Dixiedee’s Country Christmas Hoedown Playlist 2016!!

Hello,

It is finally the Holidays, I am happy to be sharing with you guys some of my top favorite country Christmas songs.

So if you get chance please checkout my “Dixiedee’s Country Christmas Hoedown Playlist 2016~ on Spotify. If you have suggestions to add please tell me. Hope all you have a great Holiday Season with your family and friends.

 

Love

Dixie Dee

Liz Anne Hill~ Q & A!!!

 

1.     Hello Liz, could you tell me a little about yourself before you became a country singer?
 
Well hi there Danaille! I’d be happy to. 🙂 I grew up in the town of Tustin, CA, about fifteen minutes from Disneyland.  Everyone in my immediate family sings and plays instruments, so I grew up surrounded by music. From my very early teens and through my early 20’s, I worked at a barn, starting as a stall mucker (aka poop scooper), and eventually working my way up to trail guide and lesson instructor. Even though I grew up in the city, so to say, I  always related to country songs that talk about dirt under your nails and hay in your hair haha. I always preferred being at the barn over going to the beach. I couldn’t deny where my heart belonged. 
 
I wasn’t a very outgoing or popular kid in school- I had some great friends, but I was more interested in playing music and in my studies than trying to be a “cool kid”.  It must have paid off, haha, because I ended up graduating from college a year early so I could purse music. 
 
2.     How did you get into the country music industry?
 
I always listened to country music as a child- I grew up on Shania Twain, Reba, Faith Hill, The Dixie Chicks, there was something really special about that era for country.  Admittedly, I was (and still am) a fan of many different styles of music, and when I began to write and perform, I initially saw myself as more of a rock/pop-rock artist.  However, a few years ago, my dad started showing me some tunes he had been writing on guitar that he envisioned as rock songs, but they sounded undeniably country to me. We started writing together, and cranked out and handful of songs with the hopes of sending the songs to a country publishing house.  
 
Not long after writing those songs however, I ended up getting signed to a pop record deal with an independent label, and I put the country songs on the shelf. I had some Billboard success with a few EDM remixes of my pop songs, but my heart really wasn’t in it. I grew up listening to songs with live instruments, I love the way a real drum kit sounds… how it makes the music feel.  While I appreciate and respect pop/EDM music, it wasn’t the right fit for me, and the label and I amicably parted ways. Although I was initially sad when my pop deal ended, I soon realized it was  a relief- pop music wasn’t my authentic self, and in a way, I think audiences can sense that.  So, after a little soul-searching (and lots of rides on my horse to clear my head), I dusted off my boots, went back to the country songs my dad and I had written, wrote a couple more, and recorded my album. 
 
3.     Who are some of your musical icons?
 
Other than the ladies I mentioned before, I’ve always been incredibly inspired by Dolly Parton.  Her vision as an artist, businesswoman, and philanthropist has always amazed me, but more than anything, her humility and poise is astounding. I’ve always admired her greatly, and I hope to one day be able to express my appreciation for her in person. 🙂
 
4.     If you were not a singer what do you think your career would be?
 
To be honest, I can’t see myself doing anything else. Horses are a lifelong passion of mine, but even when I worked full-time with horses, I felt like something was missing. I loved my work, I love the animals, I loved my students, but there’s something in me that needs to sing, to write, to perform, to connect with people in a way only music can. I tried denying it for a while and dove deeper into my work, but when something like that is a true part of your being, you can only try to shove it in a corner for so long haha… I know who I am and what I want to do, and I’ve really got no choice other than to pour myself into music as best as I know how! 
 
5.     If you could do a duet with a singer or group who would it be and why?
 
You know, I have had a song idea for a little while, and I’m not done with it yet so I can’t say what it is haha, but I envision it as a duet with Reba and a couple other red-haired country singers. 🙂
 
6.     What is one of you all time favorite songs you ever recorded and played?
 
Wow, that’s a great question! To be honest, I have a special connection with all of the songs that I’ve recorded for this album, because they are all reflections of my own life. However, I have a really special connection with “Head in the Clouds” and “I Will See You Again”.  
 
