tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68907916704534246382024-02-21T04:08:20.309-08:00southern samplingsSouthern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-77804076656491617402019-01-06T18:10:00.001-08:002019-01-06T18:12:06.426-08:00no. 2019: no.<p><br></p><p>I was thinking a few days before the new year about resolutions. I know that a lot of people hate them and so they don’t do them. That’s your cup of tea and that’s fine. </p><p><br></p><p>I love resolutions. Every major "thing" in my life actually occurred on January 1. It was the day I moved to Hawaii, the day I moved to Nashville and the day I decided to do a lifestyle change for the better. I like new beginnings. I thrive on fresh starts. I would ask for a new sheet of paper for the essays on tests in middle school if I was using pen and messed up. I hated (& still do) scratching out things. Sometimes, I’ll even make the doctors sign their surgery orders 5 times if they mess up ;) It may just be the perfectionist in me, but hey, not always a bad thing.</p><p><br></p><p>I was thinking about 2018. I said "yes" to a lot of things. Mostly good, sometimes things that weren’t so beneficial to me. </p><p><br></p><p>-I said "yes" to a healthier lifestyle.</p><p>-I said "yes" to days by myself at the gym.</p><p>-I said "yes" to a lot of things at work I didn’t want to. </p><p>-I said "yes" to having uncomfortable talks with friends and coworkers and even family.</p><p>-I said "yes" to praying without ceasing when my mama got sick. </p><p>-I said "yes" to a sacrifice that I regret.</p><p>-I said "yes" to first dates I regret.</p><p>-I said "yes" to first dates I don’t regret.</p><p>-I said "yes" to seeing a counselor (best decision yet!).</p><p><br></p><p>You get the picture, a whole lot of "yeses" lasts year. That made me think of a word for this year. The opposite of "yes" is "no" which is what immediately came to my mind.</p><p><br></p><p>I feel like we view "no" as a harsh, mean word. However, Webster defines no as this- used to indicate that something is quite the opposite of what is being specified.</p><p><br></p><p>Not learning to say "no" can lead to all kinds of disastrous behaviors and feelings. Feelings of low self esteem and even rages of anger come when we don’t say "no" when we should.</p><p><br></p><p>This year, I’m learning to say "no" which is by far the most contradictory word I’ll ever learn to use. I don’t say "no." If you ask me something, my answer will always be "yes." As selfless as I try to be, saying "no" doesn’t make me selfish, either.</p><p><br></p><p>I’m saying "no" to any relationship on any spectrum that asks of me things that are opposite of my morals, beliefs and even feelings. And, I’m not going to feel bad about it.</p><p><br></p><p>I’m saying "no" to my own body when I’m sore and feel like I’ll gain all my weight back if I skip a day at the gym. It won’t.</p><p><br></p><p>I’m saying "no" when offered any task or position that cannot better me as a human being.</p><p><br></p><p>I’m saying "no" to the self doubt I have against myself.</p><p><br></p><p>I’m saying "no" to someone when they ask of me something that I know I can’t deliver. </p><p><br></p><p>I’m saying "no" when I’m clearly being taken advantage of.</p><p><br></p><p>This isn’t negative. Nothing about saying "no" in any of the above situations is wrong. 2018 seemed to be my year and in a lot of ways, it was. But, some of my "yeses" left me broken, insecure and alone. 2019, no is the way to go. For this girl at least. ;)</p>Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-91863975874913499462018-12-26T16:32:00.001-08:002018-12-26T16:34:41.760-08:00stand. Park around back. <p>Enter the code in the door.</p><p>Have a seat in the lobby.</p><p>Your appointment is 5:00.</p><p><br></p><p>A Wednesday afternoon.</p><p>Sunny outside.</p><p>Essential oils going off in the lobby.</p><p>Sound machines everywhere so you didn’t overhear another "session" going on.</p><p><br></p><p>If you’ve been to therapy and/or counseling, the above referenced is probably burned in your mind. But, me, at a Christian counselors office? How did I end up here? </p><p><br></p><p>Right? I’m figuring out life. I’m making huge strides to be the healthiest version of Kate. I’ve religiously worked out and made lifestyle changes this year that I should be proud of. I don’t snort cocaine off the bathroom counter and I’ve never once in my life been drunk. I can have fun and be fun without all the nonsense. So, what landed me a seat in her office?</p><p><br></p><p>A guy. </p><p><br></p><p>That’s right. Or maybe the correct answer is actually guy(s). Forty five minutes has never gone by so fast in my entire life. I was barely able to get the entire story out before her timer went off. </p><p><br></p><p>She simply nodded a few times. Two or three "gasps" and one "bless your heart" later and my 25 copay was due. She stumbled to find a concluding thought, I know that she did. A 29 year old good, southern Baptist girl from sweet home Alabama finally cracked. And it was all because of a guy.</p><p><br></p><p>Let me tell you something. This year has been hell. I mean that in every literal sense of the word. It’s been hell fighting to get healthy. It’s been hell figuring out a place at work. It’s been hell fighting to feel enough. It was to hell and back 14 times over watching my mama FIGHT for two months to get back on her feet. It’s been hell what I’ve allowed myself to think is okay. And you know what, my own little heart is pounding at this very moment. The sound of my heartbeat is louder than the noise on broadway under my balcony as I type this. It’s been hell, but you know why my heart is pounding? </p><p><br></p><p>It’s because I’m finally fighting back. I’m taking the reigns. I’ve got a few burn marks on my back from the flames and the ends of my coat still might have a few sparks but I’m fighting.</p><p><br></p><p>Have you ever heard the saying "it’s okay to not be okay." Well, if you haven’t, now you have. It’s totally ok to stand up and ask for help. It’s okay to fight. It’s even okay to fall down but it sure as hell isn’t okay to stay down. </p><p><br></p><p>So, whether 1 person reads this or 10,000 doesn’t make a difference. I went to therapy because I allowed a guy to manipulate and use and lie and get away with all the above for too long. I became anxious and bitter and resistant because I told myself that was okay to accept. I told myself he wanted to keep things quiet because he wanted to protect me. That’s a lie, girls. If he wants to keep you a secret, it’s only because you’re not the only one. And, man, that’s a HARD pill to swallow. I spent an entire year working on myself, physically. I took 3 steps back emotionally when this guy came into my life. I’m not saying all of this to shame him or the other guys who treated me this why. I am saying it to hold myself more accountable. I’m worth more than a 11:30 "come pick me up" phone call, and so are you. I’m worth more than being someone’s "dirty little secret," and so are you. I was bought with the blood of Jesus Christ and that makes me someone special, and it makes you special, too.</p><p><br></p><p>I’ve become so attached to social media recently. My insecurities went through the roof when the guy troubles started. I am so, so tired of being attached to my phone. I will literally get nervous if I’m not holding my phone. That’s sad. It’s actually pathetic. All social media is is a snapshot of someone’s life, and no one posts the outtakes. I read a study that said "approximately 15 minutes and up to 10 versions of one photo is considered before being posted on social media." That is sad. That is because we are insecure.</p><p><br></p><p>2018 was hard. I grew a whole lot. I made very positive changes. I decided to talk more about my problems. I cannot be the only late 20’s female with raging self esteem issues. Add on guy issues and a serious social media addiction and shoot, I feel like that’s more than50% of Davidson county. Even if it’s not, though. Even if I am the only one, I am okay with that. </p><p><br></p><p>I am committing to a healthier mentality. I am committing to a healthier relationship with my self. I am committed to getting closer to Jesus, getting stronger and learning to love myself more in 2019. I honestly am not even waiting until 2019. My resolutions start today, December 26, 2018. </p><p><br></p><p>This may mean that I’m not as available as I was before but that means I’m putting myself first. That may mean more nights on my bedroom floor praying for breakthrough instead of tacos. It’s probably going to mean way more bubble baths with a hardback book instead of Pinterest. It’s going to probably feel much more lonely while my soul gets ready for the next relationship or the next best thing for Kate. But, for once, my heart is calm. My hands aren’t sweaty. I do not have one ounce of concern of who will read and/or what they will say. I might still have some sparks flying behind me, but I’m still standing. </p><p><br></p><p>And that’s all you need to do for now, too, just stand. </p>Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-77079920977321718162018-11-12T19:22:00.003-08:002018-11-12T19:35:45.295-08:00trust the process.<div style="color: #454545; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">If I’ve heard that phrase once this year, I’ve heard it 100 times. I might need to capitalize on that actually? Maybe this is the time to finally write that book. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">This year has been the hardest year of my entire life, no questions asked. Some of the hardness came from my own decisions and actions, some did not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">I started this year with a goal to get healthy. Not to try to look hot or be super skinny or try out for Victoria’s Secret but to be healthy. I started off super solid, probably far too extreme, but still was solid. I’m still extremely committed and working hard (or trying to!) every day to teach my "goal" by the end of the year. I did it on my own for a while, then did a fad cleanse and most recently joined Iron Tribe. And, what is the most annoying, is that it’s the most expensive and the most time consuming and the hardest but it’s also what has brought me the most community and the most results (literally typing this at half speed because my arms are so dead from, ironically, dead lifting). Shout out to Iron Tribe Belmont-you should all try it. But, one thing I’ve continued to be reminded of is this-trust the process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">I want to be married and have a cute family (hello, the Christmas cards my family will have!). I tried to lower my standards and see if I could "change" or "save" a guy. Worst mistake ever. It’s not my job to save a guy. At all. I thought if I was the "good" one in the relationship then he would be influenced to be good like me, too. That’s not how it’s going to work. So, then I decided to work on me more. God will allow me to meet the right guy at the right time. One of my small group leaders literally texted me after we had lunch one day, "don’t worry! your Prince Charming is looking for you, too. Just trust the process!" Here we are. Still working on me. Still waiting on Mr. Right. And, it’s hard. It’s time consuming. But, I’ve seen more personal growth in the last 4 weeks vs the last 11 months by truly focusing on bettering me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">My mom got sick. She got very sick, very fast. It wasn’t something any of us were prepared for or expecting or planning for. It was bronchitis one day to hard attack within a week. The day my dad called me is a day I never, ever want to relive again. I’m still honestly not even sure how I made it home that night. I sometimes joke to my parents that I hope I die first because I can’t live life without them. Or maybe Jesus could just come back first. I’d be okay with that, too. So, when your perfectly healthy mama is laying in a hospital bed and the initial options were something along the lines of "you need a heart transplant," I never wanted Jesus to come back sooner. Five minutes felt like five days. I immediately started begging. I’ve prayed my entire life. I’ve believed my prayers. I’ve had faith God would do a multitude of requests. But, when it came to mama, I hit the floor begging God. I have never begged for anything more in my entire life. The Friday night after the initial results came back, I was reading Jesus Calling for that day. The last line said "Even in the midst of the biggest storm of your life, cling to the promises Jesus taught us. Trust the process." That gave me chills. It stopped me in my tracks. My mindset immediately shifted from "crying my eyes out because I didn’t think my mama was going to make it" to "righteously begging Jesus to heal her in a way only He could." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">It was basically unspoken but the next day on the way to the hospital, Lauren and I were listening to worship music. "Do It Again" quickly became our anthem. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">-I’ve seen you move the mountain and I believe, I’ll see you do it again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">That was it. That was the anthem. That was the prayer. Only God could pull this one off. I could always run another mile on a treadmill. I could always go out with another guy. But, heart failure? Only God could touch that mountain and move it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">We begged. We prayed. We sang. We cried. We grew as a family. We learned more from each other in the past few weeks and grew more as a family than I dare say we have in years. I wish it didn’t take mama’s heart getting sick for me to learn this, but it did. Day by day, more good news came. It went from "there’s nothing we can do" to "possible heart transplant" to "maybe medicine will prolong your life for a little while" to "possibly surgery but very risky" to "surgery is possible but more than likely 5 bypass" to "okay, bypass it is, and only 3 bypass." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">It went from "probably in the hospital for a few weeks" to "more than likely going to need dialysis for the rest of your life" to "good chance temporarily needing dialysis" to "wow, that surgery went amazing and it’s only been 3 hours instead of 5 and her heart is doing amazing and I’m so pleased."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">It went from "she won’t remember any of this" to "she’ll be on the ventilator for most of the first day" and "she’ll need to balloon pump for 24 hours" to "she remembers everything" and "ventilator came out 12 hours post op and so did the balloon pump." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">There’s a lot in between all of those, of course, but there’s something God is literally shoving down my throat. Trust the process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">We can plan. We can prepare. We can hope. We can have faith. And, we should do ALL of that. But, when a situation that needs mercy and healing SO big that only God can do it, then ONLY God can get credit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">I’ve hit a whole new relationship with God these past few weeks. When I’ve felt mentally and physically my strongest, I’ve been reminded that spiritually I wasn’t hitting the gym like I should. I’ve held on to more promises this past month than I have the past year. I’ve hit new levels with my own friends and family. I’ve became 100% dependent on the process God had for us. And let me tell you, what a scary and down right vulnerable place to be. But, there’s beauty in all of that. Because trusting in a process means we can’t do it alone. It means that we are weak but that’s exactly where God shines, in our weakness. In our trials and in our sickness, that’s where God picks us up and reminds us it’s a process. And we have to trust that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17pt;">Mama has a rough few months ahead of her. Nothing about recovering from this is going to be easy. At the same time, I have a long way to go to complete my fitness goals. I probably have an even longer road to go before God lets me meet my husband. But, I’m okay with all of that. I’m held in the palm of the hand of the same God who breathed and created life. I’m covered by the same God who created the earth. Isn’t that enough? Isn’t that comforting and amazing and beautiful? That in our weakest moments, God gets the most glory. That god sized problems can only be made right by God himself? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 17pt;">I don’t have all the answers. At all. And sometimes fear and doubt still creep in. But, I’m learning to trust the process. God has moved mountains before and he’ll do it again. It’s my prayer that through my own trials or trials of your own, you cling to the promise of the process. I pray that you meet God at times and places you never thought you would have to. I pray you recognize the god sized problems in your own life and you run to the God with all the answers. </span><span style="font-size: 17pt;">❤️</span></span></div>
