Kayla Woodson~ Green Bean Casserole!!

Hmm, well something most people don’t know about me is that I LOVE green beans! To me you can’t go wrong with a simple Green Bean Casserole! Here’s the recipe I use!

 

Ingredients:

2 cans (14.5 oz each) French-style green beans, drained

1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup

¼ cup of milk

1 can (2.8 oz) French-fried onions

 

Steps:

1.) Heat oven to 350°F. In 1 1/2-quart casserole or glass baking dish, mix green beans, soup and milk.

 

2.) Bake 20 to 25 minutes, topping with onions during last 5 minutes of baking, until bubbly.

Kayla: Q & A!!!

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  1. Hi Kayla, can you tell me a little about yourself before you became a musician?

 

Hi! Oh man, started it off with a hard one! You know I couldn’t tell you honestly. I’ve been singing since I was 4 years old, so it’s all I remember doing! I was singing before I even knew where I lived!

 

  1. How did you get into country music and how did you know you wanted a career in it?

 

I’ve always loved country music! From a young age my mom always had country music on the radio, and I enjoy that country music really can touch people! It creates a connection between music and simple, everyday life events that is so relatable and that can be described in so many different and beautiful ways!

 

  1. Who are some of your musical icons?

 

One of my absolute favorites is Dolly Parton. Along with her I would say, Loretta Lynn, Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood are definitely some as well! These are all women I grew up listening to and really helped to form my passion for this genre of music. On the other hand though, my dad loved 80’s Rock, so one of my favorite bands of all time is Journey!

 

  1. What is your favorite song off your debut EP “Kayla Woodson?”

 

They are all my favorite!! You know I always describe my songs as being like my kids. I love all of them, and they each have something to offer that makes them different from one another.

 

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

 

Pretty much everyone I listed as my icons in the other question! My big two would be Dolly Parton or Journey! But honestly, there’s so many others that I couldn’t count! I would pick Dolly because she is the ultimate example of someone who loves what they do while being a complete boss at it! She is one of my favorite singer/songwriters and it would be such an amazing experience to be able to sing some of her songs alongside her! With Journey, I grew up listening to their iconic songs, so I have always wanted to sing a song with them! Their music is just so much fun and Steve Perry has one of those amazing voices that you never get over!

 

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

 

Oh man! Hmm 5-10 years…I see myself touring a lot and playing more and more shows! Hopefully getting to visit a lot more new places!! My ultimate dream is to play at the Grand Ole Opry! So that’s always something I hope to see myself accomplishing in the next 5 to 10 years!

 

  1. Is there anything else coming up with your music for the rest of 2017?

 

Yes, I’ve got a couple little surprises up my sleeve! I will be releasing a new single around late summer / early fall that I’m super excited for everyone to hear!

 

  1. What is one accomplishment so far in your career that you are most proud about?

 

Releasing my sef-titled EP! I’m so proud of the EP, because it gave me a chance to actually express myself through my own original music. It is the first time I put out a body of work that was all a part of me! It makes me SO happy when people hear these songs and feel like they can connect to them!

 

  1. What is one of your favorite quotes?

 

“When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that there are a thousand reasons to smile.”

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Artist Spotlight~ Kayla Woodson!!!

c8f974_fbff70a3a19d438bb28a77ff119bc3e2~mv2_d_3600_3600_s_4_2.png_srz_379_379_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_png_srzWith musical origins in country, rock and soul, Kayla Woodson’s influences are Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Journey, Guns ‘N Roses, Dolly Parton and Carrie Underwood. Woodson has got the chance to play with Lady Antebellum and was also was talked about on The Bobby Bones Show. In 2015 it was the first time Woodson performed on the Hard Rock stage during CMA Music Festival. Also in 2015 she released her first single “Fan for the Flame.”

Woodson is from Waggaman, Louisiana. At the age of seven, she was the part of the Texas/Louisiana Opry circuit and by the age of ten she was fronting her own band and playing at parades, parties and festivals across the region. In 2004, she traveled to Italy to train at the Bocelli School of Music then later that year she traveled to Romania to represent the U.S. at the Golden Star Children’s International Talent Fest. At this festival she took 2nd place in the world. By the age of fifteen, Woodson was writing her own songs and released an album titled “I’m Movin’ On” which included four of her own songs. In fall 2012, she moved to Nashville to study at Belmont University.

Since moving to Music City, Woodson has taken the time to focus and develop more as a songwriter. She released her self-titled EP in April of 2016. The Kayla Woodson-EP is an assortment of five original songs, written or co-written by Woodson. If you would like to find out more about Kayla Woodson then check out her website www.kaylawoodson.com.

 

Social Media Accounts:

 

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Dixiedee’s Top 5 Songs of June 26, 2017!!

