Category: Features

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Features Interviews Q&A

Eric Church

Known best for taking the stage in his hat and sunglasses while energizing audiences everywhere, Eric Church revealed a more serious, songwriter side when I sat down with him after his CMA Songwriters Series performance in New York.

Currently on the road as part of CMT on Tour with Miranda Lambert and Josh Kelley, Church plans to hit the studio for a follow up to his 2009 album, Carolina, and also has a tour with Jason Aldean and Toby Keith filling up his 2011 calender. And although many songs have been written for his next project, fans shouldn’t hold their breath for an album release next year.

“It’s hard to write on the road all the time,” says Church. “I usually write down a bunch of ideas or a bunch of melodies and then I’ll take a month to write, which I just finished doing in North Carolina. I spent a month there and wrote the next record so sometime late this year or early next year we’ll start recording. I get really obsessive and probably unhealthy about the recording process just because it really gets in my head. The biggest fear of my career is releasing a record to the public that’s not the way I intended. I don’t know how long the process is going to take, but we’ll probably start next year.”

For my complete interview with Eric Church, visit The Boot.

Related Links:
• Miranda Lambert Kicks Off Revolution Tour
• Lady Antebellum, Amos Lee Dazzle for Musicians On Call
• Q&A with Lady Antebellum
• Lady Antebellum Bring Nashville to New York at Sold-Out Show

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Features

Photo of the Week: Gaslight Anthem

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

From the moment the Gaslight Anthem took the stage at New York City’s Irving Plaza the energy in the room skyrocketed. The day of their record release for new album American Slang, the New Jersey quartet demonstrated what a rock show should be. As fans clapped along at the right moment on every song, singing word for word and creating havoc by dancing and crowd-surfing in a mosh pit on the floor, the excitement of the sold-out show was evident.

For my complete review with additional photos, visit Venus Zine.

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Features First Person

Life Analysis: Through Music


Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

It has happened to all of us. You hear a song that takes you back to a specific time and place. Whether it be your childhood, college or an experience that has drastically changed your life, for the good or the bad, you’re transformed back into that moment in time.

Last weekend Monica and I worked from home and she played music from her Gaslight Anthem Pandora station (we’re obsessed with this Jersey band so much so that I think we’ve convinced Farrah to come out to their next show). While some obscure bands came up that we never heard of, I was ecstatic when Jimmy Eat World’s “A Praise Chorus” came on.

“Are you gonna live your life wonderin’ standing in the back lookin’ around?
Are you gonna waste your time thinkin’ how you’ve grown up or how you missed out?
Things are never gonna be the way you want.
Where’s it gonna get you acting serious?
Things are never gonna be quite what you want.
Even at 25, you gotta start sometime.
…
Someone’s gonna ask you what it’s all about
Stick around nostalgia won’t let you down
Someone’s gonna ask you what it’s all about
Whatcha gonna have to say for yourself?”

For my complete article, visit Busted Halo.

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Features

Sara Evans, ‘A Little Bit Stronger’ — Story Behind the Lyrics


Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

Last week, I interviewed Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum before their benefit concert for Musicians On Call at City Winery. Hillary filled me in on the story behind one of the songs she wrote, Sara Evans’ latest single, “A Little Bit Stronger.” A very personal song, she said it’s a track that means more to her now then when first written.

For the complete article, visit The Boot. Stay tuned for my exclusive interview with Lady Antebellum in the upcoming weeks!

Categories
Features First Person

Music As Religion?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve turned to music when questioning life and making major decisions. While some find solace in prayer, going to church or synagogue, I simply go to my iTunes playlist.

Blasphemy?

To some.

For me, not so much. My criteria is simple.

Major life questioning: Switchfoot

Simply unwinding: John Mayer

Nostalgic for my childhood: Backstreet Boys

And my most recent addition:

Sheer disbelief and being thankful: Pat Benatar

For my complete article, visit Busted Halo.

Categories
Features Videos

New Music Wednesday: 2AM Club, Hope, Kellee Maize

Always on the hunt for the latest tracks from up-and-coming artists, this week brings three new artists in completely different genres. I think you’ll enjoy each one. Love to know your thoughts!

I caught 2AM Club live a few months ago and was blown away by their catchy harmonies and infectious rap interludes. Watch the video for their latest single, “Worry About You” below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT7O_-NR4KA?fs=1]

With airy vocals that bring to mind Colbie Caillat and Kina Grannis, singer-songwriter Hope teams up with Jason Mraz for this breathlessly delicate ballad.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guQ5VLh0Gg8?fs=1]

Female rappers don’t get enough credit. I’ve received a few emails from Kellee Maize and was impressed by her words and style. Watch the video for “Third Eye” below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uny5DPn23Jk?fs=1]

What new songs are you listening to? Let me know!

Categories
Features News

Martin Atkins Unleashes 20 Strategies for Indie Bands

With over 30 years in the music business, Martin Atkins is perhaps best known as a musician. A member of Public Image Ltd, Killing Joke, Pigface, The Damage Manual, and Murder Inc., as well as having made contributions to Nine Inch Nails and Ministry, Atkins continues to make a name for himself. The author and owner of Invisible Records and Mattress Factory Recording Studios, he can also add producer, columnist, lecturer at Columbia College Chicago, drummer, documentary film maker, DJ, and father to his resume.