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-11330758015160215372018-01-03T14:37:00.001-08:002018-01-03T14:40:13.767-08:00actually, i can. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2018. Wow. Just like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Isn't it crazy how fast time truly flies the older we get? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I remember being 16 sitting in the brand new car my dad bought for me thinking I would have that car forever. Or graduating high school and thinking the fantastic five would always be friends. Or graduating college and thinking I would actually use that degree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Well--that car died a few years ago. I talk to no one from high school and well, I am not in the consumer science industry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">The point of all of that was to say, we change. We grow and move and fail and learn and soar and fly. It's all a part of life. We gain, we lose. We love, we don't love so well. We say hello and we say goodbye. Life is like that. The only thing certain about life is that everything is, you guessed it, uncertain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">This year, though, I want to put all the things I want to do in a list. More than a "top 5 resolution" post type list. Of course, I have some things I really want to accomplish this year (like get the neighbors to the right to like, really like us) but I think one major key to success simply starts with goals. It starts with writing it down. It helps to have people hold you accountable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">It helps, too, to know that you can. Whatever it is that you want to do, you can do it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I think back on this past year and think about all the things that I didn't accomplish that I really wanted to. Sure, some of it was due to lack of knowledge or connections or motivation, but most of the things on my mental list were within reach. I simply didn't believe that I could.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br />So, here's to one year of fearlessly saying "I can" to as many things as possible. I started a note in February of 2017 of things I learned and as I was looking back through them, I realized to everything I learned, there was an action of something I "could" do about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">--Home is where the heart is <em>but I can choose to make this new city home, too.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">--Not all guys are good <em>but I can choose to not write off anyone interested because of other's mistakes.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><em>--</em>Not all guys are bad <em>but some are so don't ignore the warning signs.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">--Not all friends are true friends <em>but I can choose who to hang out with and who to invest time in and who to just go out with and have fun. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">--You must always change the air filters <em>and I can drive to Target at 8 PM on a Thursday night to accomplish this task.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">--Not everyone will want to be featured on your blog <em>but you can continue to ask people who you truly believe in. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">--Fame, unfortunately, changes people <em>but I can choose to switch my energy around and support people who aren't changed by it.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">--You should always wear sunscreen <em>and you can always buy a bottle of it for approximately 5 bucks at the drug store.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">--Cooking dinner for just one or two people is hard (especially when you come from a family of 10+) <em>but hey, you can take leftovers to work. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">--A healthy relationship with Jesus takes a lot of work <em>but I can set aside my Sunday's and 15 minutes a day to get in his word and better myself.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">--The gym is scary <em>but so is a lot of other things so I can put on my shoes and go.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">--Never turn down an opportunity to travel <em>and I can prioritize my money to make it happen.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">--Tacos are never a bad idea <em>and I can devote one, er two, days a week to eat them.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><em>--</em>Having meaningful relationships are hard when you're so busy <em>but you can, and you should, take the time to meet that friend for coffee. Friends are good for the soul.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span></em> <span style="font-family: "georgia";">--Nashville is a town where you have a million in one shot of landing your dream job <em>but I can be that one.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">You get the idea. Some of those are silly. Some of those are hard to write, and even harder to learn. But, there they are. I want 2018 to be the year that I fearlessly pursue loving myself better. I want to love other people better. I want to be a better daughter, sister, friend, etc. I want to help people that I know need helping. I want to feed people I know are hungry. I don't want to hold grudges. I want to guard my heart. I want a lot of things, apparently. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">But, I also want you to know that you CAN, too. Whatever it is, you can do it. There is literally nothing too big or too small. So, who's with me? Because no matter what anyone tells you that you can't you--actually, you can.</span></div>
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<br />Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-84983590549708547962017-10-16T16:38:00.007-07:002017-10-18T10:50:58.500-07:00Interview || Faren Rachels<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There's a new queen in town and her name is Faren Rachels. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were two options to consider for that opening line--princess or queen. The more I thought about it, the more I realized Faren falls into the queen category far more than she'll ever be country's princess. She is confident. She's courageous in her style of music. She's got an incredibly contagious personality. And her voice--it's one of the smoothest, most calming voices to hit the country scene in a while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's not likely that you'll catch this new budding country queen in a pair of high heels and little black dress onstage. She will, however, rock her cut offs, signature tees and Marc Jacobs boots. Yes, you read that right. Marc Jacobs. One look at her twitter feed and you'll realize that even though Faren may be on a fast track to being the hottest ticket in country, she will always be true to her Georgia roots.
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Faren just recently dropped two new singles on iTunes and Spotify-- "If It Aint Fixed" and "Free Drinks." The two tracks are just a hint of an EP that is self titled and will be releasing on November 10 of this year. The EP is the perfect introduction for fans to understand exactly who Faren is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> She already has an impressive list of artists she's been able to open for this year, including Dwight Yoakam and Riley Green. Aside from getting her feet wet with opening for artists, she's also hosted her own songwriter rounds in Nashville and played in countless others. One thing is for sure--Faren Rachels has put her time in in Nashville and Nashville listened. She's joining Luke Combs for the rest of his 2017 tour which is completely sold out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was able to sit down with Faren for a few minutes before her sold out show with Riley Green at Exit/In a few weeks ago. I'll emphasize the few, too, in this instance to prove this point. Faren had three other interviews the same night. Take a number, Nashville, and wait your turn. Faren is here to stay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Thank you so much for taking some time to chat with us tonight. This is crazy--another sold out show for you to be involved in. How does that feel?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Thank you for chatting! It feels incredible. To have moved here five years ago and finally be doing this at the level I'm getting to do it still blows me away. It's so fun to be around all these guys in Nashville and to write with them and get to know them. Performing with them is just another bonus.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>You mentioned moving to town five years ago. How did you make it here? Was it always in the plans to move here?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Yes, absolutely! I've always wanted to move to Nashville. I wanted to move here when I was 18 and go to Belmont. But, my mom talked about how it was too expensive to go there, especially when I was able to go for free in Georgia. I went to school in Georgia and played acoustic shows throughout my college year. My senior year of college I met my husband and I was still playing small gigs. He was really the first one who told me 'Hey, you're pretty good at this, you could really do this if you want to.' I never really had someone push me to chase that dream. I graduated and got an office job in Atlanta. I was miserable--the people were great and the company was awesome but I knew that wasn't what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Especially after having the desire to want to do it for so long, then having your husband push you?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Exactly! One day I came home and he said, 'You know what, let's do this. Let's move to Nashville and give it a few years. If nothing happens, we can move back to Georgia.' He was the first one to really push me. So, we moved.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Did you hit the ground running in the music scene when you arrived? Or did it take some adjustments?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The first few years that I was here I was just working so much that I didn't really make a lot of progress in the music scene. But, I was making relationships and meeting people. I started concentrating on writing a lot more because I knew that was something that I could get better at.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>And then you signed a publishing deal a few years later?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Yes! About two years ago I signed my publishing deal. When the option came to renew with them or step away, I chose to step away. I loved having that deal but so much was happening on the artist side of things I needed more time to devote to the artist venture. Now here we are with all the opportunities happening as an artist. I'm happy that it took me as long as it did to get where I am, too. I was able to figure out what I wanted to say as an artist. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>You're working with River House now, correct? ( ie: Luke Combs, Ray Fulcher)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Yes! It's all dudes. I'm always in the boys club.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Does that push you (in a positive way) being around all the males, especially in country music where males tend to dominate the charts?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>It does. But, country music needs girls in the same way that we need girls in every job. We bring a different perspective to the table that guys simply cannot bring--because, well, they're guys. I'll be in a write with a bunch of guys, writing a dude song and they'll say 'We love writing with you.' And to that, it's simply because, like I said, it's a different perspective. It's not that theirs is wrong and mine is right or vice versa, it's just different. I can chip in and say 'Hey, no girl wants to hear you talking like that to or about her.'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>That's such a great point. There's been this focus on singer songwriters in Nashville the last few years, too, where when they ask the male about certain songs, several have responded with "well, I got the girl's perspective / I wrote it from her point of view / I ran the lyrics by my girlfriend, etc."</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>We need to get more credit for the songs! It's cool to know that as a female I am bringing a perspective to the format that isn't being said a lot. I don't try to focus on how there isn't a lot of females in country music right now. I just say what I want to say because I know other girls want to hear it.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Right. It would be very easy to pull the victim card.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>It's not about trying to dominate country music with girl power and all of that. It more about, you know, just write a good song. And, when I focus on that, it comes together more easily and more honest. Of course, I am a girl so the songs are going to end up being 'girl' songs more often than not. In general, life is harder for women. We have to have the babies, you know? I accepted that a long time ago, though. Life is just harder for us. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>That's so true. Okay, now to something that's not hard to talk about--your new EP. What is the process like picking out the songs you want the world to hear? You've released music before but you have a greater platform now so people are going to get one impression of you from this EP.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>We decided to cut an EP, which is usually about 5 songs. I tried to pick 5 songs that told people who I am. There's a song about sitting at home on Friday night with your husband and making a drink at your house. That's real life. That's what we do sometimes. Then, there's "If I'm Being Honest," which is really just about me admitting I'm a little crazy. I just tried to pick a song for everybody. They are all so different but they are all me. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>What song on this EP is the most personal for you and why?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"If I'm Being Honest" is the most honest song I've ever written from top to bottom. Every single word is the way I was feeling that day. I was in a really bad mood the day I wrote that song. I was kind of throwing the pity party you need to throw sometimes talking about how hard it was for women in this town. There is so much pressure to look and act perfect. There's this stigma that we can't push anyone's buttons. It's just the most honest song I've ever written.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The EP is coming out right as you start touring with Luke Combs. Everything seems to be lining up perfectly.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Yes! This is really the first "big" tour that I've been on. We've been playing some shows this year but this will be the first tour that is consistently on the road with the same group of people. I am so blessed to be able to do it with my friends. I know all of the guys. We write together, hang out together. We text almost every day. I'm so blessed. A lot of people just get kind of thrown out on their first tour with someone they don't know at all. Luke is the best guy on the planet. I've watched how he treats his camp--and I'm always impressed.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Okay, so you'll be in a bus or a van a lot over the next few months so you're going to need a good playlist. Who are your current favorites to listen to?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I have a Spotify playlist of all my favorites and it is crazy. It will go from Jo Dee Messina to Trisha Yearwood to BB King. I listen to a little bit of everything. Right now, though, I've been loving The Cadillac Three. I'm such a southern rock girl. Obviously Luke (Combs). I love Cole Swindell. I love Old Dominion. I really have so many favorites. I love country music right now.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Cole Swindell has been a friend of yours for awhile. What's the best piece of advice he's given you?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>He has always been so great to me. We were talking about publishing deals one day and he was talking about how, you know, certain writers and publishers will want you to write a song that you know other people will like. He told me "Always go with your gut. If you love it, someone else will love it, too. As long as you're staying true to yourself, there are going to be other people drawn to the authenticity of what you're doing." I've tried to take that advice to heart and really stay in my own lane doing what I want to do and being grateful when I look around it seems that other people are liking it, too.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Of course, I want to thank Faren for squeezing us in for a quick interview while she's so busy with everything happening. But, also, a big thank you to Cole for speaking that wisdom to Faren. That is exactly what Faren has been doing. She's been approaching the music scene her own way on her own watch with her own agenda. And, she landed an opening spot on a sold out tour with a headliner that is country's next big thing. I feel like it's pretty safe to say it won't be long before Faren is the one headlining tours, if I'm being honest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All photos belong to Faren Rachels</span></div>
Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-83936421838221867612017-08-20T15:04:00.000-07:002017-08-22T11:53:32.495-07:00Interview || Muscadine Bloodline<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It made too much sense not to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Have you ever had a groundbreaking idea or breakthrough about anything in life and you came to the conclusion that it made too much sense to not pursue that idea through to fruition? And, then, have you actually pursued that idea or dream or goal and it worked? It happened. It exceeded any expectations that you had.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">If you're Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton, collectively known as Muscadine Bloodline, the answer to the above question is a resounding yes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Charlie and Gary are both from Mobile, Alabama. They grew up essentially in the same neighborhoods with some of the same friends. It wasn't until they both moved to college--Southern Mississippi for Gary and Auburn for Charlie--that they crossed paths playing music. They individually had their own thing going, with no intention of forming a band. Whenever Charlie would go to Mississippi, he'd play with Gary. When Gary made it to Auburn, he'd play with Charlie. Charlie is one year older than Gary so he was a few steps ahead when it came to the music scene. They would link up and travel from Auburn to Hattiesburg to Mobile all the way up to Nashville to write for a few days and then go their separate ways until the next run. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">One night after a show that they did together in Auburn, the wheels started turning. They were picking up on the harmonies and they sounded well together. Gary had plans to move to Nashville after he graduated college because he wanted to write. Charlie was going to move back home to Mobile for a while before heading to Nashville. They started playing more shows together for several months--even being referred to Gary and Charlie. Fans were associating them together. Then, one night, they decided--they either needed to do it or not. Gary had a niche for writing, Charlie had the vocals to front a brand. And, it made too much sense to not pursue it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">The guys took a little while before their show Saturday night to talk to me about everything that's happening and things that are coming up in the next few months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>As talented as you are musicians, you both are also talented business partners. You mentioned building a product before ever even having a name for the duo. Why do you think it's so important to be business smart as well as talented to make it in Nashville now?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Charlie: Music is going to streaming. It's so easy to get music to people now. People don't have to rely on the radio to hear newcomers. Streaming feeds those hungry people that are looking for new music. It helps new artists like us a lot.