All Points West Weekend!

You can follow my All Points West adventures this weekend on Twitter. I'll have plenty of interviews and festival coverage for you in the following days including interviews with The Ting Tings, The Gaslight Anthem and Chairlift so stay tuned for some video footage. Love to know any questions you may be dying to ask these bands! Feel free to direct message me on Twitter, since I'll have my phone with me all weekend but no Internet access.

For more on All Points West, check out the official Web site. Read Rolling Stone's top 24 must see acts, here. Who did they leave out? Who are you dying to catch live? Updates to come!

Martina McBride and Former Miss America Speak Out on Domestic Violence

For the thirteenth year, Martina McBride’s charity fundraiser in Nashville auctioned off thousands of dollars of celebrity memorabilia. Items like Darius Rucker’s autographed guitar sold for $775 while popular garments, such as Reba McEntire’s black sequined top went for much more. All the money raised was donated to support YWCA, an organization with the goal of eliminating racism and empowering women.

This year has seen the rise of relationship abuse portrayed by A-list stars in the media. Just take Chris Brown and Rihanna’s ongoing coverage and it’s clear that married women with families are not alone when it comes to abuse. YWCA’s mission is to support women and with popular artists like Martina McBride and former Miss America Ericka Dunlap providing needed awareness, much more can be accomplished to combat domestic violence. However, McBride and Dunlap aren’t the only ones who can help. “We can have it all if we work together. Girls are so competitive and catty and it’s not necessary to be mean girls,” said the former beauty queen.

More can be done. No woman is alone.

“If I had one message for women, it would be that we have the ability to reach out and help other women,” said Patricia Shea, President and CEO of YWCA. “When women help women, we change the world and we change the future. I want women to know that we are so powerful and we can change the world so we have to step up.”

Chart-topping and four-time winning CMA Vocalist of the Year, Martina McBride has a similar message. “It’s so important for women to support other women. It should be like a family. We should be out there routing for each other and helping each other out. This event goes to help women and children really start over and rebuild their lives in a positive way and I just think that that’s important,” McBride said.

Although new to the music business, aspiring country singer-songwriter Ericka Dunlap is familiar to the entertainment scene. Former Miss America 2004, Dunlap talked of how she first became involved with the YWCA. “I have become friends with some folks who are involved in the YWCA. I love the mission, it’s very clean and clear and it’s just so obvious that we all need to be a part of the issue of domestic violence and solving these problems,” Dunlap said.

While being an African-American country star may turn some heads, Dunlap had an important message for young women making their way in the world. “I think one of the most important things that young women can learn is to really pay attention to who you are. Find out who you are. Ask yourself some of the deeper questions about life that really are simple,” she said. “There’s a lot of things that people just don’t know about themselves and when you’re tested and when you’re tempted in certain situations, if you don’t know the little things about yourself, you’re not going to be able to handle the really big things that come along.”

She continued with a shoe analogy every girl can relate to. “Don’t ever devalue yourself. If you go into a shoe store, it’s great to get a pair of designer shoes on clearance, but you’re only going to get it somewhere else. You’re not going to get it from the designer for a discount because they always know the worth. So, make sure you know your worth and don’t discount yourself for anyone. Your parents, boyfriends, best friends.”

For more information on the YWCA be sure to visit them at www.ywcanashville.com or call their domestic violence 24-hour hotline at 1-800-334-4628.

Q&A with Lady Antebellum

Photo Credit: Andrew Southam

Hard to believe just three summers ago Lady Antebellum first met and began writing music together. Since then, the trio has toured with notable acts like Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean, won Top New Group at the 2008 ACM and CMA Awards and garnered two Grammy nominations. Not a bad three years for Lady A. Made up of Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood, the band spoke at the CMA press conference about their upcoming album, connecting with their fans, and touring with Kenny Chesney.

You guys are so well connected to your fans and really take the time to give back to them, especially through your Webisodes. How has the interaction during CMA Music Festival been for you getting to see them face to face?
Charles: It’s awesome for us. We just did our fan club party.

Hillary: It was our second year, it was sold out. We had breakfast with everybody.

Charles: What’s so special about this week is it’s the most die-hard country fans in one place at one time and I just think, what an amazing time for them to be here. All of their favorite artists are here and even we pinch ourselves when Reba McEntire walks through. It’s just a great week; it’s a lot of fun.

Hillary: And it’s fun to see how they’re getting involved in our Webisodes. We actually started this thing where we give a fan a flipcam every show and they get to tape and video the show from their perspective and we put that into our Webisode. It’s just a great way to get them involved and make them feel a part of it. That’s been a really cool thing we just have been doing that a couple weeks. We’re going to keep on doing that for sure.

You debuted a track off your upcoming album at your fan party today. Did you feel the fans were receptive to it and are you planning on playing new tracks on the tour as well?
Charles: We’ve gone ahead and cut some songs so we wanted to try one out, especially with some of our most devoted fans. I don’t know. We’re going to see how we start bringing those out. I think for the Kenny tour, right now it’s a little bit of a shorter set so we have to get in and get out and rock them and get them ready for Kenny. So, we’ll see.

Do you have any rituals that you do before each show?
Charles: For instance, last night we were in Moline, Illinois, and it went, “Moline, Moline Moline!” It’s as weird as that.

Dave: It’s whatever you want that day.

Hillary: It’s us and our band guys and crew. You’re out on the road with these people so much and they’re like your family. You almost end up having your own language and what you think is funny.

You’re currently working on your second album. What are your goals for it?
Charles: Hopefully it’ll bust open the doors a lot more than the first album. We’re just so excited about it. We’ve been writing a bunch for it. We’re working on it right now. There are still so many people who are just now hearing about us. We’re going to keep pushing on with this first album. We’re just so thrilled with how “I Run To You” has been doing right now, our third single. I feel like it’s connected more than anything we’ve had out so far. It’s just been a blessing. If we can keep doing this the rest of our lives, that’s the goal. Hopefully the second album will beat the first. We’ll see.

Hillary, you performed at Blake Shelton’s party last night. How did that come about and why did you pick the two songs you sang?
Hillary: We are out [on tour] with Kenny Chesney and Miranda [Lambert] is on the bill as well. She and I have gotten to be really good friends. It’s so great to have a girl out on the road to talk to and to talk about boys and all of that, because they don’t want to hear it.

