NashNews: Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into music? Kaylin Roberson: My name is Kaylin Roberson and I’m an 18-year-old singer-songwriter out of Raleigh, NC. Born and raised in the Carolina’s, has made my love for country/pop music strong. I’ve been singing, ever since I could make noise out of my mouth, and there’s plenty of funny videos to prove it. My dad put me into piano lessons at the age of 6, to get me involved in music. He always encouraged me and my sister to try new things, and out of all the sports and arts I’ve tried, I stuck with singing, performing, and writing music. I started taking music more seriously by the age of nine when a tragic event occurred, that turned my life around forever. In third grade, I was viciously attacked by a family dog. He ended up ripping off the right half of my lip and splitting open the side of my eye, down to my cheek bone. I was put on life support for surgery and ended up having over 200 stitches in my face. I relied on my happiness for music to get me through all the pain and hardship that followed the event. I currently write songs, and perform with my band at a variety of venues. NN: You will be performing at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis for Music Gives to St. Jude Kids day on August 4th, what does this opportunity mean to you? What are you most looking forward to during this day? Kaylin: I am more than honored, and excited to be performing at the inaugural kick off of National Music Gives to St. Jude Kids day. The opportunity to share my love of music with the kids at St. Jude is incomprehensible. I may not have had to battle cancer, but I know exactly what it feels like to be stuck in a hospital, feeling isolated and different. I relate to these kids on a very personal level, and I look forward to putting a smile on their face on August 4th. I want them to walk out of the concert, realizing how strong they are, and how much hope they can find within music. NN: Being a songwriter, what song is your favorite that you’ve written? What makes this your favorite? Kaylin: My favorite song that I’ve written so far is “Fighter in Me”, which I wrote specifically for the kids and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It’s my favorite piece of work, because it has a strong and direct purpose. I hope that it gives strength to those in a time of pain and weakness. NN: What is a song that you wish you would have written? Why?
Kaylin: I would like to write a song that reaches out to someone who constantly tries to put others down. I would like to write a song that puts someone in their place, because often, songs reach out to those who are sad or in pain, but I would love to make a difference in someone who believes they are high and mighty over the rest of us. People are constantly reaching out to the victims of bullying, but sometimes we need to reach out to those who are doing the bullying. This is important to me, being that I was bullied in middle school for having scars on my face. NN: What is a favorite memory you have from performing? Kaylin: My favorite memory of performing was in San Antonio, Texas at a foster home. Half of the kids I was singing for, couldn’t speak English, yet they were still moving and having the time of their lives. At that moment and time, I finally realized the power of music, and how it speaks to all of us. NN: If you could do a duet with anyone who would you choose and why? Kaylin: My dream duet partner is Miley Cyrus, because Hannah Montana was a major inspiration for me when I was little and people used to always tell me that I look like her. I’ve been dreaming about meeting her ever since I was a little girl. NN: What are three Pandora stations you are currently listening to? Kaylin: I listen to Today’s Country, Today’s Hits, and the Country pop station. NN: What are three things you can’t leave for a performance without? Kaylin: I don’t leave for a performance without my favorite guitar pick that I got from Loveless Café in Nashville, when I first paid a visit. Kaylin, thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions for us! Be sure to follow Kaylin on all social media @kaylinroberson, for new music and upcoming events! Be sure to check out Kaylin's newest EP My Love! You can get your copy on iTunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1274450004?ls=1&app=itunes NN: Start by telling us a little bit about you, your sound, and how you got into music? Taylor Acorn: My name is Taylor Acorn and I'm a 23 year old singer/songwriter from Lynchburg, VA. I would say my sound toes the line between Country and pop however I feel like I have so many other genre influences in my music as well so it's definitely a little different, it is country, but it's different. It wasn't until I was about 14 that I really started to take music a little more seriously and up until then I really was a closet singer. I'd literally walk around the house belting lyrics until someone told me to be quiet, which was very frequent and I taught myself how to play guitar when I was 16. I participated in a lot of different talent shows, some local talent contests, I auditioned for American Idol and I also auditioned for the Voice, but I really had in my head that I wasn't going to go anywhere so I hung up the idea of music for awhile to go to run Track and Field at Kutztown