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Gary: Yeah. There are still markets that we will show up to and no one will know who we are. It's cool, though. We toured all over the country this past summer and then we've been back in the Southeast the last two or three weeks. There's no label but we're selling out venues. We've had two sell out shows in the past two weekends, with a chance of a third tonight. This is really cool to see it grow. There's people in Nashville paying us attention, of course. But, we saw what Luke [Combs] did, and the model he laid out. People have to be good singers again. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Luke Combs is a good friend of y'all's. What does that relationship with him mean to you?</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gary: One of our friends, Bradley, was good friends with the Luke Combs camp. We linked up with him and became friends. He was really a key part of the transition process of going from playing three to four hour sets at a bar to a thirty minute opening slot on a tour with a guy who is selling out venues with an incredible career so far, and an even better one ahead. We owe a lot of that to Luke and Bradley. That gave us a platform. The first time we went to the Carolina's, we weren't even with Luke but we still had people showing up because of the association with Luke. It's obviously done nothing but help us. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Luke Combs definitely took a different approach to making the album and that whole process. He did it on his terms and it paid off.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Charlie: Absolutely. And from all of that, you know, our motto is "Don't worry about what everyone else thinks. Nothing is going to stop us from what we are doing right now." There's a lot of stuff that a record label will help us do--and down the road, yes, that's a step we would like to take. But, right now, if you take a step back and look at it, it's working. Why change?</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Gary: We have had people in meetings before tell us they weren't sure we were picking the right songs. But, we picked them anyway and people are in the crowd singing those songs back to us every night. The crowd is the deciding factor, not the guy sitting at the business table. And, not to come off that we don't want or need a label's help--that's not it. We see the need for help down the road and we welcome it.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Charlie: But we're not going to let that hold us back.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Gary: Right. That's a cool option and a goal to have. But, we are making a living doing it our way for now. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't. We really admire the Eric Church and Luke Combs type of artists. They cater to their fans. We want to make music that keeps people singing in the crowds. It's all about the fans.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>What song has been your favorite to write or co-write?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Charlie: Any song, really, that Gary and I have written. We get to see those songs touch people in the crowds every night. Just to see those songs that we've written continue to change our lives every week is pretty incredible.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Gary: I'm partial to 'Ginny' just because that's the song I can still get chill bumps from every night. It's a cool show ending type of song. It's five and a half minutes long. No one in country music does that anymore. It's fun. It's the first song we wrote together so it's kind of the mentality of to end every night where you started.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Charlie: It's also cool to see people singing back songs to us that we don't have up anywhere yet. So, the only way they know it is from coming to the live shows and recording it and putting it up on YouTube. We have a Facebook group called the Vines and the fans in there are really great about coming to shows and posting new songs relatively quickly.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>You guys do have quite the following already. The Vines are extremely loyal and they aren't just coming to the shows because it's in their city. A lot of them are traveling a long way to see y'all. What does that mean to you?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Gary: It's amazing. It's the same crowd and that's our goal. Of course, we want to grow the crowd but we want to keep the same crowd. We have the fans that are driving six hours for a show and buying a whole festival ticket just to watch our 30 minute slot on a side stage, and that's incredible. I'd rather have 10,000 super fans versus 100,000 fair weather fans. We want our fans to really feel like they're apart of all of this--because they are. We try to be as open with our fans as possible and let them see us as just people not as untouchable artists.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>You're pretty transparent on social media. You guys post a lot of comical pictures on Instagram. Do you ever prank each other?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Charlie: Not really. I'll prank Gary more than he pranks me. The other day I put a rubber band on the sprayer on the sink and got him real good but then he got me back.</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Gary: We're just goofy guys. We play off of the short/tall thing. We think it's funny. A lot of people probably would hide that kind of stuff but it is what it is. We might as well beat everyone else to it. A lot of people act like they have to be portrayed in the perfect light. I feel like it makes it more tangible to our audience that we truly are just normal dudes.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Your fans have such good interactions with y'all because of the normality that you carry. They feel like friends, not just fans.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Gary: Absolutely. I want people to feel like they could have a beer with us. A lot of times artists jump on stage, do their thing, jump off the stage and leave. It creates this hierarchy that just shouldn't exist. We're people. We just have a different day job.</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Charlie: Absolutely. One of the biggest compliments that we get every night is how normal we are. That's odd to us because I think 'what do you mean?' and they'll mention how we take pictures and how we try to talk to everyone. That's the way everyone should be. You're suppose to do that. If they want to hang with us then of course, we want to hang with them. It's our show that their coming to, we want to give back.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Going from being on your own tour to a possible collab with another artist for a tour in the future--who is on your wish list?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Gary: I would say Church. If you get his stamp of approval, that is neat.</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Charlie: Chris Stapleton. Brothers Osborne would be cool, too. Of course, Luke Combs.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Gary: We've actually played a show here or there with artists that we would love to be on a ticket for the whole tour with. Jon Pardi would be fun, too. We've played shows with him. It's really just about being with someone that we can easily relate to--and all of these artists are easy for us to relate to. There are groups of guys that come to our shows as well as groups of girls and then guys and girls coming together. It's not really tilted one way or another and I think that, again, is just speaking to being relatable. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Porch Swing Angel is notably your biggest release to date. Tell us a little more about the song and why do you think so many people can relate to it?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Charlie: The production of it is such a smooth and inviting sound. There's a smooth electric sound with subtle drums but no one sound is in your face, really. It's relatable. It's not technically one of our most relatable songs. We almost didn't put that song out. It was just more so an after thought.</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Gary: Yeah, it was just going to go on there as a bonus track. It's not a super cheesy love song. I mean, we see dudes getting into that song. The whole idea of the song is falling in love with a girl that is your good friend. That's a real thing. You don't hear that rhetoric anymore. You know, guys aren't really singing about if they tell a girl how they feel they could mess up the whole thing.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Charlie: It's technically not even a love song. It's a hopeful song. But people are literally playing it at their weddings. I mean, of course, you want to be in love with your best friend. It makes sense. It's real. Every relationship had to start at some point so maybe it's that phase of the relationship that people are relating to.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>It's definitely not a typical song that other male country artists are putting out.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Gary: It's not a super masculine type of 'come over here baby girl' song. It's not condescending either. That song is from a vulnerable guy's perspective--which isn't common. It's just an easy song and it almost didn't even make the EP.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>You've not been in Nashville for very long but you've obviously had labels show interest in your brand. Why is it so important to y'all to keep building this brand of Muscadine at this point?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Charlie: We want to make the best impression that we can. We want to build it out as far as we can until we can't.</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Gary: The further you build it out on your own, the less the label is going to tell you what to do. And it works for people. With all the streaming and social media these days, a record label deal is hard. Charlie and I are building a business. You put a lot of work in the beginning of building a business to the point of you struggling financially for a while. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Where as a record label would help ease that burden a little? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Charlie: Right--and thankfully, we have publishing deals. That helps a lot. </i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Gary: We want to be successful. We don't want one hit single and then we disappear. That's why we are taking our time building the brand, building the business. We are getting better and better at songwriting. We have to be smart to. We don't want to go too far and then not have anyone wanting to help us, either. You have to be talented. But, you also have to be smart.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Charlie: It's all about the fans. There's plenty that a record deal would help ease, and we aren't saying that's not a goal. But, it's not time yet.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Bro country was a huge sub genre in 2016 that, for the most part, is declining this year. What's your take on bro country?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Charlie: I think it's just a genre of music. Music evolves year by year. It was a phase that I think made music better overall. Every genre has sub genres. I don't think it'll ever be dead. It's just a party style. It's the same cloth, just cut differently. I think there's plenty of people who would go see those "bro country" acts that would love our show.</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Gary: Exactly, same cloth, different cut. But, I won't disagree that it's declining. Look at the up and coming artists, I can't think of one person that is doing the bro country thing. We're not doing that. Luke didn't do that. It's a softer approach to music. I think Stapleton kind of opened the gates for that. He had these incredible pipes that the general population agreed with. At the same time, we're thankful. We feel like we got on the scene at the right time. If we would've started this three or four years ago, we might not have been successful. It wasn't what the people wanted. We've been in this formula based structure over the past five years. But now, it's completely different. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>I think there's a rise of singer songwriters that are coming out as artists when they realize that songwriters aren't getting the attention that they maybe use to. So, when it's the person singing the song that wrote it, it's a little bit easier to connect with at times?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Charlie: People believe it more. People are going to know when you believe what you sing.</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Gary: Yeah, people are hardly getting signed as writers in Nashville anymore. That's not really a thing. Most people are getting publishing deals and then recording their own songs. Of course, we would love to write with the established writers still. But, it's your own story. That's what is creating this brand that people are holding onto. Truth.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Charlie: I think that the best part of us as people and as artists is that there isn't any part of this business--whether it be business or music--that is fake. It's all genuine. It's all authentic. That's the beauty of it. We aren't trying to be this or that. No one tells us what to say. I think people connect with that.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>There is a new EP in the works, right?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Charlie: Yes, we'll start working on that this fall. We aren't sure when it'll roll out or in what fashion it will but we are excited.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>How do you pick which songs go on the EP?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Charlie: For the most part, when we write a song together, we know when it's special. Of course, we don't write for Muscadine everyday. But, when we write one that we know has something special to it, we put it to the side. It started off as a list of 10 or so.</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Gary: A lot of times we will hop out of a write and we will ask ourselves 'can anyone else write this song'? If the answer is yes, then it's a no brainer--we pitch the song. Let's let someone else put it out. We want to hold onto the songs that we know that are ours. It all goes back to the brand. We want Musadine Bloodline fans, not WD 40 fans. Eric Church--prime example. He can put something out that's off the wall but he's genuine. He's got the fans. We are growing and progressing as artists, too, so we are just being smart with the next move we make. It was easy for us to pick the songs for this EP. Everyone from management to publishing had the same consensus to move forward with those five songs. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Charlie: Which isn't normal. But, that's exactly how we like it.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">That's exactly how we like it, too, Charlie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Make sure you click the listen tab above for links to Muscadine Bloodline shows coming up. They have a packed schedule until the end of the year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Their EP is on Spotify and ITunes, too!</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia";">All photos courtesy of Muscadine Bloodline</span></i><br />
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-73243416225668320362017-08-20T14:57:00.000-07:002017-08-22T11:53:50.044-07:00Interview || Riley Green<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let's talk about country music in 2017 for a minute. There's a new wave of country music that is more raw and vulnerable than it's ever been before. With vulnerability comes transparency. And transparency, well, sometimes that can be scary. But, most of the time the only reason transparency is scary is because we are afraid of the whole truth of a situation. Transparency is a hat that new comer Riley Green wears. And he wears it well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">source: Riley Green website</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Riley Green hails from Northeast Alabama--more specifically Jacksonville. He has a huge, devoted following in the southeast that has grown 100% organically over the last few years. Riley doesn't have a record deal and he doesn't have a top ten single on the radio. Not yet, anyways. Riley was kind enough to sit down and chat with me before his co-headlining show in Macon about who he is, where he's going and why you should definitely be along for the ride.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Tell us a little bit about yourself for people who may not know much about you. When did you first get the itch to play music?</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>I grew up in Northeast Alabama, in a little town called Jacksonville. I played football, baseball and basketball all the way through school. I kind of dabbled in guitar. My granddaddy really liked music a lot. I wrote a song about him and there's a line in it that says 'he never could himself but he taught me how to play'--I'm not really sure what I was thinking about it when I wrote it but that's how it was. He didn't play the guitar but he pushed me to. We were sitting on the porch at my great grandparents house and he pulled the phone book out to call someone he knew that played. He called this older man to come over and he brought his fiddle. The next thing I know, there's four or five of us on the porch. I'm just watching their hands playing--that's how I learned how to play. It actually turned into this whole thing. We built a stage at my great grandparents house and called it the Golden Saw Music Hall. There will be several hundred older people out there every Friday night now. It's been going on for about 13 years now. That right there was my musical start. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>You went from Music Hall on Friday nights to playing other local venues?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Absolutely. Being from a smaller town, I played lots of little hole in the wall bars. Then, I wrote 'Bury Me in Dixie.' After it had been out for a year or so my musical circle started to get a little bit bigger. That's how it all started.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>So was it always music that you wanted to pursue? You also have a hunting show on Dirt Road TV called In the Hunt with Riley Green. Are you in it more for the kill or more so the thrill of the hunt?