Verspectiv

Weekend before last, I was sharing all kinds of new music with friends and family.

I get new music sent to me basically everyday. It's just one of the perks of dating a talented musician and songwriter. I love being the first to hear it all, but I forget it's not as cool if you're the only one that hears it...

So your welcome, everyone who got an email full of music in their inbox. I hope you enjoyed it!

Unfortunately, I can't post any of that music on my blog. The writers and artists might not like that so much. But, I will share with you some of my favorites right now.

Check out my playlist on Spotify. Maybe you'll find something you like.

There's been a big uproar in the country community lately about modern vs. traditional. Kinda reminds me of when I was growing up in church, and there was a huge debate over singing hymns or praise and worship songs...

It's an issue that's being discussed within the industry... Colin Raye recently spoke up about his distaste for the new modern country. He says, "Today's country songs, too often lack the 'real life, real love and real loss' qualities that capture the best the genre once offered." Read the full story here

Being the "country music geek" that I am, I knew that this was a common discussion. Hearing Colin Raye's opinion did not surprise me in the least. After reading it, I voiced my opinion to Aaron about it, and figured that'd be the end of it. 

What I didn't realize is that it's more than just an industry discussion.  Just today I saw someone comment on Facebook saying, "Country Music has turned into garbage." I guess it's not just Colin Raye who's noticed some changes.

Aaron's cousin, Trin Potratz, wrote what I think was an excellent rebuttal to Colin's statements on his blog, here.  I hope that Trin doesn't mind me stealing the topic, but because of his post, I was reminded just how passionate I am about this subject. Trin basically takes a "get over it" approach, saying that if you don't like it don't listen to it. The genre is simply evolving and there is something out there for everyone.

I'm not going to get too much into Colin's opinion or Trin's for that matter. I brought them both up because they represent both sides of the issue. 

I'm going to share my opinion as first as a country music fan, but also as someone trying to make it in this business.

I have always been a country music fan, but more importantly, I have always been a music fan.  When it comes to music, I am a firm believer in “to each his own.”  I was the person who got offended when I someone said, "that's not music" or "you listen to that??" Music is like the clothes we put on our bodies.  It showcases our individual personalities & telling someone their listening to the wrong music is like telling them they're wearing the wrong clothes. For me, I've loved all music, but Country music is just who I am.

That being said... Even I have gotten fed up with country music's newest addition, “bro-country."
 I mean just the nickname makes you go, REALLY??

Let's be clear, I may get nostalgic about my 90's country, but I'm not bitter about the fact that it changed. It happens. I'm well aware, the country I grew up on was completely different from what my parents grew up on.  As Tracy Lawrence would say "Time Marches On..." 

Anyway, as for today's country, it’s not the actual style of music I dislike. To be honest, I don’t even dislike it. I can get with a feel-good, put your glass in the air, dancing on the tailgate song all day long. Before I moved to Nashville and started to work and live in the industry, I wouldn’t have blinked an eye at this sub-genre take over. I’d be buying it up just like everybody else.

The problem I have is with everyone jumping on the bro-country bandwagon and leaving their own personal styles behind.  & For what? Because it's hot right now? 

We've got Brantley Gilbert singing "Bottoms Up" and he doesn't even drink.

Look at artists like Easton Corbin and Dustin Lynch. They’re first hits, “I’m a Little More Country Than That” & “Cowboys & Angels” could not be more straight down the middle country. Not to mention they have a voice to match it. 
But now, they’re both headed in a pop-country direction. Nothing wrong with that if that’s who they are, but is it? As a fan, I’m a little confused.

The reason the style blew up in the first place is because the artists that paving the way decided to break the rules and do something different.  For that, we can respect them. Even if we don't like what they did, but when everyone decides to go that direction just to make buck or gain a fan, that's when there's a problem.

Remember when people used to say, country music was just all sad songs...Yeah, I'm pretty sure those are the same people rockin' out to it today.