Atkins’ discussions during the New Music Seminar last month were candid and entertaining. His panel was complete with profanity and quirky stories intertwined with advice for indie bands trying to make it.

“Nobody gives a fuck about you, your band and your music except you,” he told those in attendance. “It’s not how you’re communicating, but what you’re communicating. Change is constant. Be aware of it and stay on top of it.”

Cleverly titled, “Welcome to the Music Business — You’re Fucked; Problems You Will Face and Simple, Immediate, and Effective Solutions to Overcome Them. Grow Your Brand and Your Band Incrementally,” below are 20 of Atkins tips as told at the conference.

1. Have a fucking strategy
2. Get the fuck out of bed (you’ll be hours ahead of everyone by the end of the month)
3. Practice for catastrophe
4. Free is the new black
5. Get a diverse skill set
6. Stop overplaying your local market
7. Small is the new huge (don’t play arenas, sell out small bars and work your way up)
8. You must have more than one t-shirt for sale
9. Be as good as you  need to be
10. Have more than one CD for sale
11. Never take your country to war unless you know the outcome (gas prices, hotel costs — find out where your fans are and go there, don’t just tour the entire country)
12. Pay for tools that work for you
13. Stay on top of new technology (learn social media tools)
14. Don’t be an asshole
15. Have a tip jar
16. Stay with friends (cut down touring costs)
17. Book yourself
18. Learn how to screen print (t-shirts, merch)
19. Play songs people want to hear
20. Make cool shit (create something amazing people want to buy)

*Bonus
 Never give up!

For more helpful tips, be sure to follow Martin on Twitter.

Related Links:
• Personal Connection with Fans Leads New Music Seminar Discussion
• Hotspur Win NMS Artist on the Verge Competition
• New Music Seminar Introduces the New Music Business
• Artist of the Week: Matt White

Categories
Features

Artists You Should Know: Jason Reeves, Matt Hires

I’ve been listening to phenomenal singer-songwriters lately. Although I’ve already featured and interviewed both Jason Reeves and Matt Hires previously on You Sing I Write, since both have new music released today I figured I’d reintroduce them to you.

Jason Reeves is one of my favorite artists. His name may sound familiar because he’s co-written on both of Colbie Caillats’ albums. Reeves described himself as a hopeful romantic when I interviewed him last year at SXSW, and this can easily be seen in the emotional tales in his songs. You can preview the first track off his upcoming album, “Helium Hearts” on his Web site as well as purchase it on iTunes.

Watch a video of Jason performing “Droplets,” a track he wrote with Colbie below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_aAMGl8rEA?fs=1]

I first witnessed Matt Hires live when he opened for Tyrone Wells last year. Since then, his music has been featured on numerous television dramas including “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice.” About to embark on a headlining tour promoting latest EP,  A to B, Hires’ wavering vocals and acoustic guitar are sure to impress concertgoers. To stream his EP on AOL click here.

To learn more, watch CNN’s video interview with Matt below.

http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_416x234_embed.swf?context=embed&videoId=showbiz/2010/04/08/cook.matt.hires.cnn

Related Links:
• Q&A; with Jason Reeves
• Jason Reeves Talks SXSW
• Q&A; with Matt Hires
• Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers and Matt Hires Satisfy Fans at Maxwell’s
Categories
Features First Person

Music Addiction: Featuring Hotspur, Gaslight Anthem, Tyrone Wells

Despite the millions of songs out there, when there’s one I love I find myself listening to the same track on repeat all day. Take Gaslight Anthem’s “Blue Jeans and White T-Shirts.” After catching their hometown set at the Stone Pony last Thursday, I listened to it all weekend non-stop and it has easily become my favorite song of theirs.

I’ll add a few more of my current song addictions below. What track do you currently have on repeat? Let me know!


Hotspur: “If These Walls Could Talk”

I’ve covered Hotspur a few times over the past year. This is their latest music video off album, You Should Know Better By Now.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUBeP0JUph8?fs=1]


The Gaslight Anthem: “Blue Jeans and White T-Shirts”

I couldn’t find any high-quality videos of the Jersey boys performing the entire song live, but this video made by a fan plays the song in it’s entirety. At the concert, frontman Brian Fallon said “Blue Jeans and White T-Shirts” has been the soundtrack to many weddings.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cunR6Jz0ARQ?fs=1]


Tyrone Wells: “Dream Like New York”

This is currently my favorite track of the day. I’ve had it on repeat all afternoon. Tyrone Wells is one an amazing live performer. You can get a feel for him as he sings below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXg1t4aopDQ?fs=1]

Categories
Features

Poll of the Week: What’s Your Favorite Summer Song?

Summer is in full swing and there are a few token songs I’ve heard at every BBQ, party and wedding. My question for you this week is, what’s your favorite summer song? Is it Katy Perry’s catchy “California Gurls,” Travie McCoy’s wishful “Billionaire” or Usher’s danceable “OMG”?

Watch the videos below and let me know in this week’s poll! Be sure to add additional songs in the comments if I left your favorite out.

Katy Perry: “California Gurls”

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9/62744237001?isVid=1

Travie McCoy: “Billionaire”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aRor905cCw]

Usher: “OMG”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RnPB76mjxI]