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Music was definitely my pursuit but I love being outdoors. If I had to quit hunting every game except one specific one, I'd quit everything except turkey hunting. I hate turkeys. I stay mad at them. They can see good, they can hear and they're smart. But, when turkey season comes around, that's all I do is ride around and look for them. Some of my best deer or duck hunts, though, I didn't even kill anything. I just like going. I like being outside. It's the same with fishing and being on a boat. I've got a boat and I love to fish but more so I just love being on a boat. People will ask sometimes 'oh, did you go fishing the other day?' and I tell them 'nope, just riding around.' It's the same with hunting. I just like being out there, regardless if I kill anything or not. I'm just going for a good time.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Speaking of a good time, you're new EP, 'Outlaws Like Us' was released yesterday and climbed the country chart to number 2 for a while. As an unsigned artist, that has to be the definition of a good time.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Absolutely. To the outside world that doesn't necessarily know how the charts work it may look like a huge deal--and it is. It's on a list and every other song on that list is played on the radio. I don't have anything on the radio. So, the number two spot reflects that it all happened by word of mouth. It's all from social media that people bought it combined with me playing a bunch of bars. People will come to my shows and then leave and tell a buddy about me. It's awesome. I wouldn't have ever thought I'd be on any kind of chart at all. It means a whole lot that people have been downloading my songs the last few days.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">source: Riley Green website</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>You still live in Alabama as of now. With the continued success of writing and playing, a move to Nashville seems kind of unavoidable at this point.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>I am going to have to move to Nashville at some point probably within the next little while. But, I do not like traffic. I struggle with Birmingham--and Atlanta. Nashville is worse than both of those. I like to drive so the thought of having to uber everywhere is rough. It's an awesome little town plus there's too many reasons to go out every night up there. I can go hard on Fridays and Saturdays when I play but then I need a few days to recover but up there, it's every night. Gary and Charlie will be going out somewhere when I'm up there. Someone we know is always playing somewhere. I'm building a house in Jacksonville on some family land. I'll always want a place there. I'll end up getting a place in Nashville, too but I'll always have a house there at home.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>You've done well not being there full time, though. That's for sure. When it comes to the songs, though, is there one specific song that you hear that you wish you would've written?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Oh yeah, that right there is literally my motivation to write songs. I hear something and think I wish I would've wrote that, you know? Right off the top of my head there is one that Brothers Osborne have called "Loving Me Back." Songs like that or "Whiskey and You" by Chris Stapleton. Songs that aren't ever going to jump out at anyone on the radio, it's never going to make it to number one as a slower, get you in the feels song. But, I think that's also because those are the kinds of songs that I like to write. 'Numbers on the Cars' is that kind of song. It will never do anything on the radio. I played it at Eddie's Attic the night after I finished writing it and after my set two ladies came up to me bawling their eyes out telling me how much the song meant to them. I like writing songs that people can relate to.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>There's a large military crowd at the show tonight. These guys are from all over but stationed here and they were the ones singing 'Bury Me in Dixie' back to you the loudest. Most of them aren't even from Alabama yet they still relate to the song.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>I think that's really special. It reminds them of home. I get a lot of social media messages from guys overseas or in the military that will say that song reminds them of home. It's kind of neat--I'll go up north to hunt and the guys will have me just sit and start playing songs and they all kind of relate the most to that one. Which, if you know anything about Alabama, 'Bury Me in Dixie' is an extremely regional song. People find ways to relate to it even if they aren't from Alabama. Another good example of that is my cover of 'Atlantic City.' People don't know what the chicken man is or what the song is even talking about half the song but they find a way to relate to it because it's a good song. It's an enjoyable song. I get that back from folks when I play 'Bury Me in Dixie.' I mean, we're in Georgia, playing a song about Alabama and I'm not getting booed off the stage. So, we're doing pretty good. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">source: Riley Green website</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>'Bury Me in Dixie' is probably your most well known song. When writing music, what is your process like. Do you write it all in one sitting?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>I had never co written, with anyone, until about eight months ago. Everything I wrote was just me on my own. It was kind of like I would get tired of all the songs that I was playing so I would tell myself I need new songs. It wasn't even necessarily that I had an idea, I just needed a song. I wrote 'Bury Me in Dixie' in about 45 minutes. I didn't even write a word of it down. I just turned my voice recorder on my phone and started playing. It's really cool, though. I went through one of my old cell phones the other day and I was listening for ideas and I could hear every line of 'Bury Me in Dixie' in the voice memos. It was just a bunch of thirteen second clips until I had the whole song recorded. There's not a rhyme or reason to how I do it. It's just luck.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>I'd have to say that's more talent than luck. Has there been a song that's been particularly difficult for you to write?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>I had the chorus to 'All Along' for about three years before it ever was finished. You know, there's the lines "I want grandma in the garden, granddaddy out there on the lake." I was just picturing that. I spend a lot of time on the road so when I get home one day and after they pass away, I want to remember it exactly how it was-- down to every detail that I could. Jacksonville is growing and the town is changing. Everything changes all the time. That was just my most nostalgic nod to family. I had the chorus but couldn't find the verses to it. I literally finished it two days before going into the studio to record the EP that the song is on. I just told myself I had to finish it. That one was a struggle. </i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia";">A strong theme for you when writing songs ties back to your family. Taking pride in your last name, your momma's prayers making you who you are today. How do you stay connected to them being on the road as much as you are?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>I bring them with me as much as I can. My momma and daddy come out to a lot of my shows. They were actually out with me in Athens this weekend. My whole family lives ten minutes away from where I grew up at. I try not to take that for granted. A lot of people don't even know their grandparents, let alone have both sets still alive. I can even remember my great grandmother out on the beach with me playing wiffle ball. I've always been real close to them. I'm gone on the weekends but I make time in the week. I probably go by both sets of my grandparents houses daily.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Would you credit one of those family members with influencing your style of music? Your style is unlike any other artist currently. Your songs sound like they could've been out forty years ago and still be relevant then. In the same thought, they are still relevant today and would be relevant in the future. It's a timeless style of writing. Was that learned from someone?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>That was definitely my granddaddy Buford. He was the same one that pushed me into playing the guitar. The type of people who like my music are the type of people who like Merle Haggard. That's the best way to describe it. That's the same idea with the fans of mine who hunt. The same people who listen to my music like to hunt. So, with all the social media, it's done nothing but help my career. There's nothing like my music on the radio right now. The fact that you can play a Merle Haggard song that was put out decades ago and people still relate to it, that's pretty cool. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>It's obvious your granddaddy influenced you a lot. Is there one piece of advice that someone outside of your family has given you that you've held onto?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Corey Smith. I won a little songwriter competition for a song I wrote called 'Almost.' I got to meet him and actually stayed in touch and he's been great to me. I was able to do a few shows with him as well. He's not a radio guy, you know? But, he's got a great career. He sells out shows--and he's been doing it for fifteen years. I use to watch him when I was in high school. He told me to do as much as I could on my own for as long as I could do it. That's helped me out because if I would've gone to Nashville four years ago, I'd have signed the first record deal that was offered to me. As a musician, a record deal is like what the NFL is to a athlete. That's the goal. Social media has changed the game so much recently. You don't have to have a record deal to have a career in music. I've built a following before I go to Nashville so that I can have a different conversation when I sit down with those people in those meetings. That's been a really good piece of advice.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>It's a lot different than 10 years ago when record deals were strictly signed based on talent.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Oh yeah. They aren't looking for talent like they use to. Now with all the socials and streaming platforms, they're looking at numbers. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><b>Is there a specific goal that you have in the back of your mind for the next year or so?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>That's funny--because my goal for this year was to get a publishing deal. I've met with a lot of folks about one and I just want to be smart with my next move. I'm not totally sold that a publishing deal, for me, right now, is the best move. To be honest, I'm not writing for radio. Radio is not my goal. It would be more so of a goal of staying true to the music. I want to be able to be at one of those little song writer rounds in Nashville and I can play a song and have absolutely no care in the world if someone likes it--if it's a song I'm proud of that's all that matters. I look at it as songwriting is something I can always get better at. I want to continue to get better at it and write a bunch of songs that I'm really, really proud of.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">source: Riley Green website</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">One listen to his new EP, "Outlaws Like Us" and proud is definitely a word and more so a feeling that Riley should feel naturally. It's refreshing to not only hear him sing his songs but really interesting to see his approach. That girl in that song he wrote called 'Georgia Time' is going to be the least of his worries soon. I stood in a theater last night with hundreds of people stuck on something called "Riley Green" time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i>Special thanks to Riley for taking some time to talk to us about his new projects, his future plans and letting us in on his personal life a little bit. Make sure that you purchase his new EP, as well as the other EP's he's released. Check out his website for upcoming shows near you.</i></span></div>
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-4466639926293425502017-05-22T16:13:00.000-07:002017-08-17T20:05:16.011-07:00How To || Go To The Hangout Festival<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">THE SURF STAGE AT THE HANGOUT FESTIVAL</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We don’t like to play favorites, but </span><a href="http://hangoutmusicfest.com/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the Hangout Fest</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> in Orange Beach, Alabama is our all-time favorite music festival. Set directly on the beach (the stages are literally set on sand), you can enjoy your favorite bands with a nice sea breeze. Here at Southern Samplings, we're Hangout Fest veterans, so allow us to share our tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the greatest festival going.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"> PEPPER OPENS THE HANGOUT FEST FROM THE SURF STAGE</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: center;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Get your condo EARLY! These fill up quickly. Moderately priced accommodations are available, especially if you have a group of people. There are shuttles that run both East and West of the festival. You’ll have to wait on them, but it’s not too bad. There is no official parking at the festival, but there is minimal sketchy street parking, and neighbors will let you pay to park in their yard. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"> VIEW OF THE HANGOUT STAGE FROM VIP</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If at all possible, splurge for VIP. The early bird prices on these are just under $1K. They include OPEN BAR, beer only by the stages, unless you do Super VIP. VIP includes up front viewing areas by the two main stages, real bathrooms, two swimming pools overlooking the mainstage, and your own oasis lounge. Even for the headliners, the crowd in the VIP is sparse, meaning you can get up close and personal with your favorite acts. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"> THE GRISWOLDS TAKE THE HANGOUT STAGE</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Aside from the two main stages, the festival boasts a handful of unique smaller stages. The Malibu Beach House and the Boom Boom Tent both offer an all-day party, and the BMI Stage has the ocean as a backdrop. The Hangout rocks at picking up-and-coming artists who either blow up right before their Hangout set, or right after. This means you can see the big names of the future in an intimate setting (think Twenty-One Pilots), or enjoy a packed out love-fest as the fans roll deep (think Moon Taxi and Skrillex). </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">JACK NOVAK AT THE MALIBU BEACH HOUSE</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Additionally, the Hangout Fest is an artist favorite, meaning unlike at other festivals, the artists often hang around. You could be rubbing elbows with your favorite daytime act while grabbing a beer for the headliner in VIP! Just look for the guys in skinny jeans on the beach. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This festival boasts a crowd of about 30,000, which, in comparison to Austin City Limits and Coachella's 250,000, is a breath of fresh air. The more intimate crowd makes for a much better overall experience. Additionally, the festival is over by 11pm. You'll get a good night's sleep and be ready for a day at the beach that doubles as a music festival! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As for the sartorial style at the Hangout? Frat daddies abound. Tevas and chacos and rainbows abound. High-waisted jorts and bikinis abound. Do not wear open-toe shoes, you will regret it after the 100</span><sup><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> time you empty sand out. Dress casual, and for heat and humidity. This is the perfect festival to break out the fanny pack. Most importantly, wear SUNSCREEN! Hangout is prime for sunburn watching. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pensacola airport is the easiest option, but flights fill up fast and are steep. Try to book early. To get from the airport to your condo you’ll have to take a taxi. To load up on booze and groceries you’ll also have to take a taxi. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once you get there though, everything you need is within about a mile radius. Come to kick back, relax, and enjoy everything this amazing festival has to offer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We'll see you next year at the </span><a href="http://hangoutmusicfest.com/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hangout</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Have you been to the Hangout? What was your experience? Did we leave out anything important? </i></span></div>