There was some truth to that then, just as there's some truth to Colin Raye's accusations about the new music lacking depth and connection now.

Country music got the sad song rep, because it wasn't afraid to go there. Artists sang about topics that connected with real emotions; heartbreak, death, love, and loss.  It makes sense that traditional country music fans would be upset at this change. After all, this is the one thing that has consistently defined the genre. (Not the sadness, but the realness)

It's like this. Now that Country Music is getting more recognition around the world, we're the "new kid" in high school, and all we really want its to be liked. So much, that we'll do anything, to the point of changing who we really are to become part of the popular crowd.

Country may have gained some new fans, pretending to be hip and cool, but in the end, you get more respect for sticking to who you are.

It's not just the fans that miss it either. I've seen the struggle many of the songwriters face on a daily basis.  It’s a toss up, between “Do I want to write this party song and pay the bills or do I want to write what I want to write and risk not getting a cut?”
You can’t blame them for “joining the party.”

Ideally, I would love to see both of old and new styles come together. Not every song needs to be deep and meaningful. We need light & fun! Fun and partying is a part of country music too! I know there's a way to write that drinking song where it's fun, creative, and meaningful, because I've seen it done.

So country music, Let's roll with the times, but remember who we are. If we do that, I think we'll be alright. 

Hey guys,

Wednesday night I picked up the new Rascal Flatts record.

I have always been an RF fan. Die hard in the beginning. I would count down the days til the next album dropped.

I mean come on, those guys can sing. (Apparently not always live, but that's beside the point. I didn't know that then.)

I'm not quite as big of a fan anymore. They've just let me down a few times. ...Hey, it happens. But mostly, I'm just convinced that no album they release is going to top "Melt".

YOU KNOW IT'S TRUE.

So Aaron and I just so happened to be in Best Buy last night, and thought yeah, let's do it!

I love listening to music with Aaron. It's like this weird, special bond we have. We fight over who gets to read the booklet first, he has to check all of the writers immediately, and I'm reading titles, making guesses on which ones are gonna be the best. It's quite the experience.

There are 3 things I look for in a good song.

Lyrics must be phenomenal. Doesn't matter if it's tongue-in-cheek humor or tugging on heart strings. Write the shit out of it. End of story.

A great melody, beat, groove. Something I want to play again.

1 Amazing hook. 

Having one without the other, is sometimes ok...but not ideal.

The album had a few gems on it.  I don't wanna get into ALL of the songs. There were definitely some I was less than enthusiastic about. 

Like... why did they go with "I've Never Been to Memphis"?? Do they have a special connection to Memphis? Or, how about the fact that you can easily pick the Shay Mooney (The Shay of Dan + Shay) songs on the album. *Hint* They're the ones that sound like a Dan + Shay song.   (NOT hating. Just saying) Then... there's some ear candy songs & ones that just didn't strike a chord with me. Personal Preference.

Ok, I said I wasn't going to talk about those.

These are the ones I'd listen to again: 1."Payback" 7. "Night of Our Lives" 11. "Life's A Song" 12. "Honey Suckle Sweet" 13. "The Mechanic"  10. "I'm on Fire" (I put this one last for a reason)

"Payback" instantly stood out, mostly because Aaron was excited to hear it because it was his favorite Aaron Eshuis song. I agree, it's rockin' & clever. An anthem for all women who recently had their heart broken and are on the rebound. "Baby, I can be your payback"

I really dig "Night of Our Lives." It just has this cool, kinda dark vibe. Kind of reminding me of Alan's "Midnight In Montgomery." I love the story. It's something that a lot of people can relate to. Two teenagers, in love, whose lives are about to take off in different directions. Bittersweet goodbye.

"Life's A Song" is beautiful. But that's the kind of thing I expect from Jeffrey Steele, Brandon Hood, and James Slater. Favorite line: "Oh time has been a thief and friend. Sweetens the wine and steals the night."