I wrote “Head in the Clouds” while I was living in Los Angeles, in more or less a state of desperation not knowing what was happening with my music career. It’s an honest reflection of this slightly-scattered, rather dysfunctional yet optimistic way my brain works. I wrote it in the wee hours of the morning, sitting in my car parked on the side of the road. Even though it’s a happy song, it actually chokes me up every time I hear it, because I know it came when I was in a rather dark place, looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. I think everybody has those moments where deep down, you know it’s gonna be all right, you’re just not exactly sure how. 
 
“I Will See You Again” was a song I wrote for a dear friend’s funeral after her sudden passing. When her husband called and asked me to sing at the service, I knew I had to write her a song- she was one of the most supportive people in my life and always encouraged my music, writing her a song seemed like the best way to honor her.  That song will always be special because of her. 
 
7.     Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years in your career?
 
If all goes according to plan, in five years I’ll have had a few great tours under my belt supporting some artists I admire, with a shelf full of CMA’s, ACMA’s, Grammy’s and whatnot… I’d like to use music as a platform to start a foundation that’s both an animal sanctuary/working farm where at-risk youth and other groups can go for camps/retreats, work with the animals and receive counseling and healing. I know it may sound silly but I’ve got it all dreamed up in my head!  Maybe in ten years the foundation will be up, I’ll be five or seven albums into a lifelong career. I don’t ever see myself stopping music. It fuels me, and my other passions stem from it. 
 
8.     What is one of your biggest accomplishments that you are most proud so far in your career?
 
I’m relatively new in my career in country music, and even though I’ve had some successes previously in pop/rock and EDM, I am more proud of the songs I’ve written for this album than anything I’ve ever written before. There’s a saying, “it’s all about the song”, and I really believe it’s true. I’ve had songs placed in movies, on radio, and even on the Billboard charts, but this batch of new songs feels like a piece of my heart. We wrapped up recording last night and I’m on cloud 9. 🙂
 
9.     Do you have any new things coming up in your music career for the rest of 2016 or 2017?
 
I’m hoping to build my fan base, and possibly see about partnering with a label to release my album. I feel like time is of the essence and I just want to get going already haha! I’ve been in contact with a few festivals and I’m in talks with them about performing, but no solid dates yet. 
 
10. What do you like to do in your free time?
 
I visit the barn just about every single day to see my horse Cairo.  He’s totally an all-purpose horse, one week we will be competing at a jumper show and a week later we can be out at my friend’s ranch sorting cattle. I love that he’s a rescue/mutt but can hold his own with some really fancy horses haha.  With music being so busy right now, we mostly been just pleasure riding and hanging out lately. He’s such a clown, I love spending time with him. I also enjoy painting, working out, being outdoors, quality time with my friends, and eating. I really like eating haha. 
 
 
11. What is your top 5 favorite songs that you could listened to every day?
 
Don’t laugh… my morning “pump up” song is “Wait For It” from the Hamilton soundtrack.  The other four in no particular order: “Run” – George strait, “Fire Away” – Chris Stapleton 
“Something Worth Loving Me Back” – Leanne Womack and bros Osborne, and “Little Sparrow” – Dolly Parton. 
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Liz Anne Hill: Artist Spotlight!!!

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Throughout the years country music has been marked with talented redheads with wonderful voices. These redheaded legends include Wynona Judd, Reba McEntire, and Martina Mcbride who all have memorized generations of music fans with their remarkable hit songs. Following this red hair trail of talent is Liz Hill Anne. Hill is ready to join the ranks of these great singers.

Hill’s journey to find her own voice has helped her through strange, unpleasant and unexpected situations. She shares that her songs are like an open book and express different types of feeling. Hill tells the story about her sister’s battle with lymphoma in her song “This is Not a Test.” In her song “No Place Like Home,” she shows her sassy-side as she explains a terrible personal relationship. My favorite song of Hill’s is a beloved ballad called “I Will See You Again,” a eulogy for her close friend that passed away.