Dave: It’s great for us too.

Hillary: We were just talking and she goes, “Blake’s doing this charity event.” The guys weren’t going to be able to make it so she said, “Well, you should do something!” And it was all country songs from the 80s , that was Blake’s rule ‘cause he knows them all. So she and I put our heads together and I was like, “What about 'Little Rock' the Reba song?” It is so fun to sing and I’ve grown up listening to Reba with my mom being Linda Davis and singing with her my whole life, so it was a pretty easy one to learn. And then we did The Judds. We learned, “It’s a Girls Night Out.” We actually had a show in Moline last night and flew home private in that storm.

Dave: Scary. I thought I was going to die.

Hillary: We were all on that plane [singing] “Oh Happy Days.”

Charles: I was freaking out. This sounds so awful. We’ve been working on our next record and I was already prepared to send an email to our manager going, “If something should happen, put out the songs we started. We have some good demos here, put out our second album.”

Hillary: It was really scary, but we made it and I went and got my Reba on and my Judds on and it was fun.

You’re currently on tour with Kenny Chesney. What have you taken away so far from watching him perform?
Dave: He’s unbelievable. There’s definitely a reason he wins Entertainer almost every year. The way he can connect with someone at the very back of the stadium on the top level, for us trying to learn that has been the biggest part of the tour. We’re watching him every night and Miranda too.

Charles: Party songs, party songs, party songs. That’s what I’ve learned. It’s all about having a good time. Those fans, when they come, they know they’re going to have to be on their feet the whole time and have a good time. It’s really wild to see.

Hillary: And he also treats everybody so well. That’s another thing that we’ll take away from this. I heard this, and it may not be right, but the length of time that his employees stay in his camp, it’s something like 10 years. That’s the average of how long all these people have been with him. He’s so loyal to his employees and treats them so well and that comes such a long way.

For more on Lady Antebellum and their upcoming tour dates, visit them on MySpace.

Artist of the Week: Rapper Steph

Boston-based Rapper Steph tells it like it is. Her politically charged lyrics are intelligent and talk of corruption, greed and the downfall of the American Dream. An inspiration to women everywhere, Rapper Steph is better than half the male rappers out there.

“There ain’t no way us folks can ever succeed/Because corporate greed keeps us down on our knees/And we’re still supposed to believe red, white and blue/But our HMO’s won’t cover the blood we spew,” she raps on “The American Dream” over a light percussion beat.

“The American Dream” continues to talk of Wall Street fraud, involuntary international invasions, the Patriot Act, and democracy among many other topics. Mid-song the beat picks up as does Rapper Steph’s vocals. The listener can sense the anger in her voice, and who doesn’t feel the same way about the issues she’s rapping about? Her unique and in-your-face perspective sheds more light than the topics discussed on the evening news. She raps about things people talk about but the media ignores – the truth and ongoing questionable actions made by our government officials. “Fight for your rights before freedom’s death/Because soon there will be none left,” she concludes.

Next track, “Robots,” talks of corporate greed. Aggressively taking a stand, Rapper Steph raps, “I won’t stay complacent/I will not sit down and take this/I will stand up and say shit/So my voice echoes off the pillars on Wall Street/They think they got us all beat/I guess they’ll all see/We are not their robots/We are not their clones/We will not do what we are told.”

“Present State of Mind” tells the story of everyone’s subconscious fight. Exhaustion, stress, failure, madness, optimism, success and passion are a part of everyone’s daily struggles. Rapping about overcoming obstacles and uncertainties, she comes to a positive conclusion: “Even through the shadows/I can see the light/And I won’t give up/’Till my soul throws the fight.”

Politics aside, Steph shows her humorous take on “Public Transportation Infatuation,” a tale of finding love on a train. “Your sin is only that you leave me breathless/You creep into my head so I can’t finish my sentence/Damn where was I, what was I talking about?/Got me head over heels with my foot in my mouth,” she raps over slick, seductive beats.

As can be heard on her five-song EP, Rapper Steph’s talent is undeniable. The topics she discusses throughout each track leave the listener questioning our government, policies, and standard of what we uphold as the American Dream. And, in the end, isn’t that what music is truly about? Making a statement while offering the listener to make his own conclusion.

For more on Rapper Steph, check her out on MySpace.

Poll of the Week: Which All Points West Headliner Are You Most Excited About?

Just a few days ago I was credentialed for New Jersey's very own summer music festival — All Points West! I'm still in the process of setting up interviews with this year's lineup but I'd love to know which headliner's performance you're most excited to read about. The headliners for this year are below:

Jay-Z
Tool
Coldplay

All Points West takes place this coming Friday, July 31 - Sunday, August 2 at Liberty State Park. Check out the lineup here and let me know which bands you'd like to see covered on You Sing, I Write.

Song of the Week: "She Is Love"

You may remember them as Sparky's Flaw from my interview and concert coverage last year. Since then, a lot has changed for the Virginia-based band. Their name: Parachute. Record deal: Mercury. Released debut full-length: Losing Sleep. Not to mention, their single, "She Is Love" is currently climbing the charts and they have upcoming tour dates with Kelly Clarkson, Secondhand Serenade, and The Script. Watch their video for "She Is Love" below, and if you haven't yet, read my interview with frontman Will Anderson here.

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For more on Parachute, visit them on MySpace.

Free Summer Music Downloads

Whether it's reminiscing about past summers or gearing up for the next weekend at the beach, we all have our must-have summer songs on hand. While classics like Don Henley's “Boys of Summer” may be at the top of some lists, Rhapsody is offering music lovers their own "Best of Summer" playlist. Visit rhapsody.com for a free download every day until the end of the month. Enjoy the free singles they’re offering:

Rhapsody’s Best of Summer Playlist

7/23: The Go-Go's, Vacation
What better song to take you back to the '80s than this classic summer hit?

7/24: 2Pac, California Love
If anyone knows a thing or two about summer it's Californians. Whether he's name dropping hot beach spots in California or enticing listeners with his danceable beats, 2Pac's track has survived the test of time.

7/27: Pitbull, I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)
Always a hit in the clubs, Pitbull’s song is bound to get any beach party started.

7/28: Lady Gaga, LoveGame
Love her or hate her, you can’t deny the fact that Lady Gaga is taking over the airwaves Summer of '09.