"I'm on Fire" As soon as this song came on, I fell in love with the Michael Jackson sound. The verses were feeling good, we were dancing, and I was pretty sure this was going to my favorite track! (Sean McConnell is one of the writers on it & if you don't know who he is, well you should, cause he's kind of a new guy and he's a beast!) But then...we get to the chorus, and that groove I was digging so much, pulled backed. & by that I mean it was non-existent.  The change up isn't what upset me, it was that it didn't come back quick enough. They got to what was supposed to the title of the songs, and they sing the words "I'm on fire" like they're running through a field of daisies. What?! I'm not buying it. The song is called I'm On Fire. Shouldn't the part where they say that be a little more rough and edgy?! Not to mention, there really is no hook. It's just I'm on fire, repeated 3 times.

"Damn it!" I said. & As Aaron busts out laughing at me, I said... "I just really had high hopes for it." Yes, this is the kinda of thing I get worked up about. & No, it's not normal.

From that point on it became a joke. As we were walking into the movie theatre Aaron says, "I can just picture that girl in the hunger games, riding out to this song..."

Hilarious! Right?!

Now picture Aaron and I frolicking through the movie theatre parking lot singing, I'm on Fire, over and over. I'll leave you with that image.

All jokes aside...I still really like the song. Go get the CD and decide for yourself. Then tell me what you think! It's just music, all opinions are welcome. :)

Hey there friends,

Let's talk about what's been going on in my life. I mean...we can talk about yours too, if you want. You just have to drop in a comment. :)

Last week was mine and Aaron's 1 year anniversary & ironically the 2 year anniversary of the day we met!  Maybe this is silly to you, but it's a pretty big thing for me.

An Albertan & a North Carolinian met in Key West, FL at The Key West Songwriter's Festival. Talk about the unlikeliest of places. Anyway, we barely spoke when we first met, but as fate would have it, our paths crossed again in our home town of Nashville, TN. & well, the rest, they say, is history.

(We don't even have a picture together. This ^^^^ is the only proof I have!)

I say all of this because, last week The Songwriter's Festival went on with out us. Can you believe it? Over half of Nashville, was sunbathing, moped riding, music listening, all the while consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol. Point blank, it's Spring Break for the Music Industry. & Where were we? Back in Nashville; sad, pale, and lonely.

Terrible I know, but don't worry...there's a happy ending to this story.

Aaron and I attempted to celebrate our anniversary by having a romantic dinner at the Opryland Hotel, we tried 3 or 4 different restaurants, and for some odd reason the all happened to be closed that night. FAIL. (We ended up at the mall and still had a nice night, just not what we planned.)

By the weekend, things were starting to look up. We had a wedding to go to! Not just any wedding, but Blaine and Leah's wedding. A #nashvillewedding (i.e. industry professionals, hit songwriters, big artists, ect.)

Blaine is Aaron's song plugger at Warner. Kinda like his boss in a way (but not really)...Aaron turns in his songs to Blaine and Blaine pitches them to the respective artists. Naturally, I met both Blaine and Leah through Aaron, but I will say they are two of the sweetest people you will ever meet. Such a great couple!

The service was in Franklin, TN at the Carnton Plantation.  What was supposed to be a yucky, rainy day turned into probably the most beautiful day ever.

Just look at them :)

After the ceremony, there was a cocktail hour, followed by dinner and the reception.

Aaron and I explored the plantation, grabbed a drink, and a few hors d'oeuvres, before finding our name cards & table.

Dinner was of course fabulous, and we shared a table with some lovely friends. Wish we had a table pic :/ But here I am with some of the girls!

On our way to the wedding, Aaron and I had a conversation about who would be playing the reception, because whoever it was, it was gonna be good. Aaron's guess was Jon Pardi, and I was quick to say, "Nah, I think he's on the road, because yesterday Twitter informed me he was in Charlotte, NC on the Dierks Bentley tour...meaning he's in Raleigh tonight."

But of course, Aaron turned out to be right. It was one of the first things he asked Blaine when we got there and the answer was,"Jon's gonna be hanging out and playing a few."