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-12618999441751286652016-06-17T17:45:00.000-07:002017-08-17T20:04:45.383-07:00Album Review || Hero || Maren Morris<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember the first day I heard "My Church" on the radio.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I couldn't wait for the song to end to hear who it was. Maren Morris--ladies and gentlemen. While living in Cairo, Egypt for the past several months, Maren's EP played through that Bose speaker sitting in the courtyard of our sweet little house in the middle of the heart of Egypt. I know I saw one or two people stop and do a little jig while they heard "My Church" blaring through the gate. And then let's not skip "Company You Keep." The sweetest little tune that my friends and I would blare cruising the coast of Kona, Hawaii while yelling "we can walk right up the street where the locals go" like it was our theme song. And, my goodness, it was.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my sweet friends Mary Catherine is on Maren's team. I remember her texting me earlier this year while living in Hawaii just letting me know to get ready--that Maren Morris was on her way--and everyone needed to take notice and hold on for the ride.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And what a ride Maren is on. Her debut album was released a few weeks ago but I was kind of busy escaping an international security breech in Egypt (more on that later) and I'm finally back on the Big Island of Hawaii and getting to listen to all the tracks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I could literally go on and on about everyone of these tunes. They are all so well written and produced. Maren is a writer on all eleven tracks of the album. Which, if anyone knows me, they know how much I love a good singer songwriter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The album opens with a funky little number "Sugar." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>just a little bit is all it takes like a coca cola on Christmas day</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Funny back story--we went camping a few nights ago and it was an experience--Hawaii beaches and camping, I highly recommend!! We had to hike a mile down to the valley and a mile back up. When we got back to town all I wanted was a coke. "Sugar" was playing and I made a comment about how true the above line was. Everyone in the car is not southern and they all thought it was so weird--"coca cola on Christmas day? We only drink water and wine and Bubbly." Well, friends, come on over to Alabama and we'll show you what Maren was talking about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"My Church" is the song of Maren's career. She'll always look back and think, 'wow, that song is what paved the way.' I can imagine in a year or two her strutting on LP field stage at CMA fest while everyone sings it back to her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my favorites is "Drunk Girls Don't Cry." Don't we all have that one friend that goes back to the loser time and time again? If you don't have that one friend then chances are you're that friend. ;) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I wish I had a dime for every time that you tell me deep down he's a really good guy, that's like saying drunk girls don't cry, girl, you must be out of your damn mind</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you're with a guy that continually tells you--it's gonna be different this time--leave him. Or, be like Maren and write a smash about him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last tune I want to highlight is "Second Wind." This is my anthem. I've always felt like kind of the underdog in life. But, no matter what, I've always felt like I could overcome anything in my way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>say what you want about me, your words are gasoline on my fire // do what you do because what you do don't phase me // in a second I'm gonna catch my second wind</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything about this year was a chance. Moving to Hawaii, moving to Egypt, facing adversities, being doubted, being hated, being questioned--all of it kept knocking me down. But, give me a second, and I'm gonna catch my second wind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make sure you grab a copy of her album in stores or on ITunes and then stream it all the day long on Spotify.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Maren--rock on. You've got a cheerleader from this Bama turned Hawaii gal for life.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></span></div>
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-48111935620856677972015-11-15T19:17:00.001-08:002017-08-22T11:54:01.391-07:00Interview || Luke Combs<div align="center">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They say all good guys come from Georgia--and while I agree with that statement, we need to add North Carolina to that list as well. We need to add it to the list because that is Luke Combs' home state and if you don't recognize the name, let me apologize for that. And let me take a few minutes to introduce you to him. Luke is an amazing singer-songwriter who is currently on select dates touring with Chase Rice and Cadillac 3. And, while he's newer to the touring scene, there were just as many people singing the lyrics of <i>Hurricane</i> back to him Friday night in Birmingham as there were fans singing <i>Ready Set Roll</i> back to Chase. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Luke took some time before his show to sit down with me and tell me a little more about his story. He's a great guy and an incredible musician. He put on a fantastic, energetic show and couldn't miss a note if he tried. He's the type of artists that I think country music NEEDS right now. Now, please allow me to introduce, Luke Combs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Like several other country music artists, you played sports growing up as well as finding a passion with music. Were there aspects from sports that carried over to music or vice versa?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I would honestly say not a lot, really, just because I was terrible at football. I was an under-achiever in that aspect of my life until I really focused in on my passion for music. I picked a guitar up for the first time about three and a half years ago. I've been singing my entire life through high school and since. Music is really the thing that has taught me about other aspects of life as opposed to other aspects of life teaching me about music. Music was always the one thing that I was super passionate about. And still am. Football was great. I played rugby in college, which was great for me, because we didn't have a lot of funding or a coach. So, that aspect instilled in me a DIY approach to things including music. I've recently met a few people who are helping guide me to be a little more professional in the music scene."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>So, even though sports has played a role in your life and taught you valuable lessons, music has always been the main passion? You knew early on that music was the path you wanted to pursue?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Yes! I just didn't find my focus or direction to make music my means of living until a few years ago. I remember my first show I just fell in love with it. It was an acoustic show in my college town. It was great. Ever since then I've been extremely focused on music as the goal."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I went into a co-write one time and someone said 'you should always try to keep your mind in songwriter mode at all times and when you hear a certain phrase or situation, process that as an idea and jot it down.' I'll jot down lots of phrases or ideas for titles in my phone. Then, going into a co-write, I'll bounce some of the ideas off the other writers. Sometimes we choose my idea, sometimes we don't. I'm a guy who tries to write everything. I know when I sit down and write a song if it's for me or not. I've written tons of good songs that I don't think are for me and I've written lots of bad songs, too. I would encourage anyone else to keep that in mind. You don't have to write inside a box just for yourself. Just focus on making good music. Then you can decide if it's for you or not."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Where do you get the most inspiration for ideas for new songs?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Oh, everything. I'm a big phrase guy so someone can say something off the wall a little bit, like a 'southernism.' For example, when it was raining really hard my mom would say 'oh that's a frog strangler.' So, things like that I hear and sometimes think to myself if that's ever been a song before. I get a lot of inspiration from little tag lines but then there are certain situations that I've been in that inspire songs, too. Everything in life--I try to make it situations that are true to me as much as I can to make it authentic. Everyday life. And, not normally in a musical setting. I'm not going to come up with a great idea for a song sitting in a dressing room before a show starts. Living life is when the most inspiration comes."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Who is one artist that you would love to collaborate with?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Eric Church. No doubt about that."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>What is your favorite song to play live?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"There's a song that is on the new EP, coming out on Black Friday, it's called Beer Can. I've had a lot of other songs that I've written that I think are great but they don't necessarily get the crowd going or roaring. This is kind of a hell raising, beer drinking song. I really enjoy playing that one live and I can't wait for it to be out so hopefully more and more people will start singing along with it, too. And, Hurricane. Everyone seems to be singing along to that one recently. Beer Can and Hurricane are my favorites. Anything that really gets the crowd engaged."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>What has been your favorite venue to play?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"That's tough. I had a great time at the Georgia Theater-that was super cool. We played at the Tabernacle last night and that was awesome, too. There are a few places that I've played at that have been pretty special. I played at Carnegie Hall when I was younger and that was definitely cool. Peachtree Tavern is always a blast, too."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Who are your musical influences?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"From an artist perspective and a writer perspective there are different influences. Writing-- Travis Meadows, I'm a big fan of his and Jonathan Singleton. People who write their own stuff are big to me because it's neat to watch an artist perform a song that they wrote knowing they lived those lyrics. From an artist perspective, I'm a die hard Eric Church fan. I grew up listening to 90's country. Vince Gill was my first concert."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>What is your plan for the next year? Your EP is coming out on Black Friday, what's the plan for the remainder of this year and next?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I want to kind of follow suit like Old Dominion did. They put out an EP which led to a full album release. That's my plan. Hopefully to have a full album released by the beginning of summer. I'm not signed yet but that's still the plan. I have the means to make that happen at this point, which is awesome. Getting music to people who want to hear it is my main focus and goal. If you enjoy my music, that's great."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>What is one thing that you've learned from other artists since being out on the road touring?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I didn't realize until a few months ago when I got my booking deal with my awesome booking agent (Matt MaGuire) how much more professional the industry was. I can't say that any one artist taught me that. A lot of people think it's one big party back here. That's not true. I've learned that from every artist. We are here on business--to further our career, gain fans and put on a good show. It's much more professional and scheduled. It is a tough job. I'm trying to up my game and become more professional with each gig."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>What is your definition of country music?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"My definition of country music is music that speaks to people. I'm not a person who likes to put down success in general. I'm not a guy that will hate on anyone having success because I'm a fan of that. I think that it's amazing to see what so many artists have done. If you're making music that touches people--whether it's got a beat in it or a steel guitar, that's what's more important. It is what it is to each individual fan."</span></div>
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<i>Thank you, Luke for taking the time to talk music. His live show was fantastic and I'm very excited for everything he has coming up over the next few months.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Check out Luke's </span><a href="http://www.lukecombs.com/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">website</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> for more information. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And make sure you're following him on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lukecombsmusic/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Facebook</span></a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/lukecombsmusic"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Twitter</span></a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/lukecombsmusic/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Instagram</span></a>.</span></div>
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-65656432725691336322015-09-26T10:16:00.000-07:002017-08-17T18:14:23.450-07:00Interview || Jacob Davis<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr35iLUKVvqmkLoi04CANqDd4hyphenhyphenEaJuW76IZl6lnQhPRZFDLE3g29HpKv1jyRfjtJVOdgUvAAH7COgNWmmSPz6HQfqmKjjPx-cwRcGZLpzpuqUlwrSPgShEJe4wMrVLga__IAD8YDa31s/s1600/jd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr35iLUKVvqmkLoi04CANqDd4hyphenhyphenEaJuW76IZl6lnQhPRZFDLE3g29HpKv1jyRfjtJVOdgUvAAH7COgNWmmSPz6HQfqmKjjPx-cwRcGZLpzpuqUlwrSPgShEJe4wMrVLga__IAD8YDa31s/s400/jd1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simple music. Wordy words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was driving to Auburn, Alabama on Thursday afternoon when a Spotify interview with Kacey Musgraves came on and that is how she described her music. The phrase caught my attention and I thought about it for the next hour or so while I drove. I've been a fan of music forever--specifically country music and even more specifically GOOD, QUALITY country music. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not a music expert. I'm not sitting in a recording studi0 5 days a week and I'm not on any executive board of a Nashville record label. But, I love music. I love connecting with the songs and the people I get to meet along this amazing journey of life through music. I LOVE stories. I love history and philosophy and figuring out why people think the way they do. So, naturally, I gravitate towards musicians who can tell a story through their music so vividly that I can picture myself in those songs. Very, very few artists have caught my attention in that regard but I'm so excited to introduce y'all to one of those artists-- Jacob Davis. Think Kings of Leon meets Dierks Bentley. Several of you have already heard of him but I had the opportunity to talk to him and his guys before their show on Thursday night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacob Davis is one of the very few artists in country (or any genre for that matter) that can tell what could be a 15 chapter novel in a wordy 3-4 minute song--and make it work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacob Davis is originally from Shreveport, Louisiana and went to college at LSU. It was while he was attending college that he started experimenting with music. He was surrounded by musical influences growing up with his father writing songs and his mother playing the piano. When he was a senior in college, he performed at an open mic night in downtown Baton Rouge. He received a warm response to the song he performed and after realizing that people could and were connecting with what he was saying in his music, he hit the ground running. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He continued playing music over the next several months. After graduation, jobs were hard to come by (he majored in geology) so he played music all over Louisiana. He got a job at an oil and gas company and realized once he started working there that Nashville was still calling him. So, he worked for a while, saved money and moved to Nashville. He scored a publishing deal several months after moving to Nashville and hasn't slowed down since.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What was your plan once you got to Nashville? Did you want to specifically hone in on the songwriting aspect of being an artist or did you want to write and perform?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"It started out with the artist side of it. I knew that performing on stage in front of a crowd was the end game. I felt like I knew enough about the business to know that I was going to have to write my own songs. I knew when I moved to Nashville it wasn't going to be an automatic hit the stage and get in a van and start traveling type of gig.I needed to have a product to sell. It went hand in hand, though. I knew I wanted to both write and perform the songs."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What is your song writing process like?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"My process is--initially--finding a good idea or hook or title and going into a writing session. When we aren't on the road, I'm writing 3 to 4 days a week right now. I definitely don't take years to write a song. I don't take months to write a song--sometimes I do but that isn't often. Over the past few years, I've become a faster writer, which can be a good thing or a bad thing at times. I'll spend a week or so. You can easily go in and throw a song down in two hours but the chances of that song being a smash aren't very good. I feel it's like learning how to tell a great story. You know? You cannot change a true story. Once it's out, it's out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Do any of your band members co-write with you?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"We are starting that process. So far, it's been a lot of melody ideas with the band. Things will sometimes come up in rehearsal where Caleb can start playing drums and then Rabbit can start a lick and Teddy can feel in that groove on the bass. Those are the best ones when they happen organically like that. We spend so much time together on the road and in hotel rooms that they can say something and one of us can say something and make a mental note of 'oh that's a good title, that's a good hook.' My phone is full of ideas. I love these guys so much because they're not afraid to hurt feelings. No one ever intentionally TRIES to but songwriters are sensitive people so that makes us vulnerable. But, if I ask an opinion and they tell me they don't like it or that it's a little too pop or rock or country, I'm definitely taking all of that in. You develop a chemistry with the guys you're with. We've got each others backs."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Your first single, "Something to Remember You By" hits XM radio on Saturday. Do you have plans for a full length album in the works already?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Absolutely. I don't have a record deal yet. It's such a different time in the music world than it was in the early 2000's. You got a record deal and then you made a record. There's a lot of people making albums now and the labels aren't making the same level of noise they were back then. It's just a different industry. I think that a record deal is definitely the end goal but there are unsigned artists who are still making extremely good music. My publishing company has been great to me so far. Forrest Whitehead (Black River, produced Kelsea Ballerini's album) and I are buddies and we've been writing together for about 3 years now. We are starting to do some more work together. So, to answer the question about the album--yes, it's coming. The recording process is more of a month to month process but yes, it's coming."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>If you could share a stage with any artist of any genre, who would it be?