University. I was there for 2 years and as much as I loved it, it just reminded me of how much more I loved playing and writing music and now here I am. NN: You are currently in the NashNext Competition, tell us about your song “Put You In A Song” and why you chose that one. Taylor: Put It In A Song is such a fun song and I wrote it from the perspective of a new relationship with the idea of 'you like the person so much, but how do you tell them?' I just love the energy of the song itself and I think it will resonate well with listeners, especially those who know exactly how it feels to be in that position. NN: You’ve shared the stage with acts like Old Dominion, what is the best advice you’ve received or learned from watching those acts perform? Taylor: I think the biggest piece of advice that I have been able to receive is just be yourself, be genuine and just have fun. I think it's so cool to see other artists that have been at it for awhile and their interactions with their fans, there's so much love and it's just really cool. NN: Tell us about one of your favorite shows? Who was it with? What made it so memorable? Taylor: I think my favorite show was in Decatur, Illinois. It was an all acoustic show and Adam Craig was the big Special Guest. It was kind of set up like a Secret Santa where no one really knew who was going to be playing, but it was awesome. The crowd was awesome, I really don't even know how to describe it other than that. NN: As a songwriter, what is your favorite song that you’ve written? Why? Taylor: There is one song that will be on the EP, I'm not sure how much detail I can give out right now about it, but it is my favorite. It was one of those songs that I had put so much of myself into and so I'm just extremely proud of it. Whether it does well, I'm not sure but I love it and I hope other people will too. NN: If you could have written any song, which one would you have loved to write? Why? Taylor: This is such a hard question because there are so many great songs out there that I would have died to have the privilege to write. I think right now I'd probably pick "Once" by Maren Morris. I think everything about that song is perfect and I'm a huge Maren fan. NN: If you could do a duet/collaboration with anyone who would you choose and why?
Taylor: If there was anyone I could duet/ collaboration with it would probably be Garth Brooks. I've listened to him since I was a little kid, I would play his old cassette tapes in our boom box at home and he's just and I got to see him perform a couple years ago. He's just really cool and it'd be an honor to collaborate with him. NN: Where do you hope to see your career in one year? Five years? Taylor: In a year, I really hope to be playing more shows and putting more of my life into songs for everyone, but honestly, I'm just happy to even be given the opportunity of doing what I am now. Same goes with five years, music is my passion and as long as it's apart of my life in some way, shape or form, I will always be happy. NN: Anything else you want to share with our readers? How can fans help? Taylor: I just want to say thank you to all of the people new and old who have listened to my music and believe in it, I couldn't have asked for better crowd to share my journey with! And for those who are just now meeting me, and are interested to know more you can check out my music on ITunes, Spotify, Pandora, etc. and follow me! I have some cool new music coming out soon too! Make sure you check out the incredible Taylor Acorn! Twitter: @tayloracorn Website: http://www.tayloracornmusic.com Be on the lookout for new music from Taylor coming November 17th! NashNews: Start by telling us about Kaylee Rose, who are you? How did you get into music? Kaylee Rose: My name is Kaylee Rose. I was born in Miami and moved to St. Augustine in middle school. In Miami, I grew up doing cheerleading & hip-hop dancing. When I moved to St. Augustine in middle school I taught myself how to play guitar and that’s when music started for me. I started playing at all of the local bars on a regular basis at age 14. That carried on all throughout high school and college until I decided to make the move to Nashville. Along with singing, I was captain of my high school dance team & class president. It’s funny how balancing all of those things in high school really helped me with my transition to Nashville. NN: You just released a new EP, tell us a little bit about it. Kaylee Rose: I released my first EP this past week and it is available on Spotify and Itunes. It is 4 songs that I feel represent who I am as an artist and songwriter. Produced by Matt McVaney, the songs were all co-written with songwriters that have helped me express my unique style of country and pop. I am so proud of these songs and am so happy they are finally out! NN: What is one thing you hope to cross off of your professional bucket list within the next year? Five years? Kaylee Rose: In my 3 years of living in Nashville I have grown so much not just as a singer but as a songwriter. My goal in the next 5 years would be to play bigger stages and have success as a songwriter. Whether it is someone else cutting and recording my songs or it is myself. NN: You’ve played around 1000 shows since you were 14, what have you learned through playing those shows about yourself as an artist? About your stage presence?