I have to say this was one time, I didn't mind being wrong.

& So after dinner is when the #Pardi Began...

Before you know it, Aaron was up onstage singing #TrashAHotel

It was so great! It was probably the most fun Aaron & I have had in a while.

So I guess, the happy ending here, is we didn't need Key West! We threw down right here in Nashville.

One week before the release of Cole Swindell’s debut album, I had to the opportunity to attend the industry listening party.

Cole Swindell is a fantastic writer. I’ve been waiting on Cole’s album since before it was announced. I heard some of his songs while I was out on the road selling merch for Chase Rice.

In fact, the first weekend I was out, Chase’s manager, John and I were swapping new music, when he said, check this guy out, and played me Cole’s version of “Nothing But The Cooler Left,” which was later recorded by Chris Young. He played me a few more, and I finally just asked him to send me those songs in exchange for a couple of songs I shared with him. I thought it was a pretty good deal! ***It wasn’t until later that I found out Aaron Goodvin was also a writer on some of those tunes I was digging...but that’s another story.

Monday night, we got there just as it was starting.  All of the writers, producers, publishers, ect were in attendance. He played the tracks one by one, giving a little backstory with each one.

Oh & There was free food, T-shirts, and CDs on ice! Yep, they were...chillin'...

It was beyond cool, to get the first listen, and to hear some of the writing stories. I was most interested to see what direction Cole (the artist) would take his music. Cole, as a writer, has a plethora of songs, but not all of those he would want to cut for himself.

After hearing the first single “Chillin’ It” and the tune co-written with FGL, “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” I predicted it would be something similar to Luke Bryan. Makes sense...them being out on the road together and all.

He did a lot of writing on the road with his producer, who’s also Luke Bryan’s guitarist, Michael Carter. Playing live shows all across the country, they understood the type of songs that get a crowd fired and up and moving, and they used that in their writing.  Hence the numerous concert songs on the album: “Let Me See You Girl” “Brought To You By Beer” and “Get Up.”

"Swayin’" is also one of those, but it is the only song Cole is not a writer on; Chris Destefano, Rhett Akins, and Ashley Gorley did. After giving this a good listen, I realized it’s probably the perfect concert tune! I know so many people that will be able to relate to this one. It took me back to those Friday & Saturday night concerts out at Walnut Creek. Country Mega tickets were on everyone’s wish list. One price; about 10 Headlining artists. Everyone I knew was standing back in the grass with their blankets, lawn chairs, and beer. & they were just “Swaaaaayin’” Just because of those memories, it’s probably my favorite out of all of those.

Then there’s “Let Me See Ya Girl” which is bound to have all the girls dancing. “Girl you’re tearing that dance floor up, let me see ya do it in the bed of my truck”

“Get Up” which is about the guy’s putting their girls on their shoulders during the concert so they can see the stage. & “Brought To You By Beer” which is just the definition of a concert crowd. I’m picturing tailgaters... That song is just so clever and fun. 

One thing Cole did really well, compiling a mix of songs that will appeal not only to the girls, but to the “Down Home Boys” as well. Both “Down Home Boys” and “The Back Roads and The Back Row” will probably hit home with all those Southern guys. Not to mention those good drinking songs I already talked about.

On a more serious note, there’s the ballad “I Just Want You” & the heartbreak songs, “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey” and “Dozen Roses & A Six Pack”

Ain’t Worth The Whiskey is a great song Cole co-wrote with Adam Sanders. I’ve heard Adam play this song several times live and I’m glad to hear Cole decided to cut it. It’s a slap in the face to the woman who did him wrong. He may be going out to drink, BUT “Don’t think for a second I’m out to drown your memory, baby you ain’t worth the whiskey.”

Last but CERTAINLY NOT least, is “Dozen Roses & A Six Pack” Cole wrote this with Adam Sanders and Aaron Goodvin.  This makes the third song to be released written by the trio.  It’s safe to say they make a pretty good writing team.