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Kings of Leon would be a good one. As far as a pop stage goes, Justin Timberlake. We wouldn't have to do anything on stage with Justin, just be there and hang out with him."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"There has been several moments so far but the initial and greatest one so far would be getting the publishing deal. It happened quick. I had been in Nashville for about 7 months and when it happened my parents didn't even believe me. They were like 'are you sure about this?' That's the biggest one so far."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I want a record out and to be playing arenas and stadiums with these guys. We need to be playing for a lot of people. I think a lot of that is visualizing it all and we have that vision. If you see something, and that's what you want, you go get it. It doesn't matter if it's for 200 people in Alabama or 10,000 people in Florida. That's the goal--to play for a lot of people."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>As a newer artist, you already have a good following on social media with people backing your music. What does that mean to you?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I think it's amazing. It came out of us just working really hard and being at the right place at the right time and being nice to people. We are very fortunate to have the backing on social media with the fan groups and all. If they are going to get any of this, I cannot thank that team of people enough. It's really cool that people want to hear your story."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The one that I'm most proud of would be 'Someone Else's Girl.' I think that I'm very proud of that song because I know it's good. 'Something to Remember You By' is right there with that one as well, though. I remember the day we wrote that one that we knew it was special." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Garth Brooks. He was one of my biggest idols growing up. He was a super hero in the 90's. His reputation around town was always good. He was the guy who would meet someone and then 2 years later see them again and he still knew their name. That's a job and he took it that seriously. I've got a ton but at the top it's definitely Garth."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Why did you choose "Something to Remember You By" as your first single?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The initial feeling of writing that song is why we chose that one. I remember the day well. I remember the first guitar lick. It's a song that people have been resonating with and that makes us feel good. It's one of the most relatable songs that I've written. I can go back to that Spring Break and lots of memories come back to my mind as well. I think that's really cool when other people can connect with one of my songs on that level." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jacob Davis and his entire band were without a doubt the most pleasant and kind guys from Nashville that I've had the pleasure of working with in a while. If you ever have the chance to see them interact on stage, I can promise they have just as much chemistry as people off stage. They aren't turning on a switch and performing something they don't believe in. They believe in their music and they're transparent. Do yourself a favor and check his <a href="http://jacobdavismusic.com/tour/">tour schedule</a> and make it out to a show. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure you're following Jacob on all his social media accounts as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jacobdavismusic/timeline?ref=page_internal">Facebook</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://instagram.com/jacobdavismusic/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Instagram</span> </a></span></div>
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-65168061514960105262015-09-14T20:00:00.000-07:002017-08-18T13:00:05.344-07:00Interview || Chancie Neal <div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If there is anything more country than a Georgia boy it would have to be a Louisiana girl. If there is anything more fun than opening for Luke Bryan it would be getting advice from him. And, if there is anything more neat than watching Duck Dynasty it would be writing a song for the family that ended up on a Christmas album. Well, today I am absolutely joyed to introduce to you a young lady who is in fact a Louisiana girl that has received some pretty neat advice from Luke Bryan and has had a song cut on the Robertson family's Christmas album.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I would like y'all to meet <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chancienealmusic">Chancie Neal</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Chancie Neal is a singer/songwriter living in Nashville. She has opened for Luke Bryan on his annual "Farm Tour" for five years now. I've been fortunate enough to see her perform for the past three years and she is definitely one of my favorite up and coming female country artists. She is sort of a hidden gem in the country world but I know for a fact about 15,000 people who were impressed with her performance Thursday night in Auburn, Alabama. She was gracious enough to talk to me for a few minutes at the show and I'm so excited for y'all to discover her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">-Tell us a little background information about yourself if you will. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">"My name is Chancie Neal. I'm 19 so I'm the baby of the tour. I'm from Calhoun, Louisiana which is right up the road from West Monroe (aka Duck Dynasty land)."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">-Do you write your own songs?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">"I do. Writing is definitely a passion of mine. I love doing it a little every day."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">-Which aspect of music do you enjoy more--songwriting or performing?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">"Performing. There is just nothing like being on stage. They kind of go hand in hand with me, though. I get the benefit of singing the songs I write on stage. Performing is just a league of its own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">-Who is your musical inspiration?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">"Definitely Luke (Bryan) through and through. As far as female artists go, I've always loved Shania Twain, The Dixie Chicks and Lee Ann Womack. I could listen to Lee Ann for days. I love her."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">-What is your favorite song that is on the radio currently?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">"The Maroon 5 record is amazing. And the Ariana Grande album is good, too. I performed an Ariana Grande song tonight. Her album is just incredible. I like to listen to an album from front to end to just try to get the story they are trying to tell."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">-If you could write with any artist, who would it be and why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">"Lee Ann Womack. Definitely."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">-What is your definition of country music?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">"Jeff Stevens told me something one time and it's always stuck with me. He said 'Country music, regardless of what genre it sounds like, if it is on country radio, then it's country music.' I do think that country music is more real than most genres."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">-What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">"Luke actually told me something a few weeks ago. He said 'being an artist is very hard and you have to be on stage and you have to love it so much to be able to do it every night.' That has really helped me. Even today, I was thinking I really do love being on stage."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">-Where can new fans of your music find more of your music?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">"I'm on Spotify. I put a lot of new songs on <a href="https://soundcloud.com/chancie-neal">Sound Cloud</a> and Reverb Nation. I'll switch out the ones I post every now and then. I have CD's at my shows and on Itunes, too."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">-If you were going on a cross country road trip, what is one album that you could listen to the whole way?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">"I love listening to vinyl records. I know you can't listen to vinyl records in the car but I love old country. I'm from Louisiana so it's an 8 hour drive to Nashville and I've just listened to a bunch of stuff that was released even before I was born. It changes but one The Wreckers album is good. I learned to play a lot of those songs on the guitar."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">-What's in store for 2015?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">"I'm ready for 2015. I've been writing every for a few years so I have a lot of songs. Hopefully, of course, still out on the road and singing at shows. We may do an EP. Maybe play little bars and places like that. I've been spoiled with Farm Tour but I love performing at any level."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I know how extremely busy and hectic Thursday night was so a sincere THANK YOU to Chancie for taking some time to talk with me. And another special thank you to Jacoby Knott for arranging everything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Make sure y'all start following Chancie on her social media sites and listen to some of her tunes. I feel confident you'll be wanting an album ASAP like I do!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/chancienealmusic">Facebook</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="https://twitter.com/chancieneal">Twitter</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://instagram.com/chancieneal">Instagram</a></span></div>
Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-62219748940590643982015-07-09T17:37:00.000-07:002017-08-17T16:23:31.772-07:00Listen || The New Schematics<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1elbFx1cTu7xisseRHR6RK"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">LISTEN TO THE NEW SCHEMATICS ON SPOTIFY! </span></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few months ago I was sitting at home on an off day when one of my friends who lives in Nashville called me. It was a friend that I hadn't spoken to in a while but I knew she is always up to date on who is up and coming in Nashville. That's exactly what that phone call that day was about. She introduced me to a new rock band called the New Schematics. She spoke so highly of them and with such an enthusiasm that as soon as I hung up the phone I listened to the demos she sent me. And then, I listened to them again. And again. And again</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's how good these guys are. I was so excited to be in contact with both Corey and Michael the same day. They both were extremely professional and passionate about their music. I could pick that up from a text message alone. It ended up working out that I was going to Nashville within the next few weeks and we planned to meet up for coffee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Their single, "Born Without Borders" arrived in my email inbox at exactly the right moment. I wish I could say that I was exaggerating when I say the previous sentence but I am not. I had a huge move to Nashville planned out (and then fell through) and had a 3 month mission trip to Hawaii lined up the first time I heard the song. The lyrics of a song have NEVER hit so close to home. And, trust me, I listen to a lot of music. It truly gave me chill bumps to hear this song.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"born and raised in the southesast" -- hello montevallo, alabama</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"gonna make it fine off of kindness and coca cola" -- my 2 essentials in life</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"she didn't fall in love but she stumbled on growing up" -- only 2 weeks into hawaii and I already feel like I've grown more in the past 2 weeks than I have in the past 2 years</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"funny thing about faith, it's hard as hell to fake" -- amen and amen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I was born without borders" -- took me 24 years to believe this but I was born without any borders and so were you :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have always been the girl in my family that wants to go. It could be anywhere, I've just always liked going. It could be going to the grocery store for my mother or flying 5,000 miles away from every one and every thing I know to challenge myself to grow as a disciple of the Lord. I've always loved going. But, it's been a challenge sometimes to let go of what other people want and think is best for me and really hold onto what I know is best for me. The meaning of it all is if you want to go 5 miles away or 5,000 miles away, you have no borders. There is no set rule anywhere that says you have to stay in that small town you grew up in jut to please someone. You don't have to stay in an abusive relationship. You don't have to become a doctor when your passion is art. You have NO borders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think I spent close to 2 hours with the guys that day just in the coffee shop talking about life-- about my upbringing, my family, my dreams, their upbringing, their family and their dreams. I've been so blessed to meet a lot of musicians and artists and I can say Michael and Corey are hands down in the top 5 of genuine and passionate artists. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm so excited to introduce you guys to such a great new band. I hope that you'll give them a listen and help support them by clicking below. I cannot wait to get back to the states this fall and catch a show and give y'all so much more behind the scenes info. Make sure you're following the guys on the social media below (they rock at Instagram) and give "Born Without Borders" a listen-- and hold on to your socks because single two is coming soon-- and it is SO good.</span></div>
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-9772601442853440442015-07-01T18:04:00.000-07:002017-08-17T18:13:58.862-07:00Album Review || Pageant Material || Kacey Musgraves<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">While many artists wait with bated breath for the public to react to their newly-released music, we get the feeling that Kacey Musgrave's hits the proverbial send button and rolls a joint. The Texas-born singer-songwriter has never been one to be afraid, as evident in her many lyrical middle-fingers to the country music status-quo. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">She in fact, says it herself on the track <i>Good Ol Boys Club, </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">"Another gear in a big machine don't sound like fun to me</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Don't wanna be a part of the good ol' boys club"</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Pageant Material</i> proves to be perfect follow-up of her first studio </span>album. Songs about love, heartbreak, and carving out your own path in life make up the track list. Add in some "coming of age", and some "coming to terms with your small-town roots", and you have an album that is relatable but one of a kind. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Musgrave's should be seen as an inspiration to us all, as she never wavers from her strong beliefs and style. Sonically, there is no shortage of steel guitar and mandolin to remind you of the beauty of traditional country music. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Pageant Material</i> did not make Musgrave's the darling of the Grammys a second time, but that is due more to the format of the show than it is a reflection of the record's quality. Make no mistake, <i>Pageant Material</i> is worthy of a sash and crown. </span></div>
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-393180999042286392015-06-17T17:20:00.000-07:002017-08-17T18:48:01.234-07:00How To || Go To Bonnaroo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhSelH0P8SqIWVGAZa-RimNKz-K0ExSj4xUFqcVwk77jMGytlxWp40OsWVcXLeNhNJU_2idxrvnujo3vLyUC2rD3vJBTSKFzHlMNtotmuF_iOBDDjmiHBnNAawQvI8_ZoI1Lsau35bnk/s1600/129fc3-20150615-bonnaroo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="1000" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhSelH0P8SqIWVGAZa-RimNKz-K0ExSj4xUFqcVwk77jMGytlxWp40OsWVcXLeNhNJU_2idxrvnujo3vLyUC2rD3vJBTSKFzHlMNtotmuF_iOBDDjmiHBnNAawQvI8_ZoI1Lsau35bnk/s640/129fc3-20150615-bonnaroo-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bonnaroo is an insane experience. The entire four-day experience is like nothing else on Earth. A massive, zealous crowd and a location that is miles away from civilization in the literal and figurative sense combine to make Bonnaroo the "happiest place on Earth". The heat is such that when the sun goes down, the real party starts. Time to whip out your people watching glasses, because Bonnaroo is a wild ride with characters at every turn. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AP1Vj_xegmAJ3u32uhuGlpjnufXX6nYUDrDEyJoV3AxY9T1iyRDivjJ33HxShlW9UWr-aDaQ8MRLTuqfkYTLJs7Zj8CPaVzZj9nLL6peqIqQhR88FU4OSYs2WxQMBGVS2fWvDc3kong/s1600/IMG_1122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #666666;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AP1Vj_xegmAJ3u32uhuGlpjnufXX6nYUDrDEyJoV3AxY9T1iyRDivjJ33HxShlW9UWr-aDaQ8MRLTuqfkYTLJs7Zj8CPaVzZj9nLL6peqIqQhR88FU4OSYs2WxQMBGVS2fWvDc3kong/s640/IMG_1122.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">STS9 PERFORMS AT BONNAROO 2015</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you're afraid of a little sleep deprivation, just stay home. The party does. Not. Stop. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Set times can start at 2:00 am, and there is always a stage that plays on through the night. You might be rewarded for your all-night antics by a surprise Skrillex set at 6:00 a.m, or an all night party with Cherub. The heat is so brutal during the day, its tough to really get into the festival mood. But as dusk sets in, the magic begins and all kinds of interesting creatures come out of hiding. </span></span></div>
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So the crowd is crazy. We got that part down. Now, how about some festival hacks? </div>
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Bring a tent for each person. Its brutally, brutally hot and you don't need to magnify it by sleeping next to someone. And if you can, bring a battery operated fan! Not only one for your tent, but a hand held one also. </div>
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Bring a tailgate tent to cover your entire camping area. For the love of God, do not forgo this advice. Come sunrise (which may be when you finally crawl into your tent) the sun is brutal enough to turn your tent into an oven. </div>