  1. Shelby Lynne & Alison Moorer “Not Dark Yet”: This song showcases a glimpse into the understanding for the first time and finally, after many years of trying to get it made, at the right time.
  2. Caroline Dare “Wish You Were Mine”: In this song Dare explains how a girl wishes this guy who she knows could be her and be more than friends.
  3. Kelsea Ballerini “Legends”: This song is mid-tempo country song that has many meanings too it. This song showcases heartbreak and to the journey and love she has for her fans.
  4. Little Big Town: “When Someone Stops Loving You”: In this song it takes charge at what it feels when love is gone but life keeps going forward.
  5. Lauren Duski “Déjà Vu”: This song is about personal events that had happened in Duski own life.

 

Music Videos:

Top 5 Favorite Songs of the Week: June 19, 2017!!!

  1. Alisan Porter “Deep Water”: This song is about having your own personal freedom and independent, but while at the same time you are letting someone else in your journey, and they are also finding themselves too.
  2. Kayla Calabrese “Me Time”: This song is a great song especially for a summer anthem for people to sing and dance along too. Calabrese is not afraid to be herself in this song and she also showcases her vocal range so beautifully.
  3. Tim Elliott “Start Pourin Whiskey On It”: This song sounds like it came out either in the late 90’s or early 2000’s. It is a mix between southern rock and country.
  4. Brandon Rhyder & Lori McKenna “They Need Each Other”: This song deals with the dynamics of a relationship and the different roles two people can play inside one.
  5. Rich O’Toole “Back to Back: This song tells the story of a couple who have just had a fight and like many, have gone to bed upset and not talking to one another. The man of the relationship knew he screw up and does not want to mad anymore at him. He wants to let her know how he much he care about her.

 

Music Videos:

Dixiedee’s Favorite Songs of 6/12/17!!!

  1. Hayley Orrantia “Give Me Back Sunday”: For up and coming country artist Hayley Orrantia, turned her feelings into a song was one way she was able to cope with leaving Texas at the young age of 19 and starting a new life in Los Angles. This is how she came up with her new single “Give Me Back Sunday.”
  2. Sons of the Palomino~ “Countryholic”: “Countryholic” is a 100% honky tonk kind of song that will make you want to sing along to each word of the song. The musicians who are apart of this song have helped to create an era in music that seems to not be popular for quite some time.
  3. Lucy Angel “Public Pool Party”: Summer is coming up shortly and just as the temperatures are getting warmer, Lucy Angel is returning with the perfect anthem, “Public Pool Party.” The single’s laid back sound and catchy melody are just the right mix to forget about the heat of the summer.
  4. Andrew Hyatt “She Ain’t You”: Hyatt recorded this song as an acoustic track, but in this verison he has a full band. It is also so easy to feel the emotion parts of this song. This song is also honest and many people who listen to it can relate to it. Hyatt gets really vulnerable on this song.
  5. Cody Johnson “With You I Am”: This sweet love son pays tribute to the woman in Johnson’s life who makes him just that much better.

 

Music Videos:

Cody Johnson “With You I Am”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHv-iLlZ66A

Nicole Rayy~ Blender Banana Dark Chocolate Muffins!!!

“I love food. I am always trying new recipes and new ways of eating. I have a big sweet tooth but I like to be healthy so this is one recipe I make a lot. I even baked these tasty healthy muffins when I went on radio tour and brought them to all the stations” :)~ Nicole Rayy

Blender Banana Dark Chocolate Muffins

Yield: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:
2 cups oats (quick cooking or old fashioned)
2 large very ripe bananas
2 large eggs
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 to 3 tablespoons honey*
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup mix-ins: dark chocolate chips (mini or regular)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a 12-cup standard muffin tin or line with paper liners. If using liners, lightly grease them as well. Set aside.
Place the all ingredients but the mix-ins in a blender or the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade: oats, bananas, eggs, Greek yogurt, honey, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend or process on high, stopping to scrape down and stir the ingredients once or twice as needed, until the batter is smooth and the oats have broken down almost completely, about 3 minutes. By hand, stir in the mix-ins. If the batter is warm from the appliance’s motor, the chocolate chips may melt and swirl as they are stirred. If this bothers you, let the batter cool for 10 minutes before adding them.
Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each no more than three-quarters of the way to the top. Sprinkle with additional chocolate chips as desired. Bake for 15 minutes, until the tops of the muffins are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Place the pan on a wire rack and let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes. They will deflate but still taste delicious. Remove from the pan and enjoy!
*Feel free to adjust the honey to your preferred sweetness.
Store leftover muffins according to my guide, How to Store Muffins, or wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months.

Recipe adapted from Running with Spoons.

Nicole Rayy~ Q & A!!!

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1.     Hi Nicole, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a musician?

Well even before I pursued being a singer full time I was always very musical. My mom told me I used to make up songs as a baby before I could talk. In school, I was that girl that was involved in all the school musicals and choirs. Even when I went off to University I spent my time singing in the dorm for my friends instead of writing essays. Music has always been my happy place.