7/29: Animal Collective, Summertime Clothes
The band’s most recent single, who can resist a guy repeatedly singing, I want to walk around with you? Come on now, isn't every girl's requirement, long strolls on the beach?

7/30: Colbie Caillat, Fallin' For You
California beauty Colbie Caillat broke into the music scene with her laid-back vocals in 2007’s summer hit, "Bubbly". The first single off her upcoming sophomore release, Breakthrough is bound to do the same. The perfect song to unwind to this summer.

7/31: Black Eyed Peas, I Gotta Feeling
The E.N.D. is no doubt the summer album of '09, No one knows how to get the summer party started like the Black Eyed Peas. Whether you’re gearing up for a night on the town or a road trip with the girls, "I Gotta Feeling” will give you the energy needed for those fun summer nights.

You can read this article, originally posted on MarieClaire.com

Band of the Week: Mourning District

If single, "Bullet and a Bright Side" is any indication of the future for Mourning District, the band is bound to sell out concert venues in no time. It doesn't hurt that their arena friendly pop-rock brings about comparisons to Jimmy Eat World and The Ataris (probably because most in the band were former Ataris members). Sure to garner attention from indie lovers everywhere, my bet is for this band to become huge within the next few months.

"Bullet and a Bright Side" does what the first song on every album should do — beg the listener for more. Paul Carabello's vocals have that familiar quality as he easily captivates his audience. Mid-track includes a solid instrumental buildup to the close and fadeout of the song. After just one listen, it's hard to imagine why this band hasn't blown up yet.

Whether they're blending electric guitar features or pounding on the drum kit, Mourning District brings a fearless energy that I haven't seen in many releases this year. With songs this good, one can only imagine what they're like live.

"Say It's Alright" encompasses solid guitar playing and percussion beats blending well with Carabello's vocals, never overpowering, but remaining to leave a mark of it's own. "Pont Rouge" is a slower track with emotional lyrics. "Fall is over/I look back at nights I created/Through an aching smile/Under snowfall I stare at the lights/Willing them to turn into blue eyes/Into another moment/I'm on your side/Under pont rouge lights." A nice breakup from the more energetic tracks, Mourning District proves they're able to switch gears without losing their signature style.

Displaying just four songs, the band's MySpace is a glimpse into their forthcoming debut, due out this winter. And, if these four songs are any indication, Mourning District just may be New York's breakthrough band of 2009.

To listen to "Bullet and a Bright Side" click here. If you like what you hear, you can download the single for free on SendSpace and be sure to visit Mourning District's MySpace for upcoming tour dates.

Recommended: For fans of The Gaslight Anthem, Jimmy Eat World, The Ataris.

Colbie Caillat Debuts New Music Video

I received a press release today announcing the debut of Colbie Caillat's comical new video, "Fallin' For You." Directed by Malloy Bros, “SNL” cast member Bobby Moynihan plays the rather amusing and unexpected suitor who woos Caillat. Surfboard accidents and awkward moments abound. Watch the video below for more and be on the lookout for Caillat's sophomore release, Breakthrough due in stores August 25. 

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For more on Colbie, be sure to visit her on MySpace and if you haven't yet, listen to my interview with Colbie from last year here.

Album Review: Terry Penney's "Town That Time Forgot"

Terry Penney’s latest release, Town That Time Forgot, is a blend of contemporary folk, roots, blues, country and rock and roll. Throughout the album, Penney transports the listener to another time, many decades ago when Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley were still alive making hits and leaving their marks on the music scene. Whether he is singing vividly about WWI over 90 years ago in “Benny Brown,” or an uncertain life in “Plan B,” Penney intrigues the listener, begging him to continue on his journey.

“A Place To Hide” begins Town That Time Forgot with crickets chirping, dogs barking and the sound of footsteps in the background before a guitar enters. “I’m bones and loneliness, I’ve been gone so long/Locked up in a prison cell for someone else’s wrong,” Penney sings. With catchy, memorable vocals throughout his tale, “A Place To Hide” has a classically rootsy folk feel.

Telling a story of an innocent man sent to jail for six years, the accompanying music is eerie and makes the listener wonder what will unfold next in the song. “I can hear Hank Williams’ ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’/Drifting through your kitchen on the smell of apple pie/I need to know you believe that I have nothing to admit/I never could have done those dreadful things they said I did.”

“A Place To Hide” is just a glimpse into the remainder of the album. While many pop culture references abound, history lessons also encompass much of Penney’s release. The album’s title track starts off as an acoustic ballad with Penney’s comforting vocals blending well with the accompanying music.

“Thanks For Everything” segues to more of an old school rock and roll vibe intertwined with a laid-back country feel. In fact, what is Penney’s biggest attribute is how he switches gears completely from one track to the next. From heart wrenching ”Be A Better Man” to soulful and bluesy, “Buddy Holly Blues,” Penney keeps the listener on his toes. Taking inspiration from the late Buddy Holly, the track is the perfect tribute.

“Benny Brown” is a descriptive tale reassessing a battle with the Germans during WWI. While it is questionable how accurate the portrayal may be, it is the job of a songwriter to paint a picture through his music and this is what Penney does, and does well, not only throughout “Benny Brown” but the entirety of Town That Time Forgot.

Somber and heartbreaking, “Be A Better Man” is another example of Penney’s versatility. “I used to like who I was/I had a place and a plan/I used to want so many things/I want to be a better man” Penney sings. “Well I fight with my wife/She’s taken all that she can/I don’t know why I’m the way that I am/I want to be a better man,” he continues. With fitting harmonica and acoustic guitar he aptly gets his point across.

Highlight of the album is upbeat track “Buddy Holly Blues.” Penney takes the listener back to the Buddy Holly era sampling parts of Holly’s music throughout his guitar playing. Definitely the most rock and roll track of the record, Penney’s talent is evident here in his adaptation and tribute to Holly.

Whether it’s singing ballads about WWI veterans or fugitives, one thing is certain, Terry Penney will be around for a while. His music is timeless and his descriptive stories a rare and unique find in today’s music industry. With such a standout release, I can only wonder what the next record will bring.

You can read this review, originally posted on ReviewYou.com. For more on Terry Penney, visit his MySpace.