Kaylee Rose: The biggest thing I’ve learned is that performing is not about me but about my crowd. I want to write and play songs that people want to hear because if they’re pumped up and happy with what I’m doing, then so am I. I feed off of it. Whether it’s two or two thousand people in the room, if a song I wrote moved someone in the crowd, my goal is accomplished for that show. I’ve definitely learned the difference between being an entertainer versus being a singer. I am so thankful for all of the shows I’ve played because there are so many little tricks to performing and writing that can only be taught by going out and playing countless shows. NN: What are three things you have to take with you to a show? Kaylee Rose: I don’t have many things I bring to a show. But my friends always laugh because I always bring the most ridiculous water bottles to my shows. I’m always that girl carrying literally a gallon of water. Hydration is so important for singers. If Taco Bell was good for the vocal chords I’d probably bring that too lol. NN: If you could do a collaboration with anyone, who would you choose and why? Kaylee Rose: If I could collaborate with anyone it would probably be Ed Sheeran. He is such an amazing songwriter and singer and has so much swag. I love how he will sing a beautiful folky ballad and then in the next song he will start rapping. Everything about his style is very unpredictable yet authentic, which is inspiring. NN: What is the best advice you have been given about the music industry? Kaylee Rose: The best advice I have ever been given is that this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. It is very rare for things to move quickly in this town, no matter how hard you work. A lot of musicians, including myself, have moved here with thousands of shows and paid dues under their belts. But it’s kind of like clicking a refresh button when you move to Nashville, everyone is back at square one. As frustrating as it gets, the longer I’m here, the more I’m learning how to trust the process and how to patiently work hard. They aren’t kidding when they say it’s a 5 to 10 year town. Follow Kaylee Rose on social media @iamkayleerose Check out her new EP and let us know which song is your favorite! Today we have something so fun to share with you! We are brining you an interview with NashNext competitor Liv! Liv has an amazing voice so we wanted to get to know her as well as hear why she chose her song "That Bronco" as her entry song! Get to know Liv! NashNews: Tell us about yourself, who are you? How did you get into music? For those who might not know about your music, how would you describe your sound? Liv: I first got into music when I was really young. I had my first ever “solo” singing “Under The Sea” in my kindergarten graduation and ever since then I got hooked on performing. I’m born and raised right outside Boston, MA so growing up I wasn’t raised on country music. Rock and 90s pop was more my jam. I discovered my love of country music in middle school and since then I’ve sort of developed my own country sound. NN: You are currently competing in the NashNext competition. Tell us about the song you chose, “That Bronco”. Why did you chose this one? What did you hope is shared about you as an artist? Liv: I chose “That Bronco” because out of all the songs off my new EP “Something Wild” it’s the most personal and tells the most about me as an artist. I wrote it 100% (meaning no cowriters) and it’s based off my Bronco I drove in high school (named Bruce!) Country music about trucks isn’t a new concept but I think having it be from a female’s perspective gives the topic a fresh take. NN: What is the best piece of advice you have been given about the music industry? Liv: You have to have thick skin. This industry has a way of one day making you feel amazing, then the next day doubting absolutely everything about yourself. They don’t call Nashville a “7 year town” for nothing. There are thousands of people trying to accomplish the exact same dream as you every day, so you have to have an undeniable brand and sound as an artist. NN: You graduated from Belmont with a songwriting major, when you sit down to write what do you do? What are your processes or habits for songwriting?
Liv: Most of my songs start with a hook that I came up with completely out of the blue while doing something completely unrelated to music. Lyrics definitely come to me first before melody. Any songwriter will tell you that our “Notes” apps on our phones are FILLED with lyric ideas that we come up with while out and about and can’t get to a guitar or something. My priority when writing is to create something that hasn’t been written before. I know for me, I listen to songs sometimes that I didn’t write and think “wow, that’s insanely creative and well written” and I want my own music to give people that same reaction. NN: What is one song you wish you would have written? Why? Liv: “Peter Pan” by Kelsea Ballerini, written by Ballerini, Forest Glen Whitehead and Jesse Lee. I first heard it a few years ago before it was released and I thought, “that’s going to be a hit.” I’m a big fan of the writers on the track and lyrically, it’s just so damn well written. It deserves every bit of success it’s gotten. NN: What is something fans might not know about you? Liv: If you follow me on social media this might not be breaking news, but I’m a huge fan of sports and fitness. If I weren’t in music, I’d be working as a personal trainer or a sports broadcaster. Being from New England, I was surrounded by sports growing up and they’ve become a huge part of my life. Go Pats! NN: Name 3 songs you’re listening to right now? 1. HUMBLE. – Kendrick Lamar 2. A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega – Ashley McBryde 3. Happier – Ed Sheeran (I realize how different these selections are, my music taste varies a lot!) NN: Who would be your dream collaboration? Liv: For country, I’d say Carrie Underwood. She’s the reason I wanted to pursue country music in the first place. I watched her every night on American Idol and voted for her! But in any genre, I’d say Kendrick Lamar. I’d love to sing the hook on one of his