Chris Gagnon~ Q & A!!!

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1.     Hi Chris, can you tell me a little bit about yourself and how you got into country music?
Hey! So as far as country music goes it was something that kinda found me, and not the other way around. Growing up my biggest influence in music was my grandfather. Because of him i have a very diverse taste in music. We used to sit around all day and listen to everything from The Rolling Stones, to Bob Dylan, to Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the list goes on and on. With Country i was always inspired by Merle Haggard, George Straight, Johnny Cash, Reba, Brooks and Dunn, and once again the list goes on forever. Still to this day i listen to everything from 2Pac to Hoizer and everything in between. When i first started writing i had a lot of influences but really found myself connecting with country music during my early college years at UCR. Back before “The Barn” closed down, i used to play an open mic there regularly and it was such a melting pot it really helped me develop as an artist. From very early on i really connected with the idea of “California Country” and have associated myself with it heavily because i feel it is so fitting. It is country music, but its so much more than that. There is an infancy to it that i have always loved. It is so unique and really is a feeling that you experience which makes it difficult to explain. As far as myself, i like to think of myself as a pretty down to earth guy. I am from Hesperia California which is a desert city you pass on the way to vegas. I have always been very outgoing and love to have a good time. If you asked my friends what they thought of me there would be countless stories of how i am always doing something crazy. Im the guy that walks through the grocery store singing “Check yes or no” at the top of my lungs while everyone looks at me funny. I have a very honest perspective on life and have really been through so many tough times, that i always try to appreciate every moment i have. I am in my last quarter of nursing school at Loma Linda University to become an RN which is super exciting. I have always had intellectual aspirations and although difficult at times, i have struck a beautiful balance in life. I am the kind of person that tries to learn everything i can about things i get interested in which means i have lots of random talents, like solving a Rubix cube for instance. I love to fish, I do woodworking, I love freestyle BMX, and most of all i love writing songs. Growing up life was pretty tough for me, and songwriting became my own personal therapy. Music in general helped me get through so many difficult times in my life and it will always be the biggest part of me. Over the last few years i have really begun to immerse myself in country music and it has led to some of the most amazing memories i have had in my life. Whether it was rocking out with Jacob Bryant, hanging with Lindsay Ell and Caleche Ryder, to playing my very first Boots on Stage event, Country music is a big loving family and i feel so blessed to be a part of it. Everyone is so supportive and i really feel so honored to be a part of the genre in the years to come.
2.     How did you know you wanted a career in country music?
To be honest i never really thought that a career in country music was something that was even in the cards for me. For so many years i kept to myself and just played and wrote songs. Music and songwriting was always such a personal thing for me i found it really difficult to share that side of myself with others. As a songwriter sharing music is like the ultimate vulnerability. It wasn’t until college that i really started coming out of my shell. I summoned the confidence to start doing some open mics and small music things that came up, and as people began to respond to my music it really showed me that this might be something i could actually do. A few years back i was lucky enough to get selected and audition for Americas Got Talent in LA at the Dolby Theatre. I remember standing on the stage in front of Howie, Heidi, Mel B, and Howard Stern along with 3,000 eager faces cheering me on. As i began to play it was like something inside of me just clicked and i knew that was exactly where i wanted to be. Although i did not get selected to continue in the show, it was such an awesome experience. After Americas Got Talent i basically just never stopped chasing the dream. I started working with Nick Dicarlo over at Dicarlo Productions in Rancho CA. We sat down, got a plan together and started working on my EP. We released my single “Lay You Down” which did super well and really got me going down such a positive path. He was the first one in the industry to really understand my dream, and he believed in me enough to help make it a reality. Since then i was able to headline The Glass House, I opened for Jacob Bryant, and I even got to hear my song “What I Do” blast out of the radio on 95.1 KFROG. Recently I played with Boots on Stage for the August