I’ve heard Cole say many, many times that this is one of the favorite songs he’s ever written. They wrote it few years back, and since then, it has created a buzz around the inner circles of Nashville. I can personally speak for this, having known this song before I even knew Aaron. Chase Rice, loved the song, and incorporated it in a few of his shows around the country.

In fact, Aaron played it at a gig downtown once, and I overheard a guy tell someone it was a Chase Rice song. (Even after Aaron had just explained who wrote it and that Cole was going to cut it) I almost chimed in to correct him, but...nah.Anyways, I think everyone was really excited that it finally made an album.

Wow, what a crazy hectic, awesome week, last week was!

Monday was the Cole Swindell listening party, which I’ll talk more about in my album review of “Chillin’ It.” (Sorry, I'm doing my best to catch up!)

Tuesday, Aaron’s parents and aunt and uncle flew into town. After a few delays and canceled flights, they finally arrived, and we took them downtown for a much need drink and live music. We got a chance to spend a little time with them, but after that, they were kind of on their own til Thursday.  Aaron was busy getting things ready and resting his voice.

Wednesday was the full-band rehearsal.  He spent most of the day over at SIR, and lucky for me, I got to drop-in for the last hour or so.  SIR is a really cool place, with rooms built just like an actual stage, so that all band members get an accurate idea of how things will sound the night of. Here’s a pic.

After months of preparation, THE BIG DAY finally came! From the time we got up til the time we went to bed, we were both running around like crazy. That morning we did a little apartment clean up, followed by a quick shopping trip with his mom and aunt. He had to find something spiffy to wear later...and me too...cause his girl has to look good too. ;)

That afternoon, I had my first pitch meeting at Warner Music, with my good friend Aubrey Rupe. I got a few tunes together that I thought might be good for Warner Artists: Gloriana, Hunter Hayes, Blake Shelton, ect.) I was pleased with how it went down.

I rushed back home to get things ready for our family to come have dinner with us before the show. We also had a little photo shoot before the show...

The last one's our Red Carpet pose...hahaha

We got to 12th & Porter early, grabbed a spot on the balcony. Shannon Beck & Storme Warren were our wonderful hosts for the evening, and Jacob Martin Band kicked off the night. JMB are all good friends of Aaron’s and they share the same manager, Andrew Clark, of Hype Train Entertainment.

Top: Hosts-Shannon Beck, Joe Denim, & Storme Warren; Left: Billy Block; Right: Jacob Martin Band

Aaron was the second act. There was a pretty solid turnout at the beginning of the night, but right before he took the stage, the people started rolling in. 

Aaron killed it!  I don’t know who was more excited him or me! I was practically bouncing up and down. I can't exactly critique cause well, you all know how that would go, but...I absolutely love to see him on stage, because that’s where he belongs. Most people know him as a writer, and he is an amazing writer, but you’ll never see him more comfortable, more himself, than when he is behind the microphone.

He sang 7 songs total. Opened up with “On My Way Girl” and “I Know A Place.” Both fun, rocking tunes; the first he wrote with Cole Swindell and the second with Bart Butler.Next was “Seeing Someone.” It’s a newer track, also co-written with Bart, and it’s one of my faves!

After that, it was time to share some of his cuts. He did his version of Jon Pardi’s “Trash A Hotel Room” & Luke Bryan’s “Out Like That.” I definitely saw some people singing along!

Then he decided to strip it down to just him and his guitar. & when that happens...all I can say is you better hold on, cause you’re in for a treat!

I’ve never been in a bar full of people, that got so quiet you could hear a pen drop, until then. Luckily, I recorded it, and you can see for yourself. About 3 minutes in is where you can hear the silence. Wow.

& Last, but definitely not least, he ended the night with “That Kinda Kiss.” Can you say radio smash!?!? Check it out.

The Farm closed, and they definitely put on one Hell of a show!  Very entertaining. 