songs. He’s so talented and his lyrics are genius. NN: Anything else you want me to share with my readers? How can they help you? Liv: Just keep supporting country music, especially women in country music. Call into your radio stations and request female songs, there’s not enough being played. And if you like a song you hear on the radio, buy it as opposed to streaming it. Artists and writers make next to nothing off streaming sites. Keep following my journey as an artist on social media and let me know what you want to see/hear next from me! If you have a question/comment, feel free to message me. I keep it very real. I just want to be a country artist that people can relate to and will say, “She’s the type of chick I wanna have a beer with.” I have a lot in store for the future and I’m excited to reveal new things soon. Thanks to everyone who has supported me so far! Follow Liv on Social Media: Facebook: @TheLivMusic Instagram: @livmusic_ Twitter: @OliviaCawley https://thisisliv.com/home Described as star potential with a ferocity that will lead her to great things in her music we have a great interview in store for you today as well as a cover video premiere of "American Honey". Check it out and get to know country newcomer Jolivi! NN: Tell us about JoLivi, who are you, where are you from, and how did you get into music? Jolivi: I am born and raised on the island of O'ahu and music was always in the family! My grandfather sang Hawaiian music and played pretty much every instrument. I started singing at a very young age and was very involved in performing arts and musical theater. NN: You recently released “Take A Shot” on July 17th, tell us about this song. What does it mean to you? Tell us how you knew this was the song you wanted to release? Jolivi: “Take A Shot” is a play on words... The lyrics describe the first time you meet someone and that instant connection, and then the play on of taking a shot of whiskey and taking on shot on me. I wanted to do a fun and upbeat summer song about just letting go of any inhibitions and taking chances. NN: What is one personal and one professional bucket list item you hope to cross off in the next few years? Jolivi: Personally - to travel more outside the country…and hike…everywhere!! lol. Professionally it’s always been to either co-write or just sing with James Taylor. NN: If you could do a CMT Crossroads with any artist dead or alive, who would it be? Why? Jolivi: JAMES TAYLOR... and/or Bonnie Raitt…and Susan Tedeschi! James Taylor has been such a huge influence in my life in all ways.. I grew up listening to him.. and as a kid I would go through his journeys with his lyrics. His voice is so captivating its almost indescribable. NN: What are some of your memories from the road? Coolest thing that has ever happened? Jolivi: I've had the pleasure of opening for many amazing artists…Andy Grammar, Gavin DeGraw, and American Authors... but my favorite was opening for Switchfoot at a breast cancer awareness event. I've always been a fan of their music since young days and they were so sweet and humble and they rocked that stage!! NN: Where do you hope to see your music career in five years? Jolivi: TOURING TOURING TOURING!! I want to constantly be singing and influencing whoever I can with my music! NN: What are three songs you are currently listening to? Jolivi: Country Road - James Taylor Glorious - Macklemore Supercut- Lorde NN: What are three things you can’t leave for the road without? Jolivi: Hair detangle (obsessed), Eyeliner, Coconut oil and toothbrush NN: What does a typical day on the road look like for you? Favorite tour snack? Jolivi: Usually my manager likes to make sure we get more done in a day so we will have three to four meetings. Then a writing session and then a dinner meeting. I do a lot of stuff for socials so I'm on the computer a lot. Favorite snack is by far carrots and hummus…all day!!! NN: Anything else you want me to share with my readers? What can fans do to help? Jolivi: Listen to the music... share it… love it if you love it.!! Blast it in your car…sing it with your friends!!!!.. xo We also have a premier of her covering "American Honey"! So exciting! Check it out and let us know what you think! Follow Jolivi on socials:
Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @jolivimusic Website: https://www.jolivimusic.com Make sure you follow @Nash_News_ on Instagram and @NashNews15 on Twitter and keep an eye out for our Instagram takeover with Jolivi!! Jolivi- thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions we really appreciate it! Today we are so excited to bring you out interview with Dannie Marie! Read on to find out more about this talented artist! We are so excited to have her on NashNews!! NN: First start by telling us about yourself! Who are you? How did you get into the music industry? How would you describe your sound? Dannie Marie: I'm Dannie Marie, a pop country artist from Southern California. My music sounds like Kelsea Ballerini meets Florida Georgia Line! I grew up in Alpine, a little mountain town east of San Diego. When I was about six, I heard that McDonald's was giving out Britney Spears and N Sync's C in their Happy Meals. Growing up, my mom never let us eat fast food, but I begged her to take me to McDonald's so I could get a Happy meal. I can still remember walking out of that McDonald's with that bright orange CD that was half Britney songs, and half N Sync songs. I memorized every song and would put on shows for my family singing Britney's "Girl in the Mirror". That CD made me fall in love with music and the idea of being a performer, that's when it all began. NN: You album “Anything I wanna Be” releases on June 16 (so exciting!), what can readers expect to hear? What is your favorite song on the album and why? Dannie Marie: Ya know, I’ve written a lot of new music since I recorded my debut album “Anything I Wanna Be”, but I feel that this album is so important if you want to know who I am as a person, and who I am as an artist and country music lover. As a songwriter, you constantly change and grow and every new song you write brings out another element of artistry in you, as well as defines