Thursday, May 29, 2014

Q&A with Singer-Songwriter Colby Dee



I was first introduced to singer-songwriter Colby Dee through another singer-songwriter Aubrey Wollett who also happens to be Colby's best friend about a year ago through Twitter. From then on through corresponding on Twitter & Facebook I became friends with Colby. I am looking forward to meeting her in person next week when I am in Nashville for the annual CMA Music Festival. Her EP Missed The Exit is available now on iTunes. You can follow her on her social media sites: Facebook Twitter Instagram

What is your life motto or advice you live by and who gave it to you?

When I moved to Nashville I bought a ring that said "Nothing Is Impossible". I have worn that ring every day since. I love this quote and live by it.

At what age did you start singing and when did you realize you wanted to pursue it as a career?

I started singing when I was 7 years old. My first performance was singing the National Anthem at a professional hockey game. Singing for such a large crowd and hearing that big of a cheer at such a young age sparked the fire for me. When I graduated high school I knew that I wanted to really pursue this dream and make it my career. I moved to Nashville and have been working hard ever sense.

Who are some of your musical influences?

I grew up listening to Shania Twain a lot. I would say she was by far my biggest with music. But other artists that I love as well are Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, and Michael Jackson! :)

Where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what is your favorite part about the process?

I draw from my own personal stories as well as friends and family situations. The beauty about writing music is I can tell any kind of story I want and writing with different people opens my mind each and every day. Some writing sessions are a venting session (aka: free therapy!) but in each write I learn something new. I am so grateful to be able to write music and share it with people.

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions fans have about being an artist and life on the road?

Being an artist and being on the road is something I will never  take for granted. I would never be able to do this without the support from my family, friends, and fans! However, there are days where it can be very lonely and you feel like you are missing out of some important things in your family and friends' lives. There are days when you doubt yourself and wonder if you are chasing something that will never happen. That's where my fans kick in and lift me up without even knowing and that's the beauty of this career.

Who are a few of your favorite country artists?

A few of my favorites would be Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, and Miranda Lambert.

Who are a few artists you would like to go out on tour with given the oppurtunity?

Wow, that's a tough one because there are so many. I would love to go on the road with Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert...and that's just to name a few! They all seem like such fun artists and their tours are amazing!

If you could record a duet or collaborate with any artists who would it be and why?

Again, so many come to mind! Shania Twain of course or Garth Brooks!

Thank you again Colby for letting me interview you! :)




Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Album Review: Rewind by Rascal Flatts


Rascal Flatts may have titled their ninth album "Rewind" but the pop-country trio takes a step forward musically to stay relateable to country fans but at the same time keep their sound that fans have loved for the past 14 years.

On "Rewind" lead singer Gary LeVox, bassist-pianist-singer Jay DeMarcus, and guitarist Joe Don Rooney take a bigger hand in their production cutting more than half of the album on their own. Led by DeMarcus the trio moves the needle forward on the engaging "DJ Tonight", and the title cut, a recent country Top 10 hit.

The group also brought in pop veteran Howard Benson, who produced five cuts, including the dance floor ready, "Powerful Stuff". Old hand Dann Huff, who had produced the band since 2006, worked with the ground on the catchy "Life's A Song," which sounds more like the old Rascal Flatts. But what makes "Rewind" exciting is that Rascal Flatts has fast-forwarded into the future.

Overall I think Rewind is a great album with diverse sounds and an updated sound that is needed to stay relevant in the ever changing country music industry. A few of my favorite tracks on "Rewind" are Riot, Aftermath, Rewind, Life's A Song.

You can purchase the album on Itunes: HERE, Walmart & Walmart.com and the Deluxe Edition available is available at Target.

For information on Rascal Flatts summer tour dates with openers Gloriana and Sheryl Crow check out www.rascalflatts.com/tour

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Single Review: Looking Back Now - Maggie Rose


'Looking Back Now' is the third single from Maggie Rose's critically acclaimed album Cut To Impress. It is the follow up to her singles "I Ain't Your Mama" and "Better", both of which made the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot Country Airplay charts. "Looking Back Now" is the eight track featured on her Cut To Impress CD and it was written by Lisa Carver.

With the opening lyrics being "I probably should have let him run...." instantly sets the listener up for a mid-tempo tale of a woman who was fed-up with an alcoholic, lying, cheating husband enough to end his life. This is the kind of story song that Country music used to constantly have all over the airwaves but now it sounds like a deviation of sorts but that's by no means a bad thing. It is a refreshing change from the "bro-country" that has been dominating country radio. If anything it makes Maggie Rose's distinctive style stick out & be noticed more among all of the same sounding songs on country radio which is definitely a good thing.

"Looking Back Now" has lyrics that many women will relate to, at least in a fantasy realm but here it finds Rose narrating as the woman on death row paying for her own crime of taking her husbands life. There is a line that manages to rhyme "sodium theopental drips" into the final verse which is one of the more unique rhymes you're likely to find in all of country music. The melody supports the story with strong fills of fiddle and interesting echoes in places, all adding to the whole mystique of the single.

Maggie Rose's vocals on this new single are bold, melodic and infectious. They are reminiscent of country singer Kellie Pickler with the spitfire edge of Kimberly Perry from The Band Perry. Rose shows a lot of ranger on this track as I noticed the first time I listened to the track. She deserves to be the next Miranda Lambert or Carrie Underwood in country music.

I recommend checking out the single and her entire Cut To Impress album if you have not heard it. It is available on iTunes HERE. Also check out her official website, Facebook & Twitter pages. I will post links below.

You can request the single at country radio now as well as check out the music video HERE

www.iammaggierose.com
https://www.facebook.com/IAmMaggieRose
https://twitter.com/IAmMaggieRose