Showcase with some of the most amazing artists (Courtney Cole, Golden West, Christopher Roland, Truxton mile). I remember standing out in the crowd last year watching Lindsay Ell, Caleche Ryder, Tim Hurley, and Sophia Scott play thinking to myself how amazing it would be to get to that place musically. The Hotel Cafe was such an awesome experience for me, and really solidified my desire to pursue a career in country music. Its honestly so crazy to reflect on everything that has transpired musically and I cant begin to thank Ricky Abramson and Boots On Stage enough for having me out. This last year has been so amazing musically and i am constantly thankful because its such a beautiful ride. Im here to stay and in the years to come i hope to continue advancing myself as a country artist.
3.     Who are some of your musical icons?
In terms of musical icons the list could really go on forever. If i were to select a few people in country music that i really feel had the biggest impact early on i would have to say it would be Kip Moore and Eric Church. The first concert i ever went to was to see Eric Church, Kip Moore, and Justin Moore play at the Honda Center in Anaheim. I stood there surrounded by thousands of people and we all sang “Springsteen” at the top of our lungs while the whole place just erupted in a roar. It was transcendent to be completely honest. I have always loved Kip Moore because i think he is one of the realist artists. He sticks to his guns and is an amazing songwriter. I remember watching an interview with him and he talked about how when he played early on at bars even if only 1 or 2 people listened to his music he knew he was chasing the dream and getting his message across. To me there is such an honesty in that i have always appreciated so much. I try and carry that over into my own music and always stay true to myself and what i do.
4.     Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years with your music?
To be completely honest i really don’t know. Its hard to say. Life is so crazy and anything can happen. I remember watching Tyler Rich on youtube before he hit it and went on tour with Justin Moore, and look where he is now. As a member of the country industry i follow so many artists and it is so wonderful to see all of the progress being made. An ideal situation for me would be to establish myself enough to get picked up for a tour. Even if nothing more came from it that would be a dream come true. You see the thing is, i’m not doing this because i want fame, or a record deal or anything. If those things came along i would be so grateful, but i really just play because i love what i do. I love music and it is such a part of who i am that i don’t see my life going any other way. 10 years from now i hope i can look back on all of the amazing memories i made and just feel good knowing i was doing what i loved.
5.     Is there anything else coming up with your music for 2017?
For 2017 i am definitely in the works for several things. I learned with music, and with life in general, that we only regret the things we didn’t do. I am always taking risks, and chasing new opportunities i never thought i would. This last month i was invited to audition for this season of The Voice which was a super awesome experience. I recently released my EP “Young Tonight” that can be heard on Itunes, Apple Music, And Spotify. I am adding show dates to my calendar and constantly writing and working on new things. Basically just chasing the dream, finishing school, and making the most out of every minute.
6.     If you could sing a duet with a famous singer or group who would it be and why?
If i could sing a duet with someone i would definitely say it would have to be Kelsea Ballerini. I am such a big fan of hers. Me and my buddies always joke about who the other one “fan girls” over, and she is definitely mine. Since she first came on the scene i was just loving the music, and aside from her popular radio hits, she is a phenomenal song writer. Look up “The First Time” acoustic with Song Suffragettes, perfect example of emotion and honesty in songwriting. I think we would do justice to “Somethin outta nothin” by Brett Young if we were doing a cover together but honestly i would be beyond stoked if i even just got to meet her. Even with my own showsI don’t play very much cover music, but for some of our sets my band and i have incorporated versions of her songs because i’m such a fan.
7.     What is one of your favorite quotes?
“To thy own self be true” -Shakespeare
8.     What is your favorite song that you ever recorded?
My favorite song i ever recorded is one that i’ve never released. As a songwriter I write music for myself a lot of the time. Many of my songs are almost like a musical journal that speak to who i am, and different things i was going through at various points in my life. As far as released music i would say “Talkin To me” off of my EP is definitely one of my favorites. We had so much fun recording it, and if you come watch us live, you will definitely understand why.