Overall, it was a great night! There were some very important people there to watch Aaron, and so far he's got nothing but great feedback! Everyone is anxiously waiting to hear his E.P.  So anxious, they're fighting over who gets to hear it first. No matter what, you're gonna be hearing more from Aaron Goodvin, in the near future!

Last Monday at Midnight, I downloaded my copy of “The Outsiders” from Eric Church. If you’ve followed my blog or even my Facebook & Twitter, you know how excited I’ve been about this album in particular. 

The original plan was to pick up a hard copy from Walmart, (because I’m the type of person who likes to actually hold it in my hands) but because I was too excited and couldn’t wait...that didn’t happen.

Let me just say, I had high expectations for this record, but WOW. When I read the Rolling Stones article prior to the release, I knew it was going to break boundaries and push some buttons (that’s what EC does), but it kinda gave me the impression that he might have gone to a completely different style that was somehow different from the Eric Church I already knew and love. All that said, I was fully prepared to not like his new direction...while still respecting his creativity and innovation.

I ended up listening to the whole things from start to finish that night. Aaron and I sat in silence, occasionally pausing to say something like, “holy shit,” or “this guy is amazing,” ect. For the most part we were at a loss for words.

Regardless of his style, which I believe is still true Eric Church, you have to acknowledge the brilliance of this album. The lyrics are killer, the production is killer, it’s all...killer! It’s not about any one song, although every song is great in itself, it’s about the whole package.  

inSIDEr NOTE: Now-a-days, Country music/music in general is all about singles. Hardly anyone is concerned with making records. Why? Because singles are where the money’s at.  You can release them individually for digital downloads or for radio play. You can make more money by selling a single song than you can selling the full product. This probably has a lot to do with iTunes and the ability to cherry-pick your favorite songs without downloading the whole album. Eventually artists started to cater to that set up. Maybe there’s some good to that, but I think it’s kind of sad, because we lose the element of each record being a listening journey.

Eric Church does not just pick 12 great songs, throw them together, and say: start wherever you want, bounce around and find something you like.  It’s not 12 songs with a few hits strung together by mediocrity. There’s purpose. It all fits together and it’s a full listening experience.

Now onto the tracks.  I know it gets long, but hang with me, I just couldn’t help myself.

I think it’s great that it opens with, “The Outsiders,” because it sets the tone of the whole album, and not to mention what he stands for; refusing to  conform with everyone else. He places himself as a modern-day country outlaw like Haggard or Merle.

Following up The Outsiders, is “A Man Who Was Gonna Die Young” which again goes along with the theme of being a reckless outsider, wondering how he’s “outlived Hank or Jesus.” It’s a ballad he sings to the woman who loves him regardless of all his crazy ways. I personally love the line “If I make it thirty more its the brown that you’ll be looking for, as you run your fingers through.” Killer.

It starts getting really cool with, “Cold One.”  The first drinking track on the album. It’s the story of his woman walking out on him, and leaving him "1 beer short of a 12 pack." The beginning is traditional country, but as soon as that chorus kicks in, so does this electric vibe.

Track four, is probably one of my favorites (that is, if I had to pick one). “Roller Coaster Ride” is just one of those incredibly contagious and fun songs that makes you wanna drive fast.  Seriously, it does.  The words are incredible, describing those post-traumatic emotions of a break-up as a roller coaster ride. “Up and down I go; over you then ‘bout to lose my mind.” Of course, it doesn’t stop there, the production gives you this psychedelic beat, pushing you one step closer to being on that roller coaster.

“Talladega,” is one of the most traditional songs on the record. It’s a classic ballad about being young and making memories in Talladega. It’s one of those songs, everyone can relate to, taking you back to that moment, when you were young and invincible, and you never wanted it to end.

Six is “Broke Record.” Kind of like Roller coaster in the sense that the production just sends the track through the roof, making you feel like you’re listening to an old record. The broken record comparison has been made and sung about before, but when you hear this...it sounds brand new. Leave it to Eric Church to put a fresh “spin” on an old idea.