2.     How did you get into country music and how did you know you wanted a career in it?

I always knew I wanted a career in music but I grew up listening to all genres of music not just country. I always admired the story telling aspect of country music. I liked that country songs were always honest and told real stories about people’s lives. That’s what I try to do with my songs too. My songs are always stories about real life and experiences I am going through. I think that’s why I got into country music. That being said, I love being able to pull elements from pop and rock to put into my music too.

3.     What is the story behind your latest single “Fireproof?

Fireproof is such an important song to me. It’s a song with what I think is a really great message. It talks about being hurt by someone but rising above it. I think that’s a message we all need more of, something we can all relate to. We all go through hard times in our lives and it can be so easy to get down on ourselves. With this song I am trying to spread the message that we can all make it through anything life throws at us. We are all strong, we are all capable, we are all worthy and we are all Fireproof.

4.     Who are some of your musical icons?
The list is so long! I could take up a whole page talking about artists I love, look up to and admire. I grew up listening to everything from country to rap. In country, I love artists from Shania Twain to Miranda Lambert, from Jonny Cash to Taylor Swift. I also love artists like Kelly Clarkson, Regina Spektor and Ingrid Michaelson. I’m a huge Linkin Park fan and I’ve always loved Eminem. The list really go could on forever 🙂

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

Making even better music! This career path isn’t always an easy one, there will always be setbacks or creative slumps, or plenty of people that don’t like what you’re doing. I hope in 5 to 10 years to be making even better music then I am now. I always want to grow as an artist and continue to reach people with my music. If in 5 years from now I am making great music that truly resonates with people’s lives and I can support myself, then I will be happy.

6.     If you could sing a duet with a famous singer or group who it would be and why?

Another tough one because there a ton of artists and bands I’d love the get the opportunity to perform with. I was just talking with my mom recently on how cool it would be to perform with Linkin Park. They have been one of my favourite bands ever since I was a kid. They have some amazing lyrics! I think it would be pretty amazing to have a crossover in genres and perform together!

7.     Is there anything else coming up with your music for 2017?

It’s looking like a great summer! I am heading out to Calgary for a performance during Stampede week and I am really looking forward to performing at Manitoulin Country Fest in August. I am also heading back to Shanghai, China to perform at the World Music Festival for the third time this October!

8.     What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of so far that happened in your music career?

Well speaking of China, that has got to be one of the coolest highlights of my career so far. I’ve had the opportunity now to perform at The World Music Festival in Shanghai and I am heading back for a third time this year. I think I am most proud though when my music really touches someone’s life. Anytime I get a message from someone or someone comes up to me after a show to tell me that a certain song I wrote has really moved them or helped them get through something in their life, those are truly the best moments! That’s always been my goal with my music is to reach people. Anytime I accomplish that I am pretty proud.

9. What is one of your favorite quotes?

“We accept the love we think we deserve”

I’ve always loved this one too… “Music is life. That’s why our hearts have beats.”

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Nicole Rayy~ Artist Spotlight!!!

Nicole Rayy Photo Credit Ian McCausland_0

Canadian Country singer/songwriter and pianist Nicole Rayy is a lively and strong force of musical talent. Since Rayy began writing music when she was a teenager, the core of Rayy’s music has always been, first and primary, to showcase herself as being as honest as possible.

Rayy first came on the Canadian Country Music Scene in 2012 with the release of her debut EP “Only Everything.” She recorded this EP with award-winning musician, composer and producer Lance Anderson of Cherry Beach Sound and enlisted well-known country guitarist and CCMA Hall of Fame recipient, Wendell Ferguson. “Only Everything” was a strong debut for Rayy, and it showcased the various range of emotion and vocal range throughout each song. Many Country Music Association of Ontario Award nominations had invited Rayy to perform at different festivals and venues. She has also got the chance to opened up for country music artists like Aaron Princhett and also toured across the nation and been apart of known events such as Maintoulin Country Fest, The Calgary Stampede. Rayy has also got the chance to be apart of the Canadian Country Music Week, with other country artists like Alee, Genevieve Fisher and Raquel Cole. Rayy has also got the honor to perform at the World Music Festival in Shanghai, China.

Rayy’s latest album “Dig” was produced at Noble Street Studio in Toronto, where many other well-known artists has work there. It was released in Fall 2016 and the album continues in the theme of inflexible honesty and tests listeners, as well as Rayy to dig deep down to the expressive core of themselves.

Rayy feels great on stage or in a recording studio and will never stage put in one place for a long time. She enjoys learning new things and she will always keep on writing and singing. If you enjoy Rayy’s music then check out her newest single “Fireproof” which is available on Spotify and iTunes. If you would like to find out more about Nicole Rayy then go take a look at www.nicolerayy.com.

 

Social Media Accounts:

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