Q&A with Brad Paisley

Photo Credit: David McClister

Far from a newcomer to the country music scene, Brad Paisley is what legends are made of. A three-time Grammy award winner, Paisley has secured 14 No. 1 singles and recorded eight albums which have amassed to over 10 million albums sold. Hard to believe it all started just a decade ago with his debut, Who Needs Pictures.

Since 1999, Paisley has secured himself as a talented singer-songwriter and admired entertainer. His concerts are known for their interactive and animated backdrops and energetic performances, as Paisley can be found continually running around the stage between his breathtaking guitar solos. A stand-out performer at this year's CMA Music Festival, in the press conference Paisley discussed visiting the festival before he was a country star, his current tour and album, American Saturday Night, and the freedom he felt making his previous instrumental album, Play. Read on for more.

How does this year’s CMA differ than previous years?
It’s great. It’s come a long way since Fan Fair of ’99 [which] I think was the first time I played, back before anybody knew who I was. For me, I used to visit Nashville during Fan Fair. I came down a few times before I had any real reason to be here than just to watch and so it’s an interesting thing to see it evolve. I think it’s really important for a couple of reasons, the big one being this city. Having a music festival that is country in Nashville is very important. They have great music festivals everywhere else and one of them needs to be here. I think they’re doing a great job here. The lineup is great and everybody seems excited. Last night I did a performance at 1 in the morning at a club downtown and the crowd was young and just excited and it just feels like this festival is still young, in a good way. It feels almost new and that’s a good feeling.

Why is it important for Tennesseans to support CMA Music Fest?
Well, because it’s ours. It’s something that brings a lot of money into this city and keeps it the center of country music’s attention. We shouldn’t be getting on our busses and only playing other places. It’s a big deal that we actually present what we do here to some degree, even though all of us go out there and it’s a different thing than putting on your full production. It’s a good thing to have this celebration of our music, which is largely, probably 90% recorded on these streets.

You kicked off your “American Saturday Night Tour” this past weekend. How did it go? Why did you feel your opening acts were the perfect fit for this tour?
I’ve got Dierks [Bentley] and Jimmy Wayne out. I just like what they’re doing and it’s a great thing to have. Also, they’re both old friends of mine. We really wanted to give the kind of show to these fans where they have gotten their money’s worth before I even strike the first note. And I think they do, they get their money’s worth with these two.

The comments from Jimmy the first night I heard about from meet and greet, and a lot of people were very excited about him. That’s not always the case. It’s not a normal thing for the fans to come to the meet and greet and say, “Oh, I love Jimmy Wayne!” Which is really great and it says a lot about him. He really relates to a lot of these people I think. As far as how the tour went, for the first weekend it really couldn’t have gone better. You walk away with some tweaks, I did, I was like, “This song needs to be here, not there” and certain things felt like they could be tighter, but we’ll get it right I think.

You’re such a guitar aficionado. Did you enjoy making your guitar album better than your vocal album?
I loved making that. I don’t know that I liked it better. I liked it from the standpoint of, creatively there was so much freedom to do whatever I wanted to do. I also felt freedom in the sense that I didn’t think that anybody was going to buy it. So it’s the kind of thing where you go in and make a different record when you’re not the least bit concerned with that. In the end, it’s done very well and I’m really proud that I did that. And it’s the reason we didn’t do an instrumental on this new album because I figured there are 10 new ones and the time to take a break from that was this new album. I didn’t need to add another one to that.

Can you talk about your pants? Are those designer paint pants or did you just add slaps of paint on them?
On the way here there were some protestors. The blue, they were protesting Smurfs. [Laughs]. No. The album cover and the whole package is about this painting that I did in an hour of the town, basically with red buildings and the sky. It’s cartoonish. And then we took photos in front of that and that’s our album cover and the entire inside is me painting that. So, we had this idea for the tour where we would just take clothes and throw paint on them, and that’s what we wear. From the first night on through this tour, we basically come out with something with stripes of paint on it. I’ve always liked that thought process of you feel like when you go to this tour, it’s launching an album at the same time. There’s a concept behind it, which is we’re coming basically to paint your town and we’re going to try to do that in one night on one of these nights when we play a city and we walk out there covered in it. I think it kind of says, “New tour. You’re in for something.”

There is such great energy behind your latest release, American Saturday Night. What inspired it? Is it something you orchestrated?
I think it’s my team. I have a really good team of writers. I co-wrote every song, there is nothing I wrote by myself. I came to the table as prepared as I can be, but I have a group of songwriters that have since gone on to surpass me and write for other people as much as they write for me. Kelley [Lovelace], Chris [DuBois], Ashley [Gorley] and Tim Owens and all these guys that started out with me in some way. When it was time to do the record it was like all of us got together and said, “What do we got?” Everybody came with ideas. Some of them had 25 on a page and one of them might be something called, “I Thought I Loved You Then” and we wrote that one.

I think my team, as far as Frank [Rogers] as a producer, it goes without saying based on his track record and what he’s doing now without me around. Both of us went to school together and we were each other’s first time . . . you know. He’s gone on and has done such great records. He is just so confident going in there, it’s almost annoying actually. Going into the studio he knows exactly what a song should be like the minute I play it on an acoustic guitar. I can play a song like “Water” and he’ll say, “Okay, it needs this and needs that. How 'bout this in the chorus?” He’s a genius. This crew, they’re really hitting their stride. That was another reason for the album cover. I feel like we got together and threw paint on a canvas and this is it, in a way I’ve never done before. It just felt right to me this time. There are other albums that I’ve done before that are different of course, that are compilations of some outside songs and things I wrote, that in my opinion are perfect the way they are. This album felt like it was time to do one of these — almost hauled up in a studio or a club and play some songs.

You started out with Frank. Were you always cool with him going off and doing so many other projects?
I was cool with it. I make a record every two years and he belongs in the studio doing this. Right off the bat he was sought after we made Who Needs Pictures album. The next album he did was Darryl Whorley and then Josh Turner’s debut, which took a few years before he came out with his first single. I’m cool with him doing any of that. I’m also really content on any album we do, whether it’s instrumental, to not produce, to not co-produce. He is the sole producer on these records.