“Like A Wrecking Ball,” in light of recent events, probably conjures up images of an inappropriate Miley Cyrus video. Yeah, this is not that wrecking ball. Although, the song does have a raunchy edge to it. I love that the harsh words are balanced by a soft ballad. I’m loving this one more and more, every time I listen to it.

“That’s Damn Rock & Roll.” It’s a hard hitting, rock out anthem about rock & roll. Church tells us what it is and what it’s not.  “It ain’t about the money you make when a record gets sold, it’s about doing it for nothing cause it lives in your soul.”

"Dark Side" is a dark and deep, reflective ballad. It kind of makes you go, “Did he really just go there?” Yep. He did.  The writing here is just genius, with a nice little surprise at the end. Listen for yourself. I don’t want to spoil it.

“Dark Side” goes straight into “Devil, Devil,” but not before one of my favorite parts of the album! & that is the Prelude: Princess of Darkness. Church just talked about his personal dark side, and now he goes into detail on the dark side of Nashville. It’s incredible, to say the least.  He chose to talk about something that everyone knows, but no one wants to talk about. “To mine gold in this silver mine it does take balls of brass.” “The agents are her bookie, and the labels are her pimp” “If you make it she’s your savior, if not she’s a whore.” After that, you get to rock out to “Devil, Devil.”

The last two are, “Give Me Back My Hometown” & “The Joint.” “Give Me Back My Hometown” is the second single on the album. It’s another classic EC tune, about the love from his hometown, who’s tainted all of his favorite places with her memory. & Last is “The Joint.” Bringing the album full circle, and ending on a different, edgy, tune, about his mama’s best kept secret.

Eric Church found a way to perfectly blend different styles into an album that is still undoubtedly his. It’s modern, cool, & hip, but it’s still COUNTRY. Well done!

I won’t be taking this out of my cd player for a while. Hope you check it out if you haven’t yet.

Hey guys, 

Just an update on the past week here and what's to come.

There really wasn't too much going on last week. Tristan went back to Canada, and we really tried to focus on getting the apartment set up and into a healthy routine.  It's not as easy as you think.

As for me working towards my career goals, I set up a few coffee/lunch meetings last week and have a few for this week & the rest of the month. My goal is to get out more...whether its coffee, lunch, showcases or writer's rounds, I want to reconnect, meet new people, and take away as much information as possible. It just so happens that coffee and lunch are more of my specialty. :) It may not sound like much, but it's all about who you know.

After my meetings last week, I already have something in the works that I'm really excited about. I can't say too much just yet, but I'm gonna keep working and praying!

Anyway, it was really important to have the last week to take it easy, because this next one is going to be a humdinger.  For Aaron & I both.

Tonight, I'll be accompanying Aaron to Cole Swindell's listening party. Really excited to hear all of the great stuff, including Aaron's cut on the record, "Dozen Roses and a Six Pack." It comes out Feb 18th!

I have my first pitch meeting at Warner with my good friend, Aubrey Rupe. I'm both incredible excited and just a tiny bit nervous! (But overall JUST EXCITED!!!)

Aaron's parents and aunt & uncle are coming into town Tuesday. Since Aaron has a BIG show coming up on Thursday night at 12th & Porter. Nashville people, you should definitely try and make it to this one!

So many talented people including The Jacob Martin Band & The Farm. Then all proceeds go to The Billy Block Cancer Fund. It's going to be a great night!

My family is coming into town too, and afterwards we're all heading to Memphis for a long weekend. I've never been to Memphis so I'm really excited to go and I can't wait to share my experiences with you all when I get back.

Nashville badass follows star-making 'Chief' LP with a dark, wild country epic

There’s so much great music coming out in February! I’m so excited because, literally every week there’s an awesome new album coming out. This week it was Eric Paslay debut album.

Paslay has been on your radio for quite some time, just not his voice.  He wrote hits like Jake Owen’s “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Angel Eyes” for Love & Theft, and “Even if It Breaks Your Heart” for Eli Young Band.  Those are just a few examples of what he’s capable of.