Chris Gagnon~ Artist Spotlight!!!

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Chris Gagnon is a Southern California native singer/songwriter from Hesperia, CA. As a child Gagnon began writing his own music as a way to deal with the issues he was dealing in his life. Some issues he was dealing with were falling in love to losing his father. Gagnon’s music comes from humble place and showcases years of experience and love for music. Rock roots with countryside define Gagnon; he has been influenced by many different kinds of music.

He has also competed on “America’s Got Talent in 2013. Gagnon is also attending Loma Linda University to be a RN. In 2013 Gagnon also put out his first EP out “Young Tonight” on September 22, 2017. If you would like to find out more about Chris Gagnon then check out his website https://www.cg-official.com.

 

Social Media Accounts:

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Haley Mae Campbell Q & A!!!

 

Haley Mae Campbell.jpg1.     Hi Haley, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became country singer?

I grew up with a musical theater background, and it wasn’t until about the age of 14 when I started writing my own songs. From there, my style of writing fell into country pretty naturally. I love the idea of telling a story through a song, and I think country music does that best.

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

It’s funny because at first, I fought so hard against the idea of being “country”. I had a very specific stereotype of it in my head that was completely out of line. But as I kept writing, playing shows, and growing as an artist, I found my niche. After playing shows with local country stations and seeing the fans respond, I knew I was where I was meant to be.

3.     Who are some of your musical icons?

Right now some of my favorites are Liz Longley, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Devin Dawson. All time favorites would have to be John Mayer and Bruno Mars.

4.     What has been one of your favorite songs to record?

I would say that “Oughta Be,” which is a new song for my upcoming EP, has been my favorite to record so far. It was the first time I recorded a song with my current band, and it just came together exactly how I envisioned it.

5.     Is there anything new coming up with your music for the rest of 2017?

I am planning to release a new single and EP by the end of the year. So stay tuned for that!

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

Hopefully performing on stage, on tour, making people smile. Performing live is absolutely my favorite thing in the world, so I hope I get to keep doing that for a long time.

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

I would have to say John Mayer or Bruno Mars. Both are huge inspirations to me, and I think I could learn a lot from them. Plus it would just be the most surreal moment of my life!

8.     What is one of your favorite quotes?

“Though she be but little, she is fierce!” – Shakespeare

Haha!

9.  Is there anything else you would like to share?

I hope that fans can connect with my music and relate to my messages. I truly believe music will save the world.

5xLUFA9s

Haley Mae Campbell “Artist Spotlight”!!!

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Country singer/songwriter Haley Mae Campbell was raised in Charleston, SC. Campbell has been of fan music and performing arts since she was a child. After recording at Cupit Studios in Nashville, Campbell put out her first album, “Hugs & Disses,” at the Charleston Music Farm in February 2015. After putting out her first album, she landed many gigs such as writing and singing a Monday promotional music video with the Charleston RiverDogs, opening up for country singer Sheryl Crow at the 9th Annual First Flush Festival and also being a opening act for country singers/groups like Love & Theft, Luke Combs, Tyler Farr, Lauren Alaina and Brothers Osborne. Next, Campbell and her band, The Hardware, went on their first tour of the East coast. They performed everywhere from Orlando to New York City. The tour was called the “Hugs & Disses Tour” and this tour marks first of many things for Campbell’s music career.

Campbell newest EP, “Phone Home,” shows how much Campbell grew from her first EP. This five-track album, was co-written with drummer Ben Sewell, and was recorded at Truphonic Studios in Charleston, SC and was engineered by Joey Cox. “Evergreen,” was the last song on the track list and was first written for this EP. Radio station 105.5 the Bridge started playing songs from this EP. The title track and first single from this album “Phone Home,” is a fan favorite. The EP also has a folk/rock sound to it and has awesome lyrics and reminiscent melodies, which makes this EP a new development for Campbell’s career.

At the end of 2016, Campbell won both “Female Singer/Songwriter of the Year from i93.7 Local Only and as well as “Country Artist of the Year” at the 2016 Independent Tone Awards. Her single, “Lose My Number,” reached at #5 on the iTunes Country Pre-Orders Chart and debuted on January 20th at #43 on the Singer/Songwriter Chart.

Campbell has been showcased on popular print articles, radio and TV programs, including the Whiskey Riff, Extra Chills, 105.5 The Bridge and The Pat Henry Project WMTS. If you would like to find out more about Haley Mae Campbell then check out her website http://www.haleymaecampbell.com.

 

Social Medias Accounts:

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Dixiedee’s Top 5 Songs of the Week: Sept 25, 2017!!!