Frank is the sole producer. He’s the guy in there directing this movie. I like that. I don’t think I’m somebody who can be behind the camera and in front of it. I’m no Clint Eastwood that way. I need somebody to tell me when I didn’t sing it very well 'cause I would go into the studio and sing a song twice if I could get away with it. And Frank usually makes me do it at least eight times on that. He knows. He knows me at this point. He needs to be producing as many people as he feels necessary, that’s for sure.

Your animation started out as a hobby and has since evolved heavily in your shows. Have you thought about taking that talent and skill and putting it somewhere else? Maybe animating movies or television shows?
Not really, but thanks. I should. I’m really proud of the new tour cartoon. The premise of the new cartoon is that it’s the first time that I’ve drawn other artists or cartoons in the show. It says, “Country music singers are under attack. Who will save them?” And I run and I leap into the air and I rip off my clothes and I’m wearing a Superman outfit and Carrie Underwood is tied to train tracks and then I fly and save her and she says, “My hero” as I fly off. And then Kenny Chesney is in the islands getting attacked by robots and I fly and save him and beat the robots up and he says, “My hero.” It also says in the beginning, “This is based on a true story.” [Laughs]. Then Reba is being chased by a dinosaur in it, which could happen. And I save her and she says, “My hero.” Then the third one you just gotta see.

It was fun to do that and also fun to do that without asking permission from any of these guys. I asked about that. “South Park” gets away with amazing stuff and I asked, “How do they do that?” and they said that parody is the broadest of basic copyright licenses. You can parody anybody and get away with it. They’re really lenient with that and I was like, “Great!”

For more on Brad, visit his Web site and catch him currently on tour.

Song of the Week: "If It Kills Me"

It's a bit serendipitous when two of your closest friends living in completely different parts of the country recommend the same song within 24 hours. This was the case for this week's song of the week, "If It Kills Me" by Jason Mraz. 

Elaine sent me this imeem link of Jason's song, stating, "I'm in lovvve with this song. Especially the lyrics...sooo beautiful."

The next day, Sarah asked me if I watch "So You Think You Can Dance." I don't, but she referred me to her personal blog, Picks and Tangencies where she posted a video of two dancers performing to "If It Kills Me." From watching the episode you really get the history of Mraz's track and inspiration from the choreography behind the performance. Truly something beautiful and artistic that only adds to the song.

Watch the video of the performance from "So You Think You Can Dance" below.

What do you think? Do the dancers give a good portrayal of the song? Love to know your thoughts!

Anya Marina Covers T.I.

Anya Marina's latest album, Slow & Steady Seduction: Phase II has been garnering praises everywhere and her live show is like none other. I was lucky enough to catch Anya's album release concert as well as interviewed her while in Austin, Texas, right before her performance at SXSW. At both shows she creatively covered T.I.'s "Whatever You Like" and now it's available for download on iTunes for only .99 along with her new single, "All The Same To Me." Give the songs a listen on the streams and watch the video below. For REAL, click here. For WIN, here.



What do you think? Which version do you like best?

If that's not enough for you, visit Anya's MySpace and be sure to check out her Daytrotter session where she performs five songs you can download for free.

CMA 2009: Six Artists To Watch

Photo Credit: Russ Harrington

This year's CMA Music Festival brought country fans closer than ever to their favorite musicians through signings and fan parties. While LP Field was the place to be each night to catch some of country's more established singers, the smaller stages throughout the four-day festival introduced some refreshing new talent to the country music scene. Give each artist a listen, I think you'll like what you hear.

Jake Owen

One of the most comical musicians I've interviewed, Jake Owen sure knows how to make those around him laugh. When asked about his dog touring with him, Jake informed the press room that his dog was just neutered, adding, "I realize I need to get neutered. I would probably chill out a lot if that happened." Coincidentally, the room erupted in laughter.

While his debut album, Startin' With Me has garnered much success, recent release Easy Does It isn't too far behind. With first single, "Don't Think I Can't Love You," winning praises from critics and fans alike, Owen is sure to be following in the footsteps of country's great legends. Whether it's his heartwarming ballads or edgier, rowdy tracks like "Eight Second Ride," Owen brings his diversity to the table, always leaving room for the unexpected.

Darius Rucker

Former Hootie & The Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker (photo above) has proven that successful pop rock artists can go country and still maintain that edge and uniqueness they're known for. His debut country album, Learn To Live, graced No. 1 on the country charts while all three singles off the album have received similar success. One of the most down-to-earth musicians, when Thursday night's show at LP Field was postponed three hours because of a storm, Rucker was found mingling with fans in the rain until the show continued. If that's not a true sign of character, I don't know what is. Catch him currently on tour with Rascal Flatts.

David Nail

With a solid performance Friday afternoon at the Sommet Stage, David Nail captivated the audience with his heartwarming ballads and onstage banter. While hit single "Red Light" is climbing the charts, ballads like "Turning Home" leave a lasting impression on the listener. It didn't hurt that the recent newlywed dedicated a song to his wife onstage, surely making all the sentimentals in the crowd swoon. A self-proclaimed mama's boy, be sure to visit his MySpace to hear tracks from his upcoming release, I'm About To Come Alive due out August 18.

Veronica Ballestrini

17-year-old Veronica Ballestrini has been garnering attention and numerous fans after launching her music on sites like MySpace and Facebook. Not to mention, current single "Amazing" is gaining quite a buzz. Her laid-back vocals and catchy melodies make for the perfect summer soundtrack. Be on the lookout for a digital release of her debut album, What I'm All About, and tour soon.

Holly Williams

Her name says it all. Daughter of Hank Jr. and granddaughter of Hank Williams, music runs in Holly Williams' blood. Her latest release, Here With Me, is a solid compilation of heartfelt tracks. Penning the majority of the album, Holly sings about divorce on emotional song, "Mama." Telling the story of her mother and the positive attitude she displayed when splitting with her father, it's one of the album's most striking songs. With such a stellar release and a tour on the way, Holly continues the strong family legacy.

Lady Antebellum

Having won Top New Duo or Group by the Academy of Country Music and New Artist of the Year by the Country Music Association last year, Lady Antebellum were definitely a favorite among many at the CMA Festival. Hundreds of fans attended their fan party and autograph signing (watch live footage below) and they rocked LP Field Saturday night with hit song "I Run To You" and a solid cover of John Mellencamp's "Hurts So Good." Currently on tour with Kenny Chesney, Lady A is working on a follow up to their debut self-titled album. Giving a preview of one track at their fan party Friday morning, from the sound of it, the album is sure to be another smash for the trio.