you a little differently than the song before. But I need to officially introduce myself to the world, and that’s where this release comes in. I am a big advocate of being real and honest, and that’s what this record is. From a Miranda Lambert-ish song about being cheated on; to a Taylor Swift-esc song about being blind-sided when my boyfriend broke up with me; to a song about having the best summer romance of my life (Florida Georgia Line feels), this album is real, and it’s me. The title track “Anything I Wanna Be” was written about my time in Hollywood -- specifically about a time when I struggled with self hate as I dealt with producers and casting directors who told me I was too fat and not pretty enough to “make it” in the industry. Ultimately during the writing process, I turned this song into an anthem of encouragement, because we all face criticism and it’s so important to rise above and overcome the obstacles that we face, and fight for our dreams. My favorite song is probably track 4, "Fix This Broken Heart." I love the banjo throughout the song as well as the instrumentals. NN: Between radio tours, and shows what is your favorite memory from the road? Weirdest thing that’s happened on the road? Dannie Marie: One of my favorite memories from the road was on our Flyover States Radio Tour to promote my single "Countin' Down Summertime." We had just landed in Little Rock, AR and we were listening to the radio as we were driving to the hotel about an hour away. A commercial came on saying that Bobby Bones was doing an album signing at a Walmart in a town that we drove through 25 miles back. Well about a year prior, I had worked on the set of CMT’s Outnumber Hunger show, and ended being in a picture that Bobby Bones posted on his Instagram from the shoot. I told my mom (who was driving) that I wanted to go to the Walmart, pull up that picture on his Instagram to remind him, and tell him that I want him to play my music on this show! haha! So I remember she turned the rental car around and we tracked down this Walmart in the middle of nowhere. We changed out of our plane clothes in the Walmart parking lot, and went on in. In the process of waiting in line to see him, we ended up meeting label execs from Black River in the bra section of this Walmart! Ya know for years, we went to seminars and Nashville meetings and open call auditions to meet record execs, and then here we are in the lingerie section of a Walmart in the middle of Arkansas and we meet Kelsea Ballerini’s record label people! I remember talking with them for a while and giving them my CD. Nothing really came of that opportunity (yet), but it was just one of those really cool moments where you just realize that anything can happen at any time, or as Cinderella would say, “One shoe can change your life forever." NN: What is one thing from your personal bucket list and your professional bucket list that you hope to cross off in the next few years?
Dannie Marie: I feel like my life is so blessed, I’m just happy to wake up each day knowing I have such an amazing support system and have my health and am able to pursue my dreams in country music. As far as a bucket list item I’d love to check off in the next few years, I honestly just want to be on tour with Florida Georgia Line or Kelsea Ballerini as their opener. I don't even care if I’m the opener for their opener, I would just love the opportunity to support them as well as introduce my music to their fans. I’m such a fan of country artists myself, that I love the idea of getting to open for an artist I look up to every night. That would be a dream come true. NN: As a songwriter, what process do you take when you go to write a song? What are your writing rituals? Dannie Marie: I have been constantly on the go lately, so most of my writing has been happening while I drive! I am constantly thinking of new lyrics and new hooks, so I just like to turn my voice memo recorder on while I drive, and I start messing around with melodies and lyrics until I have a song! Then I listen back, re-write and of course write it down on paper, and then bring it to the band to bring it to life! NN: If you could do a collaboration with anyone who would you choose and why? Dannie Marie: This question makes me so excited! I would want to collaborate with Kelsea Ballerini AND Florida Georgia Line. Between Kelsea's personality and writing style, and FGL’s melodies and track dynamics, they would be the ultimate dream team to collaborate with! NN: What are three songs you are listening to right now? Dannie Marie: The three songs I have on repeat right now are 1. “Clint Eastwood” by Jessie James Decker 2. “The Way I Talk” by Morgan Wallen 3. “Round Here” by Florida Georgia Line. NN: What are three things you can’t leave for the road without? Favorite road guilty pleasure food? Dannie Marie: Well, if you asked my manager or my guitar player what they can't live without on the road, they would say sweet tea! No joke, half of our time on the road is spent at McDonald's getting sweet tea! For me, it’s my headphones. Being on the road can be very grueling, exhausting and just plain difficult. It comes down to a mental game -- a mental game to stay positive and to keep “the goal” at the front of my mind at all times. I have a playlist that I listen to constantly when we’re on that road to help me keep that positive mindset, and keep me fired up! NN: Anything else you would like me to share with my readers? How can fans help? Dannie Marie: Thank you so much to every person who took the time to read this. I would LOVE to connect with you on social media. Instagram is my favorite! My handle for Instagram, Facebook and Twitter is @LoveDannieMarie. My YouTube channel is DannieMarieCountry. More importantly, no matter who you are, what setbacks you've had, or who you have in your life telling you you're not good enough and your dreams will never come true --those people are wrong. God has an amazing plan for your life and you can be Anything You Wanna Be. Dannie Marie, thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions! Today we have a special post for you! We have an interview with Rachel Lipsky! Check it out!