  1. Ty Baynton “I’ll Never Know”: Baynton’s new single “I’ll Never Know” is about relationships that end and you are never given the real truth why and keep thinking if they are ever thinking about you or if they miss or love you still.
  2. Jenna Paulette “Coolest Girl in the World”: Paulette’s new song “Coolest Girl in the World” tells the story about the guy wanting to make his girl feels similar to the girl in Paulette’s song or you are the girl, wishing you were of the girls that Paulette is singing about.
  3. Marla “Try Telling My Heart That”: Marla’s new song “Try Telling My Heart That” that many listeners can relate to, if they had been involved in a break up.
  4. Sam Riggs “Waiting For The Fall”: Riggs’ new single “Waiting For The Fall” tells the story of a guy being in love with a specific girl for quite some time. The girl is also in love with him and they have known each other for quite some time. In the end of summer they have to say goodbye to one another because she is going to back to school and he is staying back to work.
  5. Frank Ray “Every Time You Run”: Ray’s new single “Every Time You Run,” tells the story about a man who finds his woman always on the run for him. He keeps a eye on her where she is traveling next ad each time it a little further from where he is.

 

Music Videos:

 

Kelby Costner Q&A!!!

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  1. Hi Kelby, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country artist? Before music I used to be a mechanic and also did construction for a number of years. I still have a big love for cars and pretty much anything with an engine.
  2. How did you get into country music and how did you know you wanted a career in it? I started playing guitar when I was younger and gave it up and forgot everything, at the end of high school I picked it back up just for fun. I had always sung but not even my parents knew that until around the end of high school as well. So my mom convinced me one day to post a video to Facebook, and I got a great response to it. I kept posting videos of me singing and in the spring of 2014 I wrote my first song. After writing that song I got the opportunity to move to Nashville, so I took a gamble and three months later I was a Nashville resident.
  3. Who are some of your musical icons? I’m a big fan of 90’s country music so everyone from Garth Brooks to Randy Travis and Travis Tritt. They have all played a big influence on my music and writing.
  4. What is the story behind your newest single “Hold On? We released my new single titled “Hold On” on June 30 2017. We actually wrote the song around two years ago and I had forgotten about it until I was looking back through song projects. We wrote the song about a guy looking for that “one” girl that he is meant to be with and the woman is out there wondering when she is going to meet him. So its kinda a song of hope saying ” I don’t know the when, I don’t know the where, but I’m searching for you everywhere, and hopefully it won’t take long, so baby hold on”
  5. Is there anything new coming up with your music for the rest of 2017? The rest of 2017 we plan on finishing up my debut album, which will consist of ten brand new songs including the new single “Hold On.” The album is set to release early next year.
  6. If you could sing a duet with a singer or group who would it be and why? If I could sing with anybody it would have to be Randy Travis, in my opinion he is one of the best country singers of all time.
  7. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years with your music career? In the following years I hope to continue to grow in the industry and make the best music I can and for my fans and just stay on track to accomplish all my goals.
  8. What do you do in your free time? When I’m not doing music I love to go hiking or anything outdoors. I also go back to North Carolina and get out on the tractor and work on our land just to free my mind.
  9. What is one of your favorite quotes? My main quote that I go by is, “Hard work pays off ” and truly believe that you get out of what you put into something.

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Kelby Costner: “Artist Spotlight!!”

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Kelby Costner is an up and coming country singer from Lincolnton, North Carolina. Some of Costner’s musical influences are Travis Tritt, Eric Church and Travis Meadows. At a young age Costner started to take guitar lessons. When his guitar teacher moved away, he stopped also playing the guitar. It was not until after he graduated from high school that he started to play the guitar again.

When he moved to Nashville, Costner had already achieved opening up for multi-platinum country music recording singer, Collin Raye. Costner has also worked to make a fast growing pace of social media followers and has gained over 2 million views on Facebook with his cover of Brett Young’s song “In Case You Didn’t Know.” Country Music Nation & Country Rebel has also given good reviews of Costner for his cover of Randy Travis’ song “Three Wooden Crosses.” Also Country Music Minute named him an “Artist To Watch.”

Costner is right now in the studio working on his debut album, which is set to come out early next year and it will include his newest single “Hold On.” He was featured on NASH FM Ty, Kelly and Church show for their 10 minute tune segment, and this is where Costner wrote a funny song about the Mayweather vs. Mcgregor fight http://www.tykellyandchuck.com/2017/08/25/10-minute-tune-mayweather-v-mcgregor-fight/.