Lady Antebellum Webisode of CMA fan party/autograph signing (and a proposal!)

Lady Antebellum on iLike - Get updates inside iTunes

You can also read this article on MarieClaire.com with my complete video interviews.

Video Interview with Holly Williams

Last week I posted the full transcription of my interview with the legendary Holly Williams. Now you can see some of that interview on You Sing, I Write! Watch below while Holly discusses her music, what she thinks about while performing and her stylish boutique in Nashville.

Q&A with David Nail

David Nail's foray into the music scene is an inspiring tale of persistence and dedication in the midst of ongoing frustrations and obstacles thrown in his path. From moving to Nashville right out of high school to releasing his debut album, I'm About To Come Alive, featuring tracks by Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts' Gary Le Vox and guest vocals by Miranda Lambert, Nail has come a long way.

A self-proclaimed mama's boy, Nail filled me in on his transition into the country music scene, the inspiration behind some of his songs and his favorite part of performing in the video below. With his debut album due out late August and a recent marriage, Nail seems to have it all figured out. Be sure to visit his MySpace to hear his current chart-topping single, "Red Light" as well as tracks from his upcoming release.

Song of the Week: "Healing Time"

I made Josh Charles an "Artist of the Week" feature a few months ago after discovering his music on MySpace. Since then, Josh has been extremely busy promoting his single, "Healing Time," in which all the proceeds go to the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans to help rebuild the city after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. With a recent feature on CNN, Josh's earnest goal of 1 million downloads seems closer to reality. 

Watch him perform "Healing Time" and download the song on iTunes as well as Amazon here.

To watch the full CNN report, check out the video below.

Jake Owen Video Interview

I'm sure you've been anxiously awaiting my first video interview as much as I have. I'm happy to announce that today marks the world debut of You Sing, I Write's video coverage. Last week I posted the full transcript of my interview with Jake Owen at the CMA festival. Since then, Wendy and I have been working hard to edit all our video footage. Below is our first installation. Feel free to visit my YouTube channel for more clips in the upcoming days. Enjoy!

Q&A with Holly Williams

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

Music is in Holly Williams' blood. Writing her first song at the age of eight is just one indication. Being the granddaughter of the legendary Hank Williams Sr. and daughter of Hank Williams Jr. doesn't hurt either.

I chatted with Holly the week before the release of her latest album, Here With Me. A solid compilation of moving ballads and timeless tales, Holly lives up to her family name. Read below as she fills me in on her songwriting process, her up-and-coming stylish boutique and the Nashville music scene.

How do you feel your new album is different from your past work?
This new album is definitely different in terms of just having the experience of touring forever, more studio experience and knowing what I wanted out of the sound. The songwriting didn't change that much. There are a few more songs that are a little rootsier, more country sounding. This time around I wanted to have at least two songs on the record that are totally raw. There is one song called, "Three Days In Bed" which is just myself and guitar, it's a live performance and then there is a Neil Young song called "Birds" which is just me and a piano. And then there is the big band stuff. I really wanted to have a mixture of everything production-wise. It's just songs over the last four years, what I've been going through.

Your song "Mama" is very emotional. Are you ever scared to put too much of yourself into a song because it is like writing a diary?
Yeah, it is definitely like a diary. We all get along great in my family, and all the issues were discussed. But, there are always songs that are very strange to play. Whether it's an ex-boyfriend that you wrote about who hears it, or a friend, or a family member, there just are always situations that feel sticky when you are playing songs. I can play them in front of thousands of people, but if there are the right two or three people there, that's when it can get really awkward. But that's what I love. My favorite artists were the ones that were really raw and sang what they wanted to sing without caring. I try not to let that fear of people hearing things change it.

You started writing at the age of eight in a notebook. Do you remember the first song you ever wrote?
Yeah. I was actually looking at the notebook this morning because I was staying at my mom's house last night. The first song was called "Who Am I" and I really wanted a publishing deal when I was a little girl. I remember calling companies. I was very ambitious and tried to get my own stuff going. It was during the years of the Tiffany and Debbie Gibson reign and it was something I wanted them to cut. But, it was very introspective for an eight-year-old. I had a really normal childhood even though my dad was Hank Williams Jr. I lived in the suburbs with my mom, so church and school and field trips. I don't know where these songs were coming from, but they were all deeper and darker than most eight-year-olds would write. It's similar to some subject matters today.

Your father and grandfather are legends. Did you feel pressure growing up and following in their footsteps?
Well, I never did growing up because it was never discussed around the house. No one ever said to me and my sister, "You're all going to be musicians" or "Do you like writing?" Really, my dad never pressured me. He just said, "Whatever you want to do." I was interested in design at the time and didn't start playing guitar until I was 17. I was doing part-time modeling and I liked interior design. There were a million different things that I was interested in.

Since I'm ask the question so much it now makes me think, "Should I be feeling more?" But, there's a healthy amount of pressure enough to where it makes me want to work my hardest and write the best songs I can write. Never do I feel I have to be as successful as them because that's kind of impossible. My dad has had over 50 number one's and over 70 albums and Hank Sr. released over 200 songs by the time he was my age. These days, it's an album every year-and-a-half and the cycles are slower. So, it's enough pressure to have a healthy fan base and following, but it doesn't stress me out too bad.

You live in Nashville now and lived in LA briefly. What do you feel is the difference between the Nashville music scene and the rest of the country?
I lived in LA briefly when I was 22 and I went out there to try and learn how to play piano and I said, "I'm not coming back until I know how to play piano." The Nashville music scene, to me isn't really the country scene. I didn't grow up around Broadway or the honky tonks and never even played those places. So that's kind of the tourist music scene, you come and you go to Broadway and you see country music. But, the Nashville music scene, Kings of Leon and Mindy Smith and Ben Folds, that's the kind of music scene I was around when I was playing around clubs.

I think that if you're a local, you have some of the country music scene, but most locals don't necessarily go to Broadway on their nights off to listen to music because you can have it any night and we kind of take it for granted, for the country music. There's all kinds. There's the Christian music record labels are here and a lot of indie bands have gotten deals, The Features and De Novo Dahl. It's such a variety and that's what I love about living here. Everyone from Richard Marx to Sheryl Crow now has a place here, Michael McDonald, all the country artists, so it's a variation.

