to be entered and Have to take it And you don’t know what it’s like to be called A diva when you’re just certain A bitch when you’re just assertive Oh, you dear unfortunate men We don’t think that you’ll ever understand The true grace and beauty Wisdom, humility, Strength and magic Of being a woman You don’t know what it’s like to be able to Connect with the moon You don’t know what it’s like to feel The pulling of the tides And you don’t know what it’s like to be The chosen fruit divine The guardian of life The guardian of life Oh, you dear unfortunate men We don’t think that you’ll ever understand The true grace and beauty Wisdom, humility, Strength and magic Of being a woman Being a woman Being a woman
6.
Rebel Walls 04:51
Rebel Walls by Brenda Carsey Break down these rebel walls Break down these rebel walls Let the water set me free Never have to think about the world outside of me Tear down these broken halls Tear down these broken halls Let the currents carry me Never let the creatures come inside this hallow head before I’m gone You are not me and you won’t gain control Even if you strip the ocean free of everything we know See heaven had sent… You know you should be on your way back home But you’re never going home Break down these rebel walls Tear down these broken halls Let the currents set me free Never let the creatures crawl inside this hallow head before I’m gone You are not me and you won’t gain control Even if you strip the ocean free of everything we know See heaven had sent… You know you should be on your way back home But you’re never going home
7.
I'm Sorry 04:47
I'm Sorry by Brenda Carsey Did I fuck up again? How’d I fuck up again? I’m sorry for the pain I caused I’m sorry for the pain I caused you I’m sorry for the tears I’m sorry for the tears I caused You’re such a lovely thing You mean the world to me Oh Lord, please help me to change I’m a lost soul And I don’t want to get stuck upon this train Oh Lord, please help me to be My best self Release all this stubbornness inside of me I’m sorry for the words I’m sorry for the words I said I’m working hard to change I’m trying to rearrange my mind I’m sorry for the doubt I’m sorry for the doubt I had You always do your best Better than all the rest Oh Lord, please help me to change I’m a lost soul And I don’t want to get stuck upon this train Oh Lord, please help me to be My best self Release all this stubbornness inside of me Oh Lord, I swear I’ll do right by you one day Please have patience while I try I feel the currents Of change inside of me Please hold on as the sun starts to rise Oh Lord, please help me to change I’m a lost soul And I don’t want to get stuck upon this train Oh Lord, please help me to be My best self Release all this stubbornness inside of me Release all this stubbornness inside of me
8.
Goat and Bull by Brenda Carsey Goat and bull run head to head Pushing their way upstream Both are willing to compromise To realize their dreams You and I must bend Before we snap Before we mend You and I must give Before we get Before we forget Flowing energy guides their way Through challenge and joy unknown All answers unfold inside as they Observe one another’s growth You and I must bend Before we snap Before we mend You and I must give Before we get Before we forget
9.
But You're Alive by Brenda Carsey Cold has come Skin feels numb Tingling fingers Damp skin Falling from Exhaustion But you’re alive Closer than a winter storm Thoughts Closer than a winter storm They come to swallow Familiar snooze Familiar room Stuck inside it Like a tomb Sleeping in No sun on skin But you’re alive Closer than a winter storm Thoughts Closer than a winter storm They come to swallow Feeling dumb It’s pretty fun Pacify And become Body mass A soul detached But you’re alive Closer than a winter storm Thoughts Closer than a winter storm They come to swallow Hold tight And stay on the ride Rise up Don’t shrink and hide Haven’t you been told You are seen Haven’t you been told Life is just a dream Closer than a winter storm
10.
Man of Mine 03:23
Man of Mine by Brenda Carsey When I think of your love I get so high Oh no I can’t get you off of my mind When I think of your love I get so high Oh no I can’t get you off of my mind Your love’s a treat Tender sweet Come on over baby Get close to me My hair sways His lips quake Can’t wait to get a little taste Hold me tight Feels so strong Wrapped in the comfort of his arms Imagine me like sea Dripping wet with ecstasy When I think of your love I get so high Oh no I can’t get you off of my mind When I think of your love I get so high Oh no I can’t get you off of my mind Your love’s sweet Makes me weak In all the best ways And I’m happy to bow down To a heart of gold Willing solider of depthful stare and mind How lucky I was to search and find This man of mine When I think of your love I get so high Oh no I can’t get you off of my mind When I think of your love I get so high Oh no I can’t get you off of my mind Said when I think of your love You know that I can’t get you off of my mind Said when I think of your love, baby Oh yah You know that I can’t get you off of my mind
11.
Have You Ever Hid Love Away by Brenda Carsey Have you ever hid love away Before you let it show up on your face Have you ever hid love away Before you got caught in its sweet embrace Now I know it's hard To be seen But open your heart So you can be Finally free Have you ever hid love away Afraid to trust anything Have you ever hid love away Before you could know its healing grace Now I know it's hard To be seen But open your heart So you can be Finally free Love can be a painful thing Open up and have your heart ripped out and torn Feeling lost and alone But love's a special thing And the beauty that it brings Lifts your spirit up Don't hide from it, give it up Have you ever hid love away Afraid to trust anything Have you ever hid love away Before you could know its healing grace Now I know it's hard To be seen But open your heart So you can be Finally free
12.
Party's Over 03:51
Party's Over by Brenda Carsey My heart’s a patient one, you know it’s true I never told you how to act or what to do I loved you, I embraced you through the night Then you pulled out your scissors and snipped away And you went astray Now let me ask you Where will you be when the party’s over? When the lights get switched back on Where will you be when the party’s over? When the girlies are all gone When you’ve rolled your last spliff babe And your coolness fades away, yah Where will you be when the party’s over? You’ll be dreaming about me You’re such a kind man and funny too Always looking fine, I loved exploring But no matter how hard I pleased you or how much I gave You had to go find a new flavor every damn day Now let me ask you Where will you be when the party’s over? When the lights get switched back on Where will you be when the party’s over? When the girlies are all gone When everyone’s moved on And you’re at the same bar listening to the same damn song Where will you be when the party’s over? You’ll be dreaming about me I gave you all I had to give And you loved me in your own way But you just couldn’t commit Please don’t compare me to your past girls, oh no Cause I’m a special soul And I’m here to watch you grow But now it’s time to ask you Where will you be when the party’s over? When the lights get switched back on Where will you be when the party’s over? When the girlies are all gone When wrinkles sink into your face And gray hairs grow in and take their place Where will you be when the party’s over? Oh you sure won’t be with me!
13.
Life Can Be A Bitch by Brenda Carsey Life can be a bitch Had yourself your fill of it Can’t seem to connect Or stay present Life can be a drag Fuck up everything you have But then again it wasn’t Ever yours to begin with Would it be agreed if I guide you to see that your heart is gold? I really want you to know that you Are one in a million No one can compare to Your grace and pure spirit I really hope you can connect to The wisdom inside That is guiding you towards your Path and true life purpose Life can be a bitch But we might as well live it