If you would like to find more about Kelby Costner then check out his website https://www.kelbycostner.com. If you enjoy his music then go take a listen and download it on Spotify and iTunes.

 

Social Medias:

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Sandra Lynn’s 3 Course Meal Recipe!!!

On tonight’s menu? Macadamia nut crusted halibut, roasted rosemary carrots, and cauliflower mash.

 SHOPPING THE MEAL: First of all, halibut is one of my favorite fishes. Not only is it an easy fish to bake, but it also tastes delicious. It’s one of the heartier textured fishes on the market that leaves you with a clean taste. It is also rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. When purchasing your halibut, make sure to buy from a reputed seller. When I’m in Nashville, I usually buy mine at Whole Foods, and when I’m in L.A., I like to swing by my local Ralph’s Fresh Fare. I always make sure the fish is “Wild-Caught” when purchasing. And yes, although ‘wild-caught’ is a little more expensive than ‘farm-raised,’ you don’t even want to know what has happened to those ‘farm-raised’ fish…it’s pretty disgusting when you read up on it (if you’re interested, take a look here). Once you’ve got your eye on the ‘wild-caught’ fillets, make sure the fish looks clear and white without any signs of browning or gaping. Also double check there’s no pungent smell to the fish. From there, make sure to grab Sea Salt, Black Pepper, and Macadamia Nuts. I usually go for unsalted macadamia nuts as I feel the recipe doesn’t really need the extra salt…nor do I. Don’t forget to also grab your eggs and coconut milk, as well as grass-fed butter, parmesan cheese (I like freshly shredded) and Plain Greek Yogurt for the mashed cauliflower recipe. I recommend regular, unsweetened coconut milk, and Organic, Free-Range Eggs. If you can find pastured eggs, that’s even better! Last, its time to head over to the Produce section. Grab one bunch of fresh Italian parsley and one medium orange. You’ll need these two ingredients for your halibut, and they definitely give it a nice fresh, clean, citrusy flavor. Here you can also grab your cauliflower, carrots, rosemary sprigs, garlic, and chives. Lastly, don’t forget to grab olive oil or coconut oil—whichever you’d prefer—and some low-sodium, organic chicken stock.