I love your necklace! Tell me about your boutique.
Well, it's called H. Audrey and it opened a year-and-a-half ago. There just wasn't much shopping in Nashville, there never really has been. There's the Macy's in the lower end and we don't have a Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Barneys or anything like that and I'm a huge Barneys fan. I have everything from Alexander Mcqueen to Rag & Bone, Alexander Wang, Rick Owens, APC, just off center designers that I loved and felt like weren't getting a presence here. A lot of stylists come in all the time. The musicians, I think feel like they finally have a place to shop.

I try to carry a lot of unique pieces. This necklace is from there and these rings, I just try to carry statement pieces, whether it's one great jacket or one great shoe. It's my passion and music will always be my number one, but it's great to have this as a side project and to get off the road and have a few days of going to market, folding jeans and doing inventory. I mean it sounds boring, but it's nice to have it on the side. I do all the buying, just seeing what's coming new for spring and what's coming new for the next fall and finding new lines. The website is www.haudrey.com. You can't buy off it yet, but you can see what's there and call and order.

You're involved in so many things. How do you prioritize and multi-task and still have a life?
Well, it's interesting because when the shop opened I was off the road and making the album. I'm at the store every day, all day if I'm not busy with music. These days, now especially since my album is coming out, it's a couple hours of press each day and then I'll go to the store. It's definitely juggling now. I have a great store manager, so it can run while I'm not there, but I like to be there just because the racks look better.

When you're the owner, I guess you think of it as your baby. And I have great employees, and they treat it great, but it's hard. It's getting harder now that I'm getting busier. I have to do a lot of the buying online, which I don't like. I like to feel the fabrics and see the designers and I love to style people. Eventually, when I settle down and have kids and take a couple years off, that's going to be what I'm doing. It's definitely getting harder, but I'm still committed to both.

What's your songwriting process like?
I don't carry a notebook. It's all in my head. Songs always come to me at the same time, the lyric and melody. A lot of people sit down with their guitar and play chords and find a melody or they'll write lyrics and then come back to the instrument. But, for me it's always been at once. The single "Mama," I was driving down the road. A lot of times it comes when I'm driving or on a plane. It's always at once and very quickly. Usually a 10-15 minute period and it kind of gets out real quick.

If it's a song where it doesn't come quickly and I have to work on it, then it's usually not very good and not one that I want to keep. It's few and far between. I used to write a lot more in my younger days and I didn't get that much I liked. Sometimes I'll go two months without writing a song and then two will come to me in one day and it'll just all come out. So I never know. They're like little droplets from God that I never know when they're going to hit.

When recording, how do you decide what goes on the album? What happens to all the songs that don't make the cut?
Well, I think the different thing about my career is that most people go in with their A&R guy who helps them find songs and the label says, "Cut this many and then we'll choose." But I had an amazing amount of creative freedom here and the label's great about it. So I actually knew what we were going to cut and I just walked in and said, "Okay, today we're going to do these two and these three." And for this time, especially, we did not overcut. I think we overcut two songs and then took them off. I like to have things planned out before and go through [the songs] a couple weeks before the studio starts and see what are the favorites. Since I write most everything, I don't search as much for outside songs and have more of a grasp on what I want to record for sure. It's always about a two-week process before the studio starts to really nail it down.

What's going through your head when you're onstage performing?
I've been performing for a really long time. I started when I was 20 and I've probably done 1500 shows. So, I've finally gotten to the point where it's really just living in the moment and I'm so comfortable with the songs. Sometimes I can be in the middle of a song and think, "Oh my God did I let the dogs out?" I'm so comfortable with certain songs at this point that I really am just able to live in the moment and enjoy singing it. It took a few years to get to that point. I used to stare at my feet the whole time. I wouldn't look at the crowd. I didn't want to talk about the song, I was really nervous. Now, I'm usually really in the song and really in the middle of it and just telling the story and connecting with it. I'm always thinking about, "I wonder who's out there that can relate to this" or "I hope someone is familiar with this story and has lived through it." It's always about people being able to relate to it.

For more on Holly and her new album, be sure to visit her on MySpace and for all you fashionistas out there, check out her store H.Audrey.

Band of the Week: The Throwbacks

I met up with Boston-based Hip-Hop group The Throwbacks last month in Bryant Park. Rappers Ryan Evans and Aviator filled me in on their music, performing in New York and overcoming people's rap stereotypes. Playing multiple shows around NYC, The Throwbacks were well received at many gigs and their pure dedication and DIY approach to music is nothing short of inspiring.

Throughout their stay in New York, Ryan and Aviator performed around Union Square while passing out their music. Definitely unique, the band's CD could be found within paper lunch bags with hand drawn artwork and song titles written on the inside. Extremely grassroots, if their dedication and hard work is any testament to their music, The Throwbacks will be taking the music scene by storm in no time.

Their DIY CD mix includes 10 songs (five of theirs and five of fellow Base Trip Records artist, Rapper Steph), showcasing catchy beats with even tighter hooks as their talent is undeniable. Each lyric is intelligently thought out and although distributed via paper bag route, the listener would have never guessed it as their five tracks are mixed well, sounding like a professional release.

On "Targets," The Throwbacks rap, "Know that it's so much more than the rap/The Throwbacks are a new genre/We stack cheese like lasagna." And, I have to agree. The Throwbacks have, in fact, created a new genre. Taking beats from previous Hip-Hop, indie, and rock tracks, if there was a genre called intelligent rap, they would be the leaders of the pack. Whether it's name dropping pop culture icons or referencing current politics, one thing is certain, The Throwbacks tell it like it is.

"We got 40 plus tracks you can burn through/Plus a whole CD you can peruse ... When push comes to shove/We make the shit that you love/So throw your hands up/Turn your speakers up/And let us be," The Throwbacks rap on "Targets."

Stand-out tracks like "American Phenomenon" are descriptive and leave an impression for it's out-of-the-box lyrics. Each time the listener hears the track, there is a new line that jumps out. Take a listen and see for yourselves. Watch The Throwbacks below rapping "American Phenomenon."



For more on The Throwbacks, be sure to visit them on MySpace and stay tuned for my full interview with Ryan and Aviator.