about

“Cognizance” is Brenda Carsey’s highly anticipated new album. The album was produced, composed, and co-mixed by Carsey who worked in collaboration with Grammy award winning engineer and mixer extraordinaire Mark Rains of Station House Studio in Los Angeles, CA (who has worked with the likes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Death Valley Girls, Jaime Wyatt, Miya Folick, and Philip Sayce to name a few). The music for this album was written over a couple year period from 2017 to 2019. At the end of 2019 Carsey ran a successful Indiegogo campaign with plans of going into the studio to begin tracking in the spring of 2020. This plan was curtailed by the Covid shutdown. After over a year of eager waiting, Carsey finally went into the studio at the end of April 2021 to begin tracking “Cognizance” along with an all star lineup of some of LA’s best musicians including Kyle Crane (drums), Nick Campbell (bass), Michael Day (guitar), Rebecca Schlappich Charles (violin), Jean-Paul Barjon (cello), Jonah Levine (trombone), Leider Chapotin (trumpet), and David Otis (alto saxophone).

All thirteen tracks of “Cognizance” plus the extended live-in-studio bonus track (only available on the vinyl record version of the album) including all instruments, vocals, scratch tracks, and over-dubs were tracked in just 9 days. Everything was tracked at Station House Studios except for the final piano which was tracked by Rains at Moosecat Recording. The album was mastered at The Bakery Mastering with digital mastering by Jett Gallindo and vinyl mastering and lacquer cutting by Peter Hewitt-Dutton.

“Cognizance”, a title aptly chosen for this beautiful album of awareness, experience and growth, has a massive breadth of tones, textures, instruments, and genres. It covers a range of subjects including family, love, breakups, public shootings, partying, fear, depression, isolation, the experience of being a woman in the music industry and in life at large, finding new love, and more. Carsey says “This album is the best quality album I have created to date…I wanted to push myself sonically beyond anything I have ever created and reach into the depths of my soul to bring to life art with a message through music that keeps the mind guessing and the heart happy!”

“Cognizance” is Carsey’s second full-length studio album (preceded by her previous full-length studio album “Solitary Refinement” released in 2017), and crowns a discography of adventurous and eclectic self-recorded/produced releases including “Box Cutter” (2020), “Sirens” (2020) – engineered by Nicholas Tashjian, “Satya” (2014), “Lazy Daze” (2012), and “Side Show” (2011).

credits

released January 9, 2023

Cognizance by Brenda Carsey
© 2022 Brenda R. Carsey

produced by Brenda Carsey
engineered by Mark Rains of Station House Studio
mixed by Mark Rains and Brenda Carsey
mastered by Jett Gallindo of The Bakery Mastering
songs, melodies, lyrics, and arrangements by Brenda Carsey
lead vocals, harmonies, piano, acoustic guitar, Rhodes, Hammond M3 organ by Brenda Carsey
drums and percussion by Kyle Crane
bass by Nick Campbell
guitar by Michael Day
violin by Rebecca Schlappich Charles
cello by Jean-Paul Barjon
Trombone by Jonah Levine
trumpet by Leider Chapotin
alto Sax by David Otis
women's choir on 'Unfortunate Men' feat. Whitney Tai, Phoebe Silva, Triona O'Neill, Leila Milki, Ashley Keene

photography by Morgan Demeter
font and formatting by Piknik Press

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about

BRENDA CARSEY Los Angeles, California

Brenda Carsey is a Los Angeles, CA singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, & producer. Her music has been described as unmistakable, unique, brilliant, timeless, playful, and larger than life R&B/Soul and Progressive Pop. Poetic lyrics, engaging chord progressions, fluid melodies, and a soulful voice both syrupy sweet & beautifully dark. Quench your curiosity: www.brendacarseyart.com ... more

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