If you would like to find out more about Liz Anne Hill check out her website www.lizannehill.com/tag/lizzannehill/. Also if you want to listen to some of her music then check out her songs on https://soundcloud.com/lizannehill.

 

Social Media Accounts:

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizAnneHill?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizannehill/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizAnneHillMusic/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thislovelife

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Austin Burke~ Q & A!!!

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  1. Hi Austin, can you tell me a little bit about yourself, before you became a country singer?

Before I was a country singer I was a big baseball player. I played baseball from the age of 5 all the way through one year of college. I loved baseball and still do today. I weirdly find small correlations between being a baseball player and being a musician. Work ethic, being on a stage where everyone is watching, and allowing myself to be coached are all things I’ve learned from baseball.

  1. When did you know you wanted to become a country singer?

I knew I wanted to be a country singer when I walked out onto the baseball field and didn’t love it anymore. All I wanted to do was go home, plug my guitar in and play music. I sang the national anthem for every sporting event in Arizona by the age of 5 and was also on the Rosie O’ Donnel show twice at a young age, so Music was in my blood. However, it wasn’t until that day in college that I considered making music a career.

  1. Who are some of your musical icons?

I have a lot of icons in music, but my biggest hero is Garth Brooks. I have listened and danced to his music since I was able to walk. When I was younger I loved the sound of his music, but as I get older I appreciate the lyricism and stories in his music. I also love Garth’s ability to entertain. I’ve mimicked Garth’s moves since I was 3 years old and study concerts of his like a quarterback would study game tape. With all that said about Garth, I am also a huge fan of artists like The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Toby Keith, Johnny Cash, Bon Jovi, and Sublime. I have a very wide spectrum of musical taste.

  1. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years with your music?

In the next 5-10 years I see myself having a career in music and being able to tour the world. I see many number 1 songs and a couple of entertainer of the year awards. I think it’s important to reach for the top because I want to be the best at whatever I do. That’s the baseball player in me speaking. I don’t want these next 10 years to go by fast but I know they will. With that said I want to enjoy these next 10 years and never take a moment for granted.

  1. If you could do a duet with a singer or group who would it be and why?

If I could write a duet I would love to write one with Sam Hunt. I think Sam is one of the best writers in Country Music right now and brings a style that many can’t imitate. He is so fresh and is allowing different genres to form within country music. He truly is a trailblazer and I would love to have the opportunity to write with him. I recently got a song of his that he wrote with Will Rambeaux and Sherrie Austin and I am so excited to have it on my upcoming album.

  1. Is there anything new coming up in your career? 2016? 2017?

In 2017 I am going on a Sorority Tour. I’m super excited about this! I will be hitting 10-15 sororities mostly in the southeast. Be on the lookout for a sorority near you!

  1. What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of so for in music career?

So far I am extremely proud of the team that I have formed. In music it’s just like sports, you’re only as strong as your weakest player. I have the most incredible people around me that support me and keep me grounded. They tell me to go left instead of right and when they ask me to jump I say how high. I am currently with an artist development company called Go-Long Entertainment and they are truly the best in the business. This run by some of the smartest people I know and they all are the best at what they do.

  1. If you had to give advice to an up and coming country artist what would you tell them?

The biggest advice I have for up and coming Country artists is to stay humble. “Nashville is an extremely small town when it comes to the music industry and people don’t tolerate negative attitudes/behaviors.”

  1. What is one of your favorite quotes?

One of my favorite quotes is something my grandpa told my dad and something my dad now tells me. It’s very simple but it is more than a couple words, it’s a lifestyle. My dad tells me, “Austin, you’re a winner.” It makes me proud to hear him say that, and it helps me continue to work hard. I want to make everyone that knows me proud and when I’m gone I want to be remembered as someone who brought a smile to everyone I met

Austin Burke: Spotlight!!!

