1. What goes into naming your albums and what is your favorite song on your new album “Come Back Road?”
Naming them is always a difficult thing. Come Back Road seemed fitting for this one and it kind of had a double meaning for me so I ran with it. I think my favorite has consistently been “Somebody To Thank” but I love them all.
2. What has been your favorite venue to play at so far in your music career?
My favorite has probably been Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow Scotland. Either That or The Midland Theater in KC
3. When you are not working or playing music, what do you like to do in your free time?
I have two kids so I’m usually playing with them. I also have a business called Mize Art Works where I sell stuff that I build in my garage.
4. Have you learned anything from any musicians or groups that you have opened up for?
Yes. I’ve learned that everyone is always watching. When you’re the center of attention everyone notices everything even if you aren’t wanting to be the center of attention at that particular time. Did you pick up your trash and leave a thank you note for the venue staff? Impressive. Did you call your tour manager a dildo in front of everyone and throw a plate of lasagna at the catering staff because it “tastes like shit”? Not impressive.
5. How did you decide you wanted to have a career in country music?
I dropped out of three different colleges and floated through a long series of blue collar laboring jobs. Country music was the only thing that made me feel something. It gave me a purpose. It’s all I could think about for years. So finally I worked up the courage to do what I loved.
6. Logan, thanks so much again for wanting to be apart of the Dixiedee Blog, is there anything else you would like to share?
Thank you for taking time to ask me questions! Folks can stay up to date with me on all the socials. Just type Logan Mize into google and I’m the goofy looking guy with a guitar. My new album Come Back Road is out now.
Logan Mize is a talented country singer and songwriter from Clearwater, Kansas. Mize’s uncle Billy Mize was well known for his crafting and evolving the legendary Bakersfield sound, which also included musical innovators Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. In 2010, few years after moving to Nashville, Mize signed a publishing/record deal with Big Yellow Dog Music and a booking deal with William Morris Endeavor.
He spent the next 7 years playing many different venues across the United States. Mize also created a big fan base while playing all these shows. In 2016, Mize made waves when he scheduled a solo acoustic tour via social media and traveled more than 20,000 miles in less than 2 months, in a 1989 Chevy station wagon named “Glenn.” During this time Mize ran his own sound and lighting while performing a 2 to 3 hours acoustic shows for fans across the world.
In 2017, Mize put out a brand new album called “Come Back Road.” I do not think this is the last time we will hear about Logan Mize and I feel 2018 will be his year to even shine more in the country music world. If you would like to find out more Logan Mize then please go check out website http://www.loganmize.com.
1. Hi Kurt, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country singer?
I grew up in South Florida and was always either fishing, surfing, or just hanging out at the beach. I have always had a very strong bond with the ocean and that definitely was the center of all my activities besides school and music. (It still is). As far as music goes, I started getting piano lessons when I was 4 years old and dedicated about 2-3 hours every day to practicing classical music. I always loved music and my dad saw that in me from a very young age, so I was incredibly lucky to get such an early start.
2. How did you become a country music fan and how did you know you wanted a career in music?
I was raised in a music filled household. My dad always had music on, whether it was on the way to school, after dinner in the living room, or just hanging out in the back yard on the weekends. His favorite music is southern rock n’ roll and my idol when I was really young was always Elvis Presley. I pretty much taught myself to sing by singing along to all the old Elvis records, so I think southern music was what just came naturally to me. When I was about 12 my older cousin introduced me to Johnny Cash and I fell in love with it, the honesty, the stories, and the truth in his music was something I had never heard before. My musical tastes are all over the place but I dig being able to pull influences from all sorts of genres. Once I got to high school started to teach myself guitar, I began to sing all the music the my dad raised me on. I won a couple talent shows so that gave me a little confidence. Once I got to FSU for college I started playing in bars acoustically and then started a band and I haven’t looked back since.
3. Who are some of your musical icons?
Like I said before, I am really into a bunch of different music. I would say some of my icons are the Eagles, AC/DC, Chris Cornell, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, Kenny Chesney, Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, and Sublime. Depending on my mood or where I am emotionally, they each have their role.
4. What is the story behind your newest single “Lipstick and Wine?”
I originally came up with the title when I was writing another song of mine called “Rollin’ On”. I was at my great friend/producer Eric Durrance’s house and somehow the words “Lipstick and Wine” came up in conversation. I immediately wrote that title down in my phone, but didn’t know what it was about. A few months later the whole song hit me at once and I wrote it in less than 20 minutes. I had some personal memories and some ideas that all came together to make the song. I thought about how powerful senses can be and how a certain smell, taste, song, or sight could bring you back in time to a moment that you cherish. Thats really what the song is about, something as simple as the taste of a kiss and a certain bottle of wine on a first date. That taste never left the his mind and it represents the beginning of his relationship with his girlfriend or wife. Every time he kisses her or drinks that bottle of wine, it brings him back in time to that once in a lifetime moment, I thought that was magical and really loved the idea.
5. Is there anything coming up with your music for 2018?
After the new year we are going to be promoting Lipstick and Wine on social media and out on the road. Later on in the year I have another song that we recorded at the same time as Lipstick and Wine that we will be releasing as a follow up. I don’t know what this year will bring, but I do know that anything is possible and I’m going to work my butt off on the road while trying to get as many people to hear my music.
6. If you could sing a duet with a famous singer or group who would it be and why?
Thats a great question! One singer that comes to mind is Chris Cornell. Unfortunately he has passed away, but he has been my favorite singer ever since I was introduced to his music in high school. He had such an incredible range and such a beautiful, powerful voice. It would have been amazing just to be in his presence and to make music with him.
7. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years with your music?
I just hope to be lucky enough to be able to write songs and play music for people for a living. I really love meeting new fans on the road and sharing my music with them, the emotional power of music has always been the driving factor of everything I do. If I can make a living while making that connection with people, I would be stoked.
8. What is one of your favorite quotes?
I have always been a huge fan of Bob Marley, if there was a way to find out which artist you have listened to the most during your life, I would bet that he would be at the top of my list. There was a famous 60 Minutes interview where he said, Possessions make you rich? I don’t have that type of richness. My richness is life, forever. I always loved that and to me, that quote really represents one of his most important messages.
9. Is there anything else you would like share?
I just want to thank you for adding my new song to your playlist and for taking the time to listen to it, I really do appreciate it.
Up and coming country artist, Kurt Stevens is a singer, songwriter and guitarist. Stevens is a classically trained pianist and he taught himself to played the guitar. Stevens grew up in South Flordia and he recently graduated from Flordia State University. He loves the laid-back beach life and enjoys surfing and fishing.
Stevens’ father made sure he grew up listening to music legends like The Allman Brothers, Johnny Cash, The Eagles and his personal idol Elvis Presley. Stevens always knew he wanted a career in music and understood the hard work and commitment he had to put in to make his dreams come true.
Recently, Stevens put out a new single called “Lipstick and Wine” and it is available on Spotify. If you would like to find out more about Kurt Stevens then please go check out website https://www.kurtstevensmusic.com.
Logan Mize “Better Off Gone”: Logan Mize’s country song “Better Off Gone” tells the story about a girl leaving her family home and how she is kind of scared for this change, but she knows this is the best thing for her.
Little Big Town & Jimmy Webb “Wichita Lineman”: During the 2017 CMA Awards country music group Little Big Town and musician Jimmy Webb gave a moving tribute to