Esme...

In the early hours of New Year's Day 2012, we tragically lost our dear friend, Esme Barrera.

I met Esme when I was still living in Brooklyn some years ago through Matt Pond while I was on the road with him and the Wooden Birds. We instantly clicked. She came to all of our shows and even considered moving to NY to be my roomie at one time. I eventually came back to Austin to live and was able to spend some really great times with her, including Esme being a guest on my record at Louie Lino's studio, which was downstairs from where she once lived:

When I learned of what happened to her, as most, I was shocked and speechless. I would have seen her that night had I not taken a last minute job shooting a New Year's event out of town. Regardless, it still doesn't seem real and it not only hits home due to our friendship, but also due to what happened less than a month prior.

In early December 2011, I too was the victim of a violent crime in the middle of the night at my Austin house, including a home invasion, armed robbery, and aggravated kidnapping. Thankfully, I escaped and the criminal is behind bars. Since then, I've slowly come out of hiding, hesitant to go public in fear that it might happen again. Now all I want to do is help keep others safe. I realize these are random events and I'm lucky to be alive, but I don't understand how I'm the lucky one and Esme isn't. It's confusing that there are those who don't value human life and this senslessly happened to someone who valued everyone and everything so much, unconditionally. I am deeply devistated by her death, as are the countless other hearts that she touched.

If anything, we can learn from Esme's constant inspiration and try to live as she lived. She was a giver, not a taker, who dedicated her life to helping kids, loving friends, and supporting music. The best that any of us can do is realize how precious life is and not take one single breath or relationship for granted. My mom, who unexpectedly passed in March 2011 in my Austin home, used to remind me to never leave someone in a regretful light, because you never know if it might be the last time you see them again. This still stands true, always. Life is short. Live every day to its fullest and embrace those around you. This was Esme's message as well. I feel honored to have known not only one, but two positive, amazing, life-filled women... my mom and Esme. I'm hoping they're out there somewhere, laughing, dancing, and rocking together.

Before Esme's passing, my record, Harmony, was dedicated to my mother. I just printed a new batch which now also includes Esme in the dediation. For the month of January, my merch proceeds will be donated to the Barrera family. Indefintley, a portion of my proceeds and volunteer efforts will continually go to Girls Rock Camp in Esme's name, where she mentored and tried to get me to teach last summer, if I hadn't been touring. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and anyone else who has suffered from this terrible loss. Here's to Esmeralda Barrera. An unforgettable woman and irreplaceable friend, sorely missed.

xo, Leslie Sisson