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Austin Burke grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. Burke was a big country music fan and began singing as a toddler. At the age of 3, he sang the national anthem for both the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks. He also got to meet his hero, Garth Brooks, at a San Diego Padres spring training game. Burke even won a spot singing “Friends in Low Places” on the Rosie O’Donnell show.

In 2008, Austin was on track to play college baseball in Arizona when his family moved to San Diego. After one year of playing college baseball he suffered from a rib injury. During his recovery, Austin realized he was happiest when performing country music and soon after he was headed to Nashville to make his dreams come true.

Burke is currently singing at writer’s nights and playing at local honky-tonks. His newest single “Sleepin Around” came out on November 11, 2016 and is available on Spotify and iTunes.

 

Social Media Accounts:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinburkemusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theburkekid

Website: www.austinburkemusic.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theburkekid

 

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Katie Dix Q & A!!!

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1. Hi Katie, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country artist?
Before I became a country artist? Well, I think it’s alway been in my veins being originally from Bakersfield. We had a lot of musical theater, so I did that until I was 18, then I finished school and started working with deaf children with the City School District. I loved working with children, I just knew i had to make music for the rest of my life.
2. Who are some of your musical icons?
I really love country music from the 90s. Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, and Reba Mcentire. Those women have all had successful and long careers. I hope I can continue to make music that people will still be singing twenty years later!
3. If you were not a singer what do you think your career would have been?
Teaching was really fun, I really loved being in the classroom. But, there is something about the stage and entertainment that gets me out of bed every morning. If I wasn’t on stage, I’d probably be doing something behind the scenes, producing shows, editing, etc., I find all that fascinating.
4. Is there anything new coming up in your career? 2016? 2017?
I’m working on two new songs at this very moment and expect to release a music video early next year. I always get excited when going into the studio.
5. If you could do a duet with a singer or group who would it be and why?
I would say Little Big Town and Rascal Flats because I LOVE their harmonies. Or Maren Morris, she is so beautiful and soulful.
6. Where do you see yourself in the 5 to 10 years in your career?
Still making music, touring, and becoming a better guitar player. I wish they made smaller guitar’s…I have such tiny hands! lol
7. What do you like to do in your free time?
I love going on adventures. Anytime I can, I travel or I’ll look up activities in town and go have a blast. I find it hard to sit still. It’s so strange when I hear people say they are “bored”. Theres a bazillion things to discover!
8. What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of so far in your career?
I think it’s being able to be a full time musician. People ask what I do for a living and that’s what I get to tell them. That’s what I set out to do and I get to do it everyday.
9. What is one of your favorite songs that you ever recorded?
I have a song called “Broken”. It has a special place in my heart because its the first song I ever recorded. Several years ago a friend and I had an idea and we recorded the song on the spot in a bathroom of an apartment. The acoustics were amazing, lol. I think it came out great!
10. What is one of your favorite quotes?
My favorite quote? “Listen, smile, agree, and then do whatever the f*#@ you were gonna do anyway.” – Robert Downey Jr.
11. If you had to give advice to an up and coming musician what would you tell them?
I would tell them to surround themselves with people who they look up to. Artists who are doing what they want to do. They will leave feeling, connected, inspired and energized. People who support and understand what your doing for a living is such an amazing feeling!

Katie Dix~ Artist Spotlight!!!

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Katie Dix was born in Bakersfield, California. Her longing for being on stage began when she was a small child. She is known in her hometown for performing lead roles and vocals in many musical theater productions, contests and shows.

Katie was introduced to country music by famous singer Buck Owens. When Buck became aware of her talent, he showcased her at his Crystal Palace stage. Buck’s mentoring has encouraged Katie to pursue a full-time job in the entertainment industry. After Buck’s passing, Katie moved to Las Vegas where she established herself as a singer with wonderful stage presence. She was then chosen to be the lead singer of a country band known as The Moronix. From there she was recruited by ENVY, a top 40’s dance band. In addition to singing with different bands, Katie was also invited to join the American Superstars cast at the Stratosphere as a tribute artist. It was there that she showcased her singing, dancing and acting skills. When American Superstars ended, Katie began singing at Mastros Steakhouse and Ocean Club in Vegas. After living in Las Vegas, Katie decided it was time to move to Los Angeles.