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Don't worry about festival "style". This ain't no Coachella. Wear whatever the heck you want, as long as its comfortable and cool. You will see grown men in children's minions pajamas. But ideally you should wear close-toed shoes, because its dusty and dirty and there's no good showers. </div>
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Gas up the car right before you get to Manchester, TN. You will be stalling in traffic, and you will need your car for it's air conditioning in the morning. </div>
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Invest in an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0179LSLQ2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">external battery pack</a>. This will save you if you get lost and your phones dead (not that theres much cell phone service anyways). Plus if you didn't snapchat it, did it really happen? </div>
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Load up on H20. No, not cases of bottled water. That wont be good enough (and bottled water is terrible for the environment!). Grab as many of those huge water jugs with spigots as you can. And don't store them in your car, or else they will boil. Bring a reusable water bottle and keep topping it off. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.</div>
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Load up before you go. Theres nothing, and I mean nothing in this town. Load up on food, beer, ice, and water before you get there. Ice is available for purchase but it is the hottest frozen commodity possible. </div>
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Don't bother with VIP. The only real perk is you get close camping (which conversely means you hear the party all night) and a happy hour on Thursday night. Otherwise, it only scores you your own entrance line, and a viewing area thats miles away from the main stage where you can purchase only Miller and Coors.... hm no thanks! </div>
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So, if you're heading to "Roo, prepare for the heat, pre-hydrate, and get ready to let loose! Its a party like no other! </div>
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-40866347852582417412015-04-26T17:08:00.002-07:002017-08-18T12:59:48.021-07:00Interview || Craig Campbell <div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Sunday!! I hope everyone had a fun, exciting and safe weekend!! Mine was definitely the first two but if you live in Alabama you know the craziness associated with the weather we had last night. I was so excited to be able to attend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/toadlickmusic">Toadlick Music Festival</a> this year. It was a three day line up with amazing performers. I went down yesterday morning and was able to spend a few minutes talking with Craig Campbell about some background influences and what the rest of his year looks like. I'm sure you know exactly who Craig Campbell is but if not, songs like "Outta My Head" and "Keep Them Kisses Comin" should ring a bell. Craig is an extremely nice guy and I was able to have my very first lawn chair interview. I had a blast getting to know a little more about him and I know y'all will, too.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">PHOTO: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CraigCampbelltv/">CRAIG CAMPBELL FACEBOOK</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Has music as a career always been your first choice? If so, when did you decide that was the path you wanted to pursue?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Music has always been the number one thing that I thought I was good at. When I graduated high school, I had a serious girlfriend and the idea was to get a job, get married, have kids and build a house. But that didn't happen. So, I decided to put a band together around 2000 and I've been paying my bills with music ever since then."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Early on, I listened to a lot of Southern Gospel music. And, my momma was a great singer. I enjoyed listening to her sing and singing with her. My brother was also a big influence. He use to sing in all the talent shows at school. My momma would come get me out of school and take me with her to watch him at the talent shows. As far as country music influences, though, I am a huge Travis Tritt fan. I was a fan of pretty much everybody singing country music from the year 1989-1995. They call it the Class of 89."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>You were recently signed with Red Bow Records. When is your new single/album expected to be released?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I don't know when the new album will come out but I do know that my next single comes out on June 8. It's a song called 'Tomorrow Tonight.' Then, releasing an album is always based on the success of the first single so if the song goes number one there's a chance that we will be able to release the album. If all that works out, I would say spring of 2016 for a new album."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I did. I co wrote it."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I don't write all of them. I feel like there are so many good songs in Nashville that it would be very selfish to cut those 'songwriter only' guys out. I think it's a good balance. I like to write (or co-write) about half of the songs on the album. That is how is was with my last album. I wrote six of the songs and there were six other songs on there that I didn't write. The way I look at it is like this-- the best song should win, no matter who writes it."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Uptown Funk. I'm a big Bruno Mars fan. Adele. I'm just a fan of good singing."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I have pretty tame fans at this point in my career. I don't have any big stories that I could talk about. I get asked to sign weird things, though-- babies feet, grown men's foreheads, stuff like that."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I would say a couple of things. Playing the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry the first time was pretty cool. Anytime I hear one of my songs on the radio, though, no matter what song it is, that's as good as it gets."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"No, we like to plug in some Merle Haggard a few minutes before we go out. My guitar player is French-Canadian so we have a word we say right before we go on stage. We throw all of our fists in and we say 'domination!' (which-side note-is spelled exactly the same in English, if you ever meet Craig, you can ask him to pronounce it properly because I will never be able to do that). We say that because that's what we want to do. We want to dominate."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"My dad. He died when I was 11. There's a lot of things I want to know about him that I don't know."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"It looks great. I've got the new song coming out on June 8. Garth Brooks just sang a song I co-wrote on the ACM's last Sunday. It is potentially going to be his next single. 2015 looks really, really good for us."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I would like to say a big thank you to Craig for taking some time out of his day yesterday to talk to me for a few minutes. It was definitely a busy, crazy day with all the weather uncertainty but he was extremely kind for giving me a few minutes of his time. I also would like to give you all the opportunity right now to pause from reading this and go to your phones and put a reminder in your phone on JUNE 8 to call your local radio stations and request his new song. He played it for us at Toadlick yesterday and it was a great song! Also, if you live in the Birmingham area, Craig will be at the Tin Roof in Birmingham tomorrow night (April 27) at 7:30. This is a FREE show and one you definitely don't want to miss. Also, thank you to Joe for all his help yesterday, too. You are a kind soul, sir!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make sure you are following Craig on all social media sites. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check his website out </span><a href="http://www.craigcampbell.tv/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for when you can catch a show near you!!</span></div>
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-66517236256386065692015-02-26T16:19:00.003-08:002017-08-18T13:00:15.889-07:00See || Stella Jame Band<iframe width="420" height="315"
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the band perry//lady antebellum//dixie chicks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you're a fan of the above mentioned trios, you need to go ahead and add Stella James to the list as well. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">All photos courtesy of Stella James Facebook page. I was squished in the back and only got one good one.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUP88sGL3uiBE73yPXj7c9LWiUGLHAhRueiryo4DVnlJ9LYGzxW1u758ylGnpQay7uRYLVV6-_FnBif3IAc_DWNdBuUp3vJAMwoYxNMWzEW1Yk7GUoeWWHsKcP2WAA7yU6UDX3qMbLI_Q/s1600/sj4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are a lot of new acts emerging from Nashville that are defining the next generation of country music right now. Stella James is definitely a fresh breath of air amidst the bro country driven hits on the radio right now.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trio is made up of three individuals who on their own could make a name for themselves. Sarah Davidson released an EP early in 2014. Rachel Bradshaw co-wrote the hit "What Do You Want From Me" with Jerrod Niemann and even sang back up vocals on the track. Ty Graham is the third member and solo male voice of Stella James. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Following the footsteps of recent country mega breakout artist, Sam Hunt, they released a mixtape type demo of three songs--for free. You can download it for free <a href="http://www.stellajamesband.com/">here</a>. On Tuesday night they made their debut performance at the Basement in Nashville, TN. I was fortunate enough to learn about the trio at the beginning of the year and am so glad that I was in Nashville to catch their show. They played all three of the demo songs and two others. The melodies and harmonies of the three are articulated so beautifully that it's hard to tell the voices apart. It's a sound that is definitely unlike anything I've heard before and it is mesmerizing. I downloaded the demo Monday on my way to Nashville and literally listened to it on repeat the 220 mile ride there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The demo has three tracks-- "Stella," "Songbird," and "Red Flag." These three tracks are enough for the trio to set a tempo for what's to come--with just three songs. Gracefully written and charmingly delivered lyrics make this a must hear demo for country music fans. I even would venture to say non country fans should give it a listen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's hard to pick a favorite of the three but I think I've listened to Red Flag at least 100 times. If this is just a sample of what is to come from Stella James, I think we all need to hold on for the ride--it's going to be a fast paced one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be sure to follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StellaJamesBand">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/stellajamesband">Twitter</a>! </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-71378369166019679272014-09-08T17:05:00.000-07:002017-08-22T11:54:26.900-07:00Interview || Faren Rachels <div style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Happy Monday! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I am so excited to introduce y'all to a very special lady today on Southern Samplings. I LOVE country music and I love introducing people to new artists. I've been very fortunate to connect with some incredibly talented people over the past year and Faren Rachels is one of those people. I first heard of Faren through a song writer I was following named Cole Taylor. I started following along and getting to know her and I was able to hear some of her music earlier in July. Y'all--you know the struggle of finding talented, country FEMALE artists that as girls we can relate to but that is exactly who Faren is. Her songs have been part of my go to female artist playlist since she was sweet enough to share them with me. Faren has an EP that is coming out tonight at midnight on I-Tunes. Although we all know how I-Tunes releases new music early so if you're up late enough tonight, you'll be able to download it then. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Faren was so kind to take time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for me. I strongly suggest you download this EP tonight. After getting to know a little more about her, I am sure you will feel the same way!</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">1.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions for me! I
know that you are from Georgia, but can you give us a little more
background information? When did you first know music was what you
wanted to pursue as a career? What made you decide that you wanted to
move in Nashville, and when did you move?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">"Thank
YOU for taking the time to include me in your blog! I am from a little
town in Georgia called Sparta. I graduated from high school with twelve people and had to drive 30 minutes to get to the closest Walmart, haha! I
grew up singing in church, at local events, and on my "at-home"
karaoke machine. :) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">I have
wanted to be a country music artist for as long as I can remember but
my mom REALLY wanted me to be the first person in my family to get a
college degree and pursue a “real job," ha! So, I went to the
University of Georgia where I continued to sing but mainly focused
on school. I moved to Atlanta and got that “real job” for a a little
while, but I was pretty miserable. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">My
husband and his family were the ones who encouraged me to make the
move to Nashville. My father in law loves music and played in bands
his whole life but never got to do it professionally. One day in May of
2012, he told me I did not want to get to be his age and look back and regret not going after what I have really always wanted. After that
conversation, my husband and I prayed about it and made the move (without either of us having real jobs up here, ha!). It was pretty scary,
but eventually everything fell into place!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">2. Who were your musical inspirations growing up? </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">"Mostly
the awesome women of 90’s country music! Trisha Yearwood, Sara Evans,
Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Lee Ann Womack, Shania Twain and Patty Loveless. I could go on and on."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">3. If you could record a duet or collaboration with any artist, who would you choose and why?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"> "Any
of the women I grew up listening to would be a huge honor, but if I had
to pick just one, I would probably say Trisha Yearwood. Her voice is simply
perfection to me. (However, I’d probably wet my pants when she walked
into the room)."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">4. What was the first song you ever wrote? </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">"It was called “My Last Name,” and it was pretty awful… next question, ha."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">5. What is your favorite song that you have ever written? </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">"My
favorite song I have ever written is called “We Got It Made." It is
basically the story of our move to Nashville. We lived in a really
crappy attic that had been converted into an apartment and we did not have
a lot of money (well, we still do not, ha!). But I was finally in
Nashville getting to pursue my dream. I married the sweetest, most
supportive man I know so I decided to write a song about how blessed I
was— not with monetary things, but with the things that matter. To
this day, it is one of my favorites because every single lyric was so
real at the time. It did not make my EP, but it is on my <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/FarenRachels">Reverbnation</a> page
if you want to check it out." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">6.
I am so excited that you are releasing this EP because country music is
heavily populated with male artists and it's nice to hear a woman's side
of the stories. Do you think that there is a certain female "country"
stereotype and if so, do you agree that it is fair that women are
portrayed that way by the male artists? </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">"I guess there is no denying
that there is a certain female “country” stereotype right now if you
listen to the radio but it does not really bother me. Maybe I just do not
take life seriously enough to be offended by songs on the radio. I
guess my opinion is if you do not like what you hear, do not listen :)
What does bother me is the lack of new female country artists out there,
though. I have heard so many talented girls in this town. It is crazy that
there are so few of us actually getting heard. I am going to bust my tail to
change that, though!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>7.
Your EP comes out tonight at midnight. How many songs will be on the
track list? Did you write all of the songs on it? </b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">"There are six songs on the EP and I wrote
on all of them with some crazy talented friends of mine- Thomas Archer,
Jordan Rager, Cole Taylor and Chancie Neal. I am extremely proud of
how all the songs turned out."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>8. Which ones mean
the most to you, and why?</b></span></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"Gosh, it is really hard to say which ones
mean the most--I love “Holding Down Sunshine,” because I have wanted to
write a song like that for so long. You rarely get to
hear the girls version of a party song and we like to party too, ya
know! :) I love “Get On With It” just as much, though, because I know way
too many girls who put up with way too much bull crap from losers!
Honestly I could really talk about each song--they all mean something to
me in a different way."</span></span> </span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"> <b>9. As a singer/songwriter, what part of the process of writing and then recording the songs is your favorite?</b> </span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"> "I
think the most exciting part of the songwriting process is when you get
into the studio to record it and get to hear the song come to life.