NN: First, start by telling the readers who you are, and how you came into the music industry? What makes you stand out from other women in the business? Rachel: Originally from Denver, Colorado - - from a young age I knew I wanted to be in the music industry, I was always involved in school and church choirs, locking myself in the bathroom to use a hairbrush as a microphone and the mirror as my audience. When I was 16, I got an amazing opportunity through my high school to open for Toto and that's when I first put my band together. I then got the bug and started making trips to Nashville after high school and fell in love with the path to bettering my performance, songwriting and meeting amazing people that were here for the same reason. In May of 2010, I moved to Nashville permanently and started taking workshops, writing with everyone that would say yes and played as much as I could. I'm not afraid to take risks with my music choices and stage presence, I feel like I have a defined edge not only in my music but in the live show - I'm not afraid to get all sweaty and rock out. NN: You have a pretty awesome list of people you've opened up for, Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, Kellie Pickler, and more, what are some things that you have learned from those particular artists? Rachel: My band and I always try to make time to watch the other acts, openers and headliners alike, we always learn how to better our stage presence, verification that the right songs are powerful & we watch how the bigger artists interact with their fans. NN: You just recently released your single "Dancing' In The Neon". Who wrote it? What was the story behind the song? Rachel: Yes! We just released "Dancing' In the Neon" and I did not write this song, it was an outside cut. Summer Overstreet, Bob Moffatt, and Clint Moffatt wrote the infectious tune. I had a few hundred songs pitched to me for this album and as soon as I heard the verse and chorus of this tune, I shrieked for excitement! I want to record songs that move me and I believe will move my fans as well. Getting to play at every venue, small dive bars and big festivals, my band and I have really gotten to know what moves our fans. To me, this song was a winner, it also breaks the rules about what people might expect from me as an artist but also what they might expect to be considered country. The musicians we had on the recording session were ridiculously talented. Russ Pahl is an absolute genius, he was on his pedal steel and started doing muted double stops and it was absolutely PERFECT -- it sounds like a computerized loop but it wasn't. NN: As a songwriter, what is one song you wish you would have written and why? Rachel: Hmmm, as a songwriter, so many songs come to mind about ones I wish I had written, but "Midnight in Montgomery" has always been one of my all time favorites it stops me in my tracks and gets me every time. NN: What are your processes/habits for songwriting? Rachel: As far as writing songs I try to write 3 times a week, I try to make sure we really spend the time and work on a song to make sure it is the best we can -- after all, we're only 3 minutes away every day. Sometimes it takes an hour and a half to write a tune and sometimes it takes months, but either way, I want to write songs that are great. NN: What is one thing on your personal and professional bucket list? Rachel: One major item on my bucket list is to sing the National Anthem for the Denver Broncos at tMile High Stadium. I have always been a huge Broncos fan and that would be an epic honor to be able to sing before a game. Plus, John Elway was my first crush ever and it would be amazing to shake his hand. NN: If you could do a CMT Crossroads with any artists who would it be and why? Rachel: If I could do a CMT Crossroads with anyone it would hopefully be with Tina Turner or Blondie, both were always blasting in our house when I was growing up and both ladies were a BIG influence to me as an artist. NN: What are 3 songs you are listening to right now? Rachel: Three songs I'm listening to right now: 1. "Believer" Imagine Dragons 2. "Slow Burn" Tim Hicks 3. " Making Me Look Good Again" Drake White I am a HUGE fan of these amazing artists because they make killer music. NN: Anything else you want me to share with my readers? What can fans do to help? Rachel: I recently won the Nashville Hard Rising Competition and I am so blessed to have such amazing fans that helped us get to where we are. If your readers could follow me on Spotify and subscribe to my YouTube channel I would greatly appreciate it, we are picking winers in the next 4 weeks for a chance to win a signed cd. Rachel, thanks so much for taking time to answer my questions! Make sure you follow Rachel on social media at the links below: TW & IG: @RachelLipsky FB: www.facebook.com/RachelLipskyMusic YT: www.youtube.com/RachelLipsky SC: www.soundcloud.com/RachelLipsky Check out, and buy her music on outlets listed: Spotify, Pandora, Amazon, Google Play Boy do we have something good in store for you today! We're starting