Katie has gained exposure within country music by making regular visits to Nashville working with industry songwriters. There are many more opportunities coming up for Katie, so be sure to checkout her website for updates: www.katiedix.com. Her singles “Don’t Count the Stars” and “The Break In” are available on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.

I was lucky enough to see Katie play at a Boots on Stage showcase in September at the Hotel Café, she did a great set and cannot wait to see what the future has in store for her.

 

Social Media Accounts:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiedixmusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatieDixMusic?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieDixMusic?ref=br_rs

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkcm5QqrPhaAguAK_tGrBLg

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My Top 5 Favorite Songs~ Nov 21, 2016

  1. Danielle Bradbery~ “Sway”: Danielle Bradbery has released a single titled “Sway.” This song has a bit of R & B flare to it and whole lot of soul as well. Bradbery co-wrote this song.
  2. Garth Brooks~ “Baby, Let’s Lay Down and Dance”: “Baby, Let’s Lay Down and Dance,” is an upbeat country song with many southern rock-inspired guitar sounds. Brooks co-wrote this song, and it is the first single from his yet to be new album.
  3. Aaron Watson~ “Outta Style”: “Outta Style” is a clear country song with just the right amount of awareness. This new single is a love song about 2 people and how some people thought they would not stick together and break after awhile. This song is not so serious, but it is a song that many people can sing along too.
  4. Jamie Kent~ “All American Mutt”: On “All American Mutt”, Kent showcases the differences that keep us unique and the song has a easy going guitar and banjo sound to it.
  5. Hudson Moore~ “Might As Well”: “Might As Well” is a radio ready anthem that snitches up on you with strong instrumental pulse, before ending it’s with a mark of a wonderful guitar solo.

 

Music Videos of each TOP 5:

 

Dixiedee’s 2016 Holiday Gift Ideas!!

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~ Here are some of my favorite things that I am into right now, each item would be a great gift for someone for the upcoming holidays… Hope you like each item and can maybe purchase it for yourself or for someone you know!! ~ Happy Holidays: Love DD

 

 

  1. Walletbuckle: Gold Crystal Wallet Buckle
  2. City Roots in Boots: If Found Gray Muscle Tank
  3. Draper James: Oh My Stars Iphone Case
  4. Puppies Makes Me Happy: Black on Black Extendo Series Shirt
  5. Kacey Musgraves: A Very Kacey Christmas Album
  6. Miranda Lambert: The Weight of These Wings
  7. Grace and Lace: Lace Topped Bootie Socks
  8. Lip Balm: Wild Huckleberry
  9. Lucchese: Golden Arrow Boots
  10. Kittenish: Iphone Case
  11. Kittenish: Bandanas
  12. TumbleRoot: Bullet Stud Earrings
  13. See’s Candies: Apple Pie Truffle
  14. Magnolia: Black Magnolia Canvas Tote
  15. Tiffany & CO: Mini Heart Tag Earrings
  16. Woodies: Full Frame Zebra Wood Wayfarer Sunglasses
  17. MVMT: Santa Monica Boulevard Series Watch
  18. License To Boot: Holiday Bundle~ Better in Boots Tank and 90’s Country Dusty Rose Signature Tank
  19. Cleobella: Mexicana Painted Wallet
  20. San Pasqual Winery: Summer Vine “Roselle” Passionfruit Wine
  21. The Chew: An Essential Guide to Cooking and Entertaining
  22. KitchenAid: Artisan Stand Mixer Cranberry
  23. Whiskey Riff: Trisha, Shania and Reba T-Shirt
  24. Roper: Women’s Fringe Western Boots
  25. Too Faced: Country Nashville Nudes Eye Shadow Collection