Q&A with Rascal Flatts

No new name to the country scene, Rascal Flatts have released six studio albums where 10 of their singles have hit No. 1. Not to mention, their fan base spans worldwide. With a summer U.S. tour in the works and new album, Unstoppable climbing the charts, the trio had much to say in the CMA press conference. Whether it was joking about Cascada's remake of their hit, "What Hurts the Most," or talking about their current tour, one thing is certain: Rascal Flatts is one class act that's not going anywhere.

This is the only music event that allows you to go one-on-one with your fans with meet and greets and signings.
Joe Don Rooney: It’s a wonderful opportunity. This is the only thing this town does where you can get as many country music fans in one place at once. And it’s really great for us too because we get to see a lot of the artists that we’re friends with that we don’t get to see all year long because we’re all busy and we’re all on the road. It’s a chance to reconnect with some of our friends in the business as well.

The best part is being able to see so many fans at one time. It’s just a wonderful event. I think we’re probably the only genre that does this kind of event where artists are so accessible to the fans. We’re very proud to be a part of that.

Jay DeMarcus: That’s what I’m most proud about too: that we’re the only genre that gets to do it. Even people in other genres, when you go to the Grammy’s and AMA’s and that kind of stuff, like Snoop, or someone will go, “I think that’s the coolest thing, having all your fans there. Ya’ll crazy, but man that’s cool.” We’re really proud to do that.

Did you hear the dance version of “What Hurts the Most?”
Gary LeVox: Yeah, that’s the thing that hurt us the most. [Laughs]. [In London] they thought that we were doing the remake. They’re like, “You’re doing Cascada’s song.” We’re like, “No, no. That was our song first.”

Jay DeMarcus: Every time we did an interview over there they were like, “Why did you remake Cascada’s song?” And we were like, “Nah-uh. You got that backwards there pal.”

You just launched the “American Living” tour. You have a few stadium dates, Wrigley Field and then are going home to Crew Stadium.
Joe Don Rooney: Chicago is going to be fabulous. Brian O’Connell with Live Nation brought that to the table a few months back and asked us if we’d be interested in doing Wrigley Field. I think we said, “Are you crazy?” It’s going to be awesome to go back and play. We’ve got Darius Rucker with us and Vince Gill is going to come out with us. I don’t know how we talked him into it, but he’s going to come out with us, which is great.

Gary LeVox: It’s really cool to be able to do Wrigley because we’re the third act ever to do Wrigley. I think Elton John and U2 maybe.

Joe Don Rooney: I do think Jimmy Buffett was one of the two. It’s going to be crazy with all this history with Wrigley Field, which never had to do with music, but we’re taking music to Wrigley Field, which is really special. It’s going to be a great night.

Jay DeMarcus: Columbus Crew. It’s funny because growing up all I wanted to do was to play soccer and there was no soccer stadium. So, now there is and now I’m playing music in it. It’s actually the last night of the Ohio State Fair so it’s great to be home and it’s great to play outside.

Your fans voted for you in two categories for the CMT Music Awards.
Gary LeVox: Fan-voted award shows are our favorite. I wish all of them would be fan voted. When we go into the studio to make an album, to make music, to go tour, they’re our employers. That’s who we make the music for. It’s great that they have a voice in it and we’re honored every time that we’re up for a fan-voted, fan-nominated award show. It’s a great honor. They’re the reason we make music. It’s great that they’ve nominated us for things that we’ve done in our careers. It makes it big. We’ve enjoyed doing it for them. We do have the greatest fans on the planet.

From the start, your career has gotten bigger every year. How big can it be? What’s the ultimate show for you to put on?
Jay DeMarcus: I think we’re going to get so big we’re going to explode one of these days and have to go right back down to an acoustic. I don’t know. It presents its challenges year after year to try and top what you’ve done and try to be bigger and better than what we were the year before. Actually, what we did this year, is we scaled back a bit. We made it more about the music.

The set’s a little more simple and a little more sleek. It’s still a great show with a lot of interactive video and lights. But, we made this show, and this tour in particular, more about the music and we’ve tried to cram as much music into 90 minutes as we possibly can. People are going to be very disappointed that I don’t get to do a standup routine this year. It’s going to disappoint a lot of fans. We’re really packing a lot of music in and I’m proud of that. We’ve taken a step back from the big, bombastic sets we’ve done in the past.

Does that feel more comfortable?
Jay DeMarcus: It’s a change. The last couple tours we’ve done have been huge and the sets have been gigantic. You get to rely on those things; those technologies and the things that make your show spectacular. Now, the entertainment value is squarely on our shoulders and we’re proud of that. It’s something that we look forward to. It’s an interesting challenge to be responsible for all the entertainment.

You’re so well known for putting together a well-constructed show for your fans. What’s the difference playing a shorter show at a festival like this? Do you work on your set list a different way?
Jay DeMarcus: It’s a different stage experience for us because we feel like we’re just getting started by the time that it’s over. We definitely like to take our crowds on a journey and there is very little time to do that within 25 to 30 minutes. We try to pick some songs, obviously do some of the big ones that people want to hear and do our current singles, which we’re so thankful for. “Here Comes Goodbye” we just celebrated being the No. 1 record last week. We’re definitely going to do that tonight. It’s difficult to do all the things that you like to do as an artist within a limited amount of time.

Joe Don Rooney: And we’re outside. It’s the biggest party in Nashville for country music so you don’t want to get up there and do a whole bunch of ballads.

Jay DeMarcus: Which is tough for us because that’s all we sing. [Laughs]

You can also read this interview featured on MarieClaire.com. For more on Rascal Flatts, give their MySpace a listen and if you like what you hear, catch them currently on tour.

Song of the Week: "American Girl"

Such a classic, what better song for this week than Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' "American Girl?" Enjoy the live performance below as it takes you back to 1978. Happy 4th of July!

$5 Concert TIckets From Live Nation and Citi

All of our budgets are tight this year, but thanks to Live Nation and Citi you can catch some great summer shows for just $5 (plus shipping and handling). The $5 lawn seats include acts like Blink 182, Nickelback, Crue Fest 2, The Fray and Depeche Mode just to name a few.

Visit the site here and use the code CITI54 to see what shows are available. The sale started yesterday and ends August 31. Let me know what show you go to!