off CMA Fest week with an interview with Risa Binder!! Risa Binder is an amazing female vocalist/songwriter, and we can't wait to share some of her career with you! NN: First, start by telling the readers who you are, and how you came into the music industry? Risa: Hi! I'm Risa Binder and I'm a country-pop recording artists and songwriter. I always loved writing songs and started writing them about boys I had crushes on back in elementary school ... I would play the songs on the piano for my parents and they would ask "Who is that song about?" and I would never tell them haha! My brand is all about finding the positive in things even when you are having a hard day (which we all have) taking a moment and realizing what you do have and being thankful for that! What makes me stand out from other women is that "I am me!". There is only one me and only one you! So I have my own beautiful stories to share with the world and you do too! NN: What is something that fans might not know about you? Risa: I can't walk in heels. I've tried ... that's why any picture you see of me in heels I am lying on the ground haha! I'm a boots and dress kinda girl! NN: You recently just co-wrote your single "You Haul" with Vanessa Olivarez and Karly Rybacki, what is the story behind this song? Risa: I am so excited about my new song "You Haul!"!!! I had a blast writing it with Vanessa and Karl. I had the title for a while and wanted to wait until I was in a writing room with people who were quirky and funny and would get the idea! Vanessa and Karl helped me bring the song to life so perfectly! It's a parry vibe breakup song ... the idea was that "What would happen if you could truly celebrate breaking up with someone?" almost like if the break up was celebrated like a party! So "You Haul" came out of that idea.
NN: You've been in the studio with Luke Wooten (so cool!) working on a full length album to be released later this year, do you have an ideal time frame you can share with us? What can we expect with this album? Risa: I am super excited to be working with Luke Wooten! We are about 8 songs into the next record ... almost done! This record has some fun, high energy songs and some great anthem songs as well! Can't wait to share it with you. As soon as we have an actual release date, I will let you know! I recorded songs I co-wrote as well as a song from LoCash and other great writers like Phil Barton. NN: Who would be your dream collaboration? Risa: There are so many! I look up to so many different artists it's hard to choose. I would love to collaborate with Brett Eldredge, Lady Antebellum, Dan and Shay, Little Big Town, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Braid Paisley, Sara Evans, Shania, Martina ... the list goes on and on. NN: What is the coolest venue you have every played? What is one of your favorite memories from out on the road? Risa: I loved opening for Country Legend Ronnie Milsap at the Country Music Hall of Fame. It was one of my favorite shows because he had us come and open for him all over the U.S. after that performance! Another show that stands out is playing the Celebrity Theater in Arizona. That audience embraced me and I remember thinking that I will bring that audience with my hear wherever I go! NN: As a songwriter, what is one song that you wish you had written? Why? Risa: I wish I had written "The House That Built Me". It is the most universal song that hits at the hear of everyone who hears it. NN: Who are three artists you are listening to right now? Risa: Thomas Rhett, Carly Pearce, Dan and Shay NN: Who are the first five stations on your Pandora? Risa: Carrie Underwood, Dan and Shay, Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Brett Eldredge NN: Thank you so much for taking the time to do the interview! Anything else you would like me to share with my readers? What can fans do to help? Risa: Thank you for the interview! Yes. Stream and download "You Haul"! That would be so amazing and make my heart so happy. You can buy it here. Come find me online and let's be friends! Twitter and Instagram: @risastuff Facebook: Risa Binder Website: www.risabinder.com Go check out "You Haul" and comment or tweet us @nashnews15 to let us know what you think! Thanks again Risa for taking time to answer some questions for us! We're so excited to see where your career takes you! If you're all about new artists and new music do I have a post in store for you today! Kalie Shorr is releasing new music TODAY! Her EP Slingshot is out and we scored an interview with her to talk music, new EP's and just Kalie Shorr in general! Check it out! NashNews: Tell us about yourself. What makes you Kalie? How did you get involved in music? Kalie Shorr: I started singing very young. I was always really drawn to it. I grew up in Portland, Maine as the youngest of six. My siblings' taste in music definitely rubbed off on me. I thought my older sisters were the coolest people on earth so I was always borrowing their Martina McBride and Dixie Chicks CDs. NN: In a music industry where you have to make a splash to get