 PREPARING THE MEAL:  Okay, so now we move into the kitchen. First, if you’re working with two ovens**, turn oven number one on at 350 degrees, and oven number two on at 425 degrees. I would start by preparing the roasted rosemary carrots as those will take the longest to cook. So—take your carrots, cut off the stocks, and slice in half vertically down the middle. Take a baking sheet and line it with foil. Grease the foil with a little olive oil. You can also use coconut oil if you’d like a little sweeter taste on your carrots. Take half of your garlic clove (which we’ll partly use in our cauliflower recipe as well), and throw that on the baking sheet. Lay out the carrots evenly and sprinkle the sea salt and black pepper on them. Next, take your rosemary sprigs and you can either pull off some of the little leaves and sprinkle on top of carrots themselves, or you can cut smaller pieces of the sprigs and lay them next to the carrots on the baking sheet. Rosemary is a pretty strong herb so it just depends how much of it you like in your dishes. Next we sort of toss the carrots all together on the baking sheet to coat with the spices, oil, and rosemary. Lay them out all evenly after you’ve done that and top with foil. Toss those into oven number two at this time and set timer for 20 minutes. Now onto the topping for the halibut. Take the macadamia nuts, and toast them in a skillet with a little olive oil, on low medium heat until golden. Make sure to stir them and watch that they don’t burn as they toast pretty quickly. Set those aside in a bowl and let them cool off a little. Then lightly grease a shallow baking dish with a little olive oil, and in a medium bowl, beat three egg whites and the coconut milk together (you may need a little more or less egg whites/coconut milk depending how big your fillets are). Then, take your cooled macadamia nuts and chop them up in a food processor. Pour them back into the bowl once chopped up. Next, cut your orange in half, and make sure to zest the outside of one half, while cutting the other half into small triangle-like pieces. Chop up your parsley, and add the orange zest, parsley, sea salt, and pepper to the bowl of nuts. Next, take your halibut fillets and coat each side with the egg mixture. Then dip the fillets into the nut mixture, and place in baking dish. You can always spoon some of the nuts onto the fish as well once its in the baking dish to top it off with any pieces that may have fallen off when transferring the fish to the dish. Set fish dish aside for a minute. At this time, it may or may not be time to turn your carrots over, but once the 20 minutes is up on them in the oven, make sure to lift foil, flip them over, and bake them for another 25-30 minutes. Now, we want to fill a stock pot with water (enough to where cauliflower can float in boiling water). Add the remaining garlic and a little sea salt, and get the water to a rapid boil. While you’re waiting for the water to come to a boil, rinse your cauliflower head, cut off the stalk, and chop into pieces. It doesn’t have to be really small pieces—just enough so that it will fit in a food processor. Once the water comes to a boil, place the cauliflower in the pot and steam for 8-10 minutes—until its tender. While your cauliflower is cooking, now is a great time to probably slip those fillets into the oven and cook them for about 15 minutes, or until fish flakes with a fork. Now that you have the fillets and carrots in the oven, and the cauliflower boiling, you’ll want to take your cooked cauliflower and remaining part of your garlic clove, pat them dry with a paper towel, and transfer to a food processor. Add the chicken stock, cheese, oil, and yogurt to the food processor. Whip/Puree until it’s the consistency of mashed potatoes. At this time I would also add at least 1 TBSP. of grass-fed butter to the mix as well as maybe a little more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Always make things to your taste, and if you prefer more/less salt or butter or onion or garlic, don’t be afraid to use more/less. Once the mix is about pureed, add chopped up chives and give it a few more spins in the food processor. Then let the mixture sit in there to stay warm while your fish and carrots are almost finished up baking. Once they are, done, transfer everything onto a plate, and make sure to top your halibut off with any extra chopped parsley you may have as well as the orange triangles. You can serve carrots with or without a sprig or two of rosemary, and feel free to add a slice of butter and a few extra chives to the top of your mashed cauliflower, if you so choose to indulge.

 MACADAMIA NUT CRUSTED HALIBUT:

Heat oven to 350 degrees f

3/4 cup–Macadamia Nuts, chopped
1 teaspoon–Extra Virgin Olive Oil (My favorite is Pompeian’s Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
3 Large Eggs if using egg whites only–or–1 Large Egg if using yolk
2 teaspoons–Coconut Milk (you can also use regular milk or almond milk if you prefer)
1 Tablespoon–Parsley, fresh and chopped
1/4 teaspoon–Sea Salt
1/4 teaspoon–Fresh Ground Black Pepper
2 Halibut fillets (6-8 oz.)
1 Medium Orange, half of it sliced into triangles & the other half of it zested

(SEE DIRECTIONS ABOVE ON HOW TO PREPARE)

 ROASTED ROSEMARY CARROTS:

Heat oven to 425 degrees f

1 1/2 lbs. Carrots, peeled & cut down the middle into even pieces
2 Tablespoons–Extra Virgin Olive Oil or melted Coconut Oil
Sea Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper to taste
3-4 Rosemary Sprigs, fresh

(SEE DIRECTIONS ABOVE ON HOW TO PREPARE)

 CAULIFLOWER MASH:

1 Medium Head of Cauliflower, chopped into pieces
2-3 cloves of Garlic
Sea Salt to taste
1/4 cup Organic Low-Sodium Chicken Stock (I like Pacific Foods Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth)
1 Tablespoon–Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon–Grass-Fed Butter (I love Kerrygold’s Grass-Fed Pure Irish Butter)
1 Tablespoon–Greek Yogurt (One of my favs is Chobani’s Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt)
Fresh Chives, chopped, for garnish
1- 2 Tablespoons–All-natural Parmesan Cheese

 

(SEE DIRECTIONS ABOVE ON HOW TO PREPARE)

**If you’re working with ONE oven, then prep the carrots first and start to roast them at 425 degrees f.  Then, once you’ve flipped them over after 20 minutes, turn the temp on the oven down to 350 degrees f., and 10-15 minutes later, add the halibut fillets….bake each dish until cooked through and golden brown.