Todd Lombardo, who produced my EP, is one of the most talented people
I have ever met. I was not blessed with the mind of a producer, so he blows
me away with what he can bring to a song."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"> 10. If you were driving across the country and you could only bring one album, which one would you choose? </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">"This
is probably the hardest question I’ve ever been asked! There are so
many albums I have been obsessed with that its hard to choose just one. Off the top of my head, one album that I know I could never get
tired of is The Dixie Chicks’ first album. So good."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, as y'all can tell, Faren Rachels is a superstar in the making. Each one of the songs on the EP are songs that come from a real place. I am so excited to be able to pay for some music from Faren now! It makes me so happy to see a female country artist singing such fun and meaningful songs. Make sure that you follow her on her social media sites below. And, of course, check out her website. Most importantly, BUY her EP when it is out tonight!! Thank you, again, Faren! This is only the beginning!! </span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/farenrachels"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Twitter</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FarenRachels"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Facebook</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.farenraches.com/">Website </a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://smarturl.it./FarenRachels">ITunes </a>(This one may not work until Tuesday! :) )</span><br />
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-60927281438315105622014-07-27T17:39:00.000-07:002017-08-22T11:54:13.368-07:00Interview || Sam Hunt<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">PHOTO: <a href="https://www.thestevenalan.com/photo">STEVEN ALAN</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If I were to say the name Sam Hunt a year ago you may not have the slightest clue to who I was referring to. Fast forward twelve months and if you are a fan of country music, I'd be willing to bet you've at least heard the name.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sam is a singer-songwriter hailing from Cedartown, Georgia. A gifted athlete, he played quarterback for the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and was signed as a free agent to the Kansas City Chiefs. Feeling increasingly drawn towards music, he packed up and moved to Nashville to launch his career. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In his early Nashville years he spent most of his time in small, dark rooms creating brilliant songs that would go on to be cut by artists such as Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sam put a free mixtape up on his <a href="http://www.samhunt.com/">website</a> last summer and since then has signed a major recording deal with Universal Records in Nashville. Sam's debut single from the upcoming album is "Leave the Night On." This single was released to country radio 6 weeks ago and as of today, it's sitting at number 7 on ITunes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been a fan of Sam Hunt since he released the mixtape "Between the Pines" last summer. From seeing him perform with 100 people in the crowd to seeing over a hundred people waiting outside bars to get inside to hear him, I can honestly say that I've never met a more determined, deserving and dedicated artist. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sam was kind enough to sit down with me for a few minutes before his performance at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/braggjam">Bragg Jam</a> last night so we can get to know the man on one of the hottest tracks in Nashville. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>A lot of people say that there is no connection between athletics and music. With your background as an athlete for most of your life before pursuing music, do you agree with this statement?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I do disagree with the disconnect between athletics and music. I do think that there is a subculture that starts early on with the youth of America that starts to separate the two in a way that isn't necessarily fair in the long run. I think a balance of athletics and music is an important thing in any culture. That's sort of a philosophy that I actually read one time that I believe was from Aristotle. He talked about building a society of people that is in harmony and it talks about educating a balance of the two. If you're too strong on the arts, then you have a weak people. If you're too strong on the athletics, then you have a violent group of people. I think a balance of the two is something that is fundamentally important to balance a society. I know that's a little off topic but I do think that country music is the genre that has closely tied the two. It is still an interesting path to have gone from athletics to music the way that I did but it's worked out so far for me. I enjoy both."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What was the first instrument you picked up, and when? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"The guitar. I started out on an acoustic guitar and still haven't branched out much further than that. I learned to play the harmonica a little bit in college and then I bought a little keyboard just a few years ago. I've gotten to where I can play a few chords on the piano. Piano is probably still my favorite instrument so I'd like to continue to learn and get better at the piano."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What made you want to make the switch from songwriter to singer/songwriter?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I think the singing aspect of song writing is an important tool that I've tapped into. As a songwriter, you're combining music, instrumentation, melody, vocal and a lyric. So, to me, singing has been an important part of the melody aspect of creating for me. If I didn't sing at all, it would be tough to come up with the melodies. You don't necessarily have to be a singer to come up with lyrics. Fortunately, I've been able to use the singing element to come up with melodies that will help produce lyrics. I think the two (writing and singing) have always been connected in my approach. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Is there any one song you wish you had cut yourself?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"It's hard to say because recording a song, to me, is an 'in the moment' kind of thing. The song would have to relate to my life at that moment for me to be as passionate about songs as I have been in the past. Then, as I close that chapter and move into a new season, those songs that I was passionate about don't relate as much so it's hard to say. A couple of years ago a song that Miranda Lambert put out called "The House That Built Me" was a song that really hit home with me. I really love those earthy, singer-songwriter songs that come out every so often that someone like Miranda Lambert takes a chance on and puts out to radio. Then, those types of songs become hits. They are the underdog in 'commercial radio music potential' a lot of the times when you look at it from a business stand point. But, musically, if an artist can break through with songs like that, it just shows how great songs truly rise to the top."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"For inspiration, I typically have to relate to the emotion that I'm trying to express in a song. But, as a human being and as someone who lives a life a lot like the lives that a lot of other people are living, there's certain emotions and feelings that we all experience. Relationships are a big part of that. I tend to be inspired by ideas or emotions that I have lived out. Especially from a relationship standpoint at my age now. I'm sure as I get older and start to relate to different things as an adult, I'll write about those things. But, in the last few years, the songs that I've written have been mostly about relationship experiences because that's just the most emotional part of my life."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"That's another thing that changes. I would have to answer that question in this moment and that may change in a week. Right now, the song that I really like performing and the same song that is going to be on the album is a song called "Break Up in a Small Town." I really worked hard on this song and spent a lot of time on the little nuances of that lyric."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Is there one piece of advice you'd like to give someone looking to carve out a career in music? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I would tell those artists to write music that makes them feel something. Don't pay attention to genre boundaries. Don't pay attention to what other artists are writing. Don't pay attention to what any other songwriter has said before or think they might say. Just think about what makes you feel and say what you want to say. Sing in a way that makes you feel something and then see what comes out on the other side. Let yourself be vulnerable and hope that other people feel the same way that you feel about it."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What is an item on your bucket list as an artist that would mean a lot for you to be able to scratch off? </b></span></div>
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"I would say to make a record of songs that I'm proud of and that I didn't hold back on. A record that I sunk my heart and soul into and that's the position I'm in right now. I'm working on that record and I'm almost finished with it. That's still a milestone, probably the biggest one, for me, as of now. Until I do that, I can't really look past to what the next thing would be."</div>
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<b>Do you have anything you do before each show? Any superstitions? </b></div>
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"I don't have any rituals that are consistent or are a necessity other than something like getting dressed." </div>
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<b>What's the most memorable moment you've experienced so far as an artist?</b></div>
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"As a pursuer of a career in music, the most notable thing that has happened to me is having a song recorded by Kenny Chesney called "Come Over." That's the first time I had a song of mine reach the radio and the radio is such a pinnacle in the career I'm involved in now. That was such a huge thing and a big leap forward in my project." </div>
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<b>You've toured with a variety of artists. What are some things you've learned from them?</b></div>
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"I think the biggest thing has been the hospitality and the appreciation that they have shown me as an opener. Now, knowing how that feels and what that meant to me, I want to always be able to express that to anyone in the future who might be coming out on the road with me as an opener or as a fellow tour mate. I always want to express my appreciation to anyone who is willing to share the stage with me."</div>
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<b>Who were your favorite artists to listen to growing up?</b></div>
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"The only outlet I really had to listen to music growing up was the radio and it was always 90's country. So, I could probably sing word for word every song that was on country radio in the 90's. I could make a long list but just to name a few: Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt, Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, and Kenny Chesney. I was more a fan of the song rather than the artist so I'm just a really big fan of 90's country."</div>
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<b>Your album is set for a fall release date. Will there be any songs on the album that were also on the <i>Between the Pines</i> mixtape?</b></div>
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"I have a few songs that deserved more of a life than just having been put on the mixtape. I'll put those songs on the album and there's six or seven from the mixtape that will be cut for the album. Of course, they'll be fully produced versions."</div>
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<b><i>Leave the Night On</i> has been on country radio for six weeks now and has already broken into the top 25. Did you expect the single to do this well this quickly?</b></div>
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"No, not at all. You can only try to make predictions based on the past. I've followed country radio and new artists and sort of educated myself on how the charts work for a while. I'd never seen anything like that before so my expectation was not that high. I am proud to have a song on the radio no matter how many times it is spinning. To have it moving that fast is pretty insane to me. I don't get caught up in those things as much as I do focus on how many people are coming out to see us play. I look at how passionate they are singing the songs back to us and how many people are buying the song. Radio is huge but I didn't really know how to go about convincing them to play our music. Fortunately, the music spoke for itself. The only way I knew to get people to come to our shows was to give them music and that's why I put out that free mixtape and they spread the word which has been a huge testament to what we are doing. It's really meant a lot to me. It's cool because the radio helps us reach more people and that's a circle that keeps going and helps us out." </div>
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<i>FAN QUESTION -I asked y'all on twitter and facebook one question you wanted Sam to answer and the number one response (by far) was the following:</i></div>
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<b>How many pairs of shoes and hats do you have?</b></div>
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"I've loved shoes since the first time I saw a pair of LA Lights and my mom wouldn't let me get them because they were too expensive and the first time I saw a pair of Jordan's and my mom wouldn't let me get them because they were also too expensive. Since then, I've loved shoes. No matter what I have on, I like to have a good pair of shoes. I have a big industrial rack that is full of shoes and I don't really know how many pairs are up there. I'm ashamed to say but I definitely collect shoes. And the hat rack is right above it and it's loaded down, too." </div>
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<i>As you can see, there's much more to Sam Hunt than being the new "it" guy in country radio right now. I'm so thankful to Sam and his entire band and team for always being so nice and welcoming at shows. I've never been more proud or honored to support an artist and I hope y'all will start to and/or continue to do the same. The crazy thing is, I have a feeling this is JUST the beginning for Sam Hunt.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Follow Sam Hunt on social media</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://twitter.com/samhuntmusic">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SamHuntMusic">Facebook</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/samhuntmusic">Instagram</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Find his music <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/sam-hunt/id214150835">here</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2kucQ9jQwuD8jWdtR9Ef38">here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Check him out on tour <a href="http://www.samhunt.com/tour/">here</a> </span></div>
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890791670453424638.post-41643657649378565632014-04-17T15:38:00.000-07:002017-08-18T13:00:45.414-07:00Meet || Ray Fulcher <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I've started Southern Samplings, I've received a lot of emails from locals and people all over the country that tell me I should listen to certain people for their music. And, the longer I've been writing, the more I understand how important it is to at least give everyone a shot. That's what I'd expect from people to do for me. I LOVE new music. And, it's even more fun when the artists are willingly to talk about their music. You learn SO much from a person when you just get to know them and I can say that Ray Fulcher is definitely someone y'all will want to know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my friends, JD Groover, told me about Ray a few weeks ago and Ray was kind enough to answer a few questions I had for him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>1. As a singer/songwriter do you write all of your own music--or do you listen to writers as well and record some other people's songs as well?</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I've written most of the songs you've already heard. There's just a couple of songs that I'll say I co-wrote but that's based off the fact that someone gave me an idea for a song that I just ran with. I wouldn't be opposed to listening to someone's songs but I think mainly it would have to be a song that I really connect with. That's the main thing about writing your own songs--it's words and stories that you connect with. Songs that you write yourself are like your baby. You know, you take the time to nurture the song and just get it right."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <strong><span style="font-family: "georgia";">2. Who is your biggest musical inspiration?</span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Definitely George Strait. And Eric Church."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>3. If you could sing a duet with anybody, who would you choose and why?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Kacey Musgraves. I like her voice for the harmony. I like harmonizing a lot and I think her voice is perfect for that."</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. What influenced you to choose country as a genre that you wanted to pursue?</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I kind of never had a choice. Growing up, it was either the Temptations playing on my parents radio or it was Alan Jackson, George Strait or Travis Tritt. That was all I knew. From a young age, I connected well with those types of music and for me, it's the only genre that really fits. I'm the guy when after everyone has had a few drinks and are yelling to start playing rap music--I'm the guy who is still saying to put some country on. That's just who I am. I just don't relate to any other genre like I do country."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>5. When did you first start singing and performing?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"It's kind of crazy of how it all happened. I didn't really pick up singing and playing until I was in college. It was my birthday several years ago and I went and got a guitar for my birthday. I just told myself I'm going to learn how to play and it just started to come naturally. I started singing and playing and it just came pretty quick. I developed a strong work ethic with it and picked it up. I took lessons for a few months to learn the basics but then mostly taught myself or picked up from my friends that played."</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. What is your favorite song that you've written? What's your favorite song to perform?</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I think my favorite song that I've written is 'That's Why Georgia.' It's just an accumulation for me of how I feel about Georgia. I've gotten a lot of feedback about it. Several people say that song is like their anthem at work which is cool to hear. Part of the lyrics talk about the tractor at 6 AM before the sun comes up and that's a scene that I've seen so many times growing up with my dad and granddad. My favorite song to perform is 'No, I Won't.' It's on an old EP that is more of a blues type song with electric guitar sound. We close every show with this song and every time we play it live, we can really let loose during it."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>7. What is your favorite venue to perform at? </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Locally, in town, it would definitely be the Country Club. Everybody comes out when we play because it's a cool vibe. And Lady Antebellum Theater in town. We've opened up for Craig Morgan and the Marshall Tucker Band there. Every time we play there, it's just a really big deal. I really like going down to Valdosta to play at Blue Water. It's about a five hour drive but we enjoy playing that venue a lot."</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. If you could make an appearance in any music video recorded to date, which music video would you want to be in?</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"George Strait. Definitely. He's only done a few videos in his whole career. And his reason for not doing them, he said in an interview before, is because he just hates doing them. So, being a part of one of his videos would be really neat."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>9. What's one interesting fact about you that not a lot of people know?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span></strong> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"I used to be a student assistant on the UGA football team for four years. Then, I was a graduate assistant and I worked with the quarterbacks while I was there. I got to work with Matt Stafford, David Greene and Aaron Murray."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, so y'all can obviously see why I'm all about this guy, right? Southern, fun, smart AND a fan of George Strait. Make sure to check him out on ITunes and Sound Cloud to listen for yourself. And follow along with his social media which is linked below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/callme_raymond">Twitter</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Website: </span><a href="http://rayfulcher.m3agency.com/home/"><span style="font-size: large;">Ray Fulcher</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, Ray also sent me some upcoming shows so if anyone is near Georgia, make sure you go see him LIVE:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May 1: Southern Ground (Atlanta)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May 2: Relay for Life Event (Evans, GA)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May 8: Country Club (Augusta, GA) --opening for Jerrod Niemann</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May 23: The Gin (Tifton, GA)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May 24: Coyotes (Augusta, GA)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you Ray for taking the time out of your busy day to let us know more about you!! Y'all make sure to check his site for upcoming dates for shows near you. He's moving to Nashville soon so be on the look out for tons of new stuff coming from him as well!</span></div>
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Southern Samplingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18083641684736353329noreply@blogger.com8