noticed, how do you stand out among other female artists? What would you say makes you different from others? Kalie: I think the best thing you can do as a female artist is to support other female artists, and the solution to that little competitive voice in your head is to focus on yourself and craft your sound and make it so unique that it's not competing with anyone because no one is doing exactly what you're doing. I think I am a pretty bold songwriter and there's nothing I won't put in a song. I try to be really honest, vulnerable, and real and I hope that resonates with people and sets me apart. NN: You have a new EP called Slingshot that came out today, March 3rd, what is your favorite song on the EP? What makes that so special for you? Kalie: It is SO hard to pick a favorite! It's like picking your favorite child! I guess I would have to say Nothin New. From a songwriting perspective, I am so proud of it and I got to write it with two of my really close friends, Lacy Green and Emily Landis. It's about my first real heartbreak that dragged out a lot longer than I expected. It's about coming to terms with the fact that someone can't or won't love you. It's definitely really sad but I think there's a lot of hope in it too. NN: Tell us a little bit about the process you took in making that EP. How did you chose the songs? What your favorite part of the whole process?
Kalie: I wrote a lot of songs for this project, but I rely a lot on the reaction I get from fans after playing them at shows. These songs are the ones people mentioned in the meet and greet line, or tweeted me about, or I saw them singing along to. My favorite part of the whole process was definitely the time in the studio. My producer, Aaron Eshuis, along with Nolan Verner, Derek Wells, and Phil Lawson were the instrumentalists on the record and they are all so phenomenal. I was in such awe of how talented they are and what they did to these songs! NN: What is the best advice you’ve ever received about the music industry and your career? Kalie: I went to a women in music event and Cris Lacy from Warner Nashville gave a wonderful acceptance speech for the award she had just won. She said you shouldn't have time to focus on what others are doing long enough to get jealous. I actually wrote it down. I think that's such a good sentiment because every second spent worrying about someone else is a second you've taken away from yourself. NN: What is the best memory of a show you have? Any fun, weird story most people don’t know? Kalie: I got to open up for Chase Rice in Huntington Beach, California this past summer. It was a festival literally on the beach- so beautiful. I was excited enough to be in California and just be on the road with my band, but when we walked on stage and I saw 4,000 people in the audience I was just so happy. I saw so many people singing along. It was really special cause it was the biggest audience I had ever played for at that point and it was the best energy. Probably the weirdest story I have is the time I played at Perez Hilton's birthday party back in 2012. He is SO supportive of me and flew me out to LA to perform. I actually opened up for the Backstreet Boys which was AMAZING. I got to take my big sister and we had the craziest time. But after my set, we ended up meeting Kim Kardashian... like, Kim Kardashian was at one of my shows?! Like what?! She was really nice, too. Definitely not your typical show! NN: Describe a normal show day for you. What do those days look like for you? Kalie: Usually I'll have an early soundcheck if we're opening, so I get there early and go through all that. Then I go get ready- I love doing my own makeup because it gives me some time to really get in the zone and relax. I think focusing on something really helps me calm the jitters. I also just really love makeup! Then me and the band usually go look for food- they usually take a shot, I usually drink some tea because I am a total grandma (at least until after my show is done). Then I always say a quick prayer before I take the stage! After the show, I almost always eat something terrible for me. I eat pretty healthy but after a long show, anything fried just makes my heart happy. NN: If you could do a collaboration with any singer, who would you choose and why? Kalie: I am DYING to do a duet in the vein of "The Boy Is Mine" by Brandy & Monica or "Does He Love You" by Reba and Linda Davis. Something sassy and scorned! Maybe with Kelsea Ballerini, Lauren Alaina, or RaeLynn! It's hard to choose! NN: Anything else you would like us to share with our readers? Kalie: That I am so thankful for them! Country fans are the best fans in the world! Kalie, thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions for us! Everyone needs to go buy Slingshot and let us know what your favorites are! Follow Kalie on all socials @kalieshorr Today we have our interview with Jill and Julia! They are a duo made of sisters that have an incredible sound and amazing music! Read on to find out more about them!
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