His single “Never Really Wanted” came out way back in 2011, giving us just a taste of the kind of material he wanted on his personal record.  That song, followed by “Friday Night,” made me really excited to get my hands on his full album.

I’ve been listening on and off since I picked it up yesterday morning, and here’s my opinion...

I think the album has several gems, but then there’s some that just fall short for me. I love that he still stands apart from the line of other mainstream country artists, who seem to be condoning a “Party, party, party. Let’s get wasted” attitude. His songs have more depth and variety in subject matter.

The album opens up with a killer track written by Eric, Skip Black, and Matt Nolen.  “Keep On Fallin’” has an instantly cool vibe that builds throughout the song and will have you dancing in your car.  Other songs like “Like A Song” and “Good With Wine” fall into the same feel-good category, but neither do as much for me as the first. Then there’s “Song About A Girl”...and I have to say I’m not a fan.  

His Southern background shines through on a couple tunes like “Here Comes Love” with a little bluegrass twang, and then we get an accurate picture of his idea Heaven in “Country Side of Heaven.”

My favorite tracks are usually the ones that play on real stories and emotions. They make you feel something or think...Wow, he/she went there. The same goes for Paslay’s album.

My favorite ballad is “She Don’t Love You,” which is a real story of love and loss. He broke her heart and she’s coping the only way she knows how, moving on. “You’ll never be her one and only, she don’t love you, she’s just lonely.”

Another great one is, “Less Than Whole.” A song written with Kenny Alphin, or as you may know him, Big Kenny. It a sort of gospel spin on it and is beautiful introspective story about how his life has been made whole from forgiveness.

Happy New Year Everyone!

I realize it's already into February, but I'm just now getting back into the swing of things after the crazy, awesome holiday season. I spent about a month total away from Nashville.  We traveled to my family's houses across TN & NC and then over to Alberta, Canada to spend New Years with Aaron's family.  

We eventually made it back to Nashville around January 17, but only after a canceled flight & and one eventful night in Chicago. We got back, a day late...our luggage even later, to a totally different apartment, with our stuff scattered everywhere.   

Yes, we just so happened to be one of the many victims flooding from frozen pipes. The sprinkler pipe, in our apartment, on the 7th floor, froze from the abnormally cold temperatures and then burst as it de-frosted, causing a flood throughout our entire side of the building.  After all was said and done, there was about 6 inches of standing water in our apartment.  

Thankfully, we have amazing friends who helped get our stuff from our old apartment to our new apartment, while we were away. Thanks, Andrew & Shannon!!

So upon returning, we had a million things to do to get the apartment organized (& still do); things to buy, things to claim, ect, ect.  All the while, life goes on and we have to get ready for Tristan Horncastle's visit.

Tristan is a Canadian Country artist, and good friend of Aaron's who came to stay with us for a couple of weeks. He just released his second single, "A Little Bit Of Alright," to Canadian radio and it is steadily climbing up the charts. If you haven't heard Tristan, you can check him out HERE. Or just go ahead and pick up "A Little Bit of Alright" From iTunes.

Tristan came to Nashville to finish recording the rest of his album, which is being co-produced by Aaron Goodvin & Bart Butler.

For those of you who don't know, Bart Butler also produced the Jon Pardi record I've been raving about since...before it even hit the store shelves!! So yeah, that's the quality of work we're dealing with here. Class A.

In the past week, Tristan, Aaron, & Bart have written a few last minute tunes, narrowed down the final song selection, laid down tracks in the studio, and sang vocals for them.  All that's left to do is harmonies and mixes. I can't wait to hear the final product!

Watching a record develop from start to finish is absolutely amazing! There's so much work that goes into it, but more importantly, it's really just a lot of fun!

Of course, I already knew that Aaron & Bart were goofballs, but I soon found out Tristan was one in the same.  Here's a glimpse of what it's like being in the studio with these three...