 

 

 

Sandra Lynn Q&A!!!

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

Hi! Absolutely.  I’ve been singing and performing from a very young age.  I started dancing when I was three, acting when I was five, and singing when I was seven.  Performing has always been in my blood, and while I listened to many different types of music growing up, I always gravitated to country music.  I remember when I was a child hearing Deana Carter’s, “Strawberry Wine” come on the radio for the first time.  I remember exactly where I was—out in Chino, CA sitting at a stoplight with my mom—and that song just drew me in, both lyrically and melodically.  It was then and there, and looking back remembering that moment every time I’ve heard that song ever since, that I knew I wanted to write and sing country music.  I also loved writing poetically and lyrically throughout school, but it wasn’t until after college that I started sitting down with other songwriters to put melodies to those lyrics, and first headed to Nashville in 2010 to pursue a career in country music.  

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

As previously mentioned, it was hearing Deana Carter’s, “Strawberry Wine” come on the radio for the first time, that I knew I wanted to sing and write country music.  I’ve always been drawn to the storytelling nature that country music is rooted in, as well as looked up to many female country artists like Trisha Yearwood, Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and Sara Evans. In 2014, I released my first piece of music—my debut EP produced by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts.  Soon after, I released two singles, “Afterparty” and “Bar Hoppin’,” that received airplay on Sirius XM’s The Highway, while touring throughout the Midwest, performing in various venues and music festivals.

 

  1. Who are some of your musical icons?

Trisha Yearwood, Deana Carter, Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and Sara Evans are female country artists I’ve always looked up to, and who’s records I’ve loved listening to from a young age.   I’ve also always loved singer-songwriters, Sheryl Crow and Michelle Branch.  All of these incredible female artists that were never afraid to be lyrically vulnerable in their storytelling—something I aspire to do myself in the music I write and create.

  1. What is the story behind your latest single “Hey California?”

“Hey California” is the first single out of this new music I’ve been recently working on.  It debuted this June on Radio Disney during their ‘Country Spotlight’ hour, as well as lived on Spotify’s ‘Wild Country’ playlist throughout the summer.  When my producer and I were writing the song together, I told him I wanted to write a country song that had a little bit of a Beach Boys vibe to it.  My parents always had the Beach Boys’ records playing when I was a kid, and their album “Endless Summer” was one of the first records I remember hearing.  I also wanted to write a song that gave a nod to my Southern California roots and that had a fun, feel-good vibe to it. I feel like “Hey California” is one of the lighter, more playful songs off my upcoming record (due out early next year) that I was excited to share with the world for their Summer jam playlist.

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

Yes! We haven’t announced dates yet, but I will be releasing another single this Fall, as well as my debut full-length album early next year.  We’ve got lots of exciting new content and updates happening over these next few months, so fans can definitely check all that out up on my website (www.sandralynnmusic.com) and social media pages (@sandralynnmusic).

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

Well, there are lots of artists I look up to and would love to sing a duet with if I ever got the chance to, but I’d have to say one of those artists is definitely Bonnie Raitt.  I’ve been a longtime fan of hers—she’s got the coolest voice, and always knows how to confidently command a song without overdoing it. One of her favorite songs of mine is “Something to Talk About,” and if you come see me play live, you’re likely to see me cover that song at some point throughout my set ;-).

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

If I get the chance to continue creating music over the next 5 to 10 years, and so on, I would be one happy camper.  I feel very blessed and grateful that I get to make music on a daily basis for a living, and would love to be able to continually create—always putting new music out into the world, playing various venues throughout the country and world, including both arenas as well as more intimate venues, like the House of Blues.  One of my bucket list items is to play the Bridgestone arena in Nashville, TN as well as Angels Stadium in Anaheim, CA since that’s very near to where I grew up.  

  1. What has been your favorite venue to play at?

Getting to play The House of Blues in New Orleans for a charity event back in 2014 was pretty awesome! I not only got the chance to play for a great cause, but also got to open for Kenny Chesney and a packed room full of country music fans.  It was pretty epic and surreal…definitely one of my favorite live-show highlights thus far.

  1. What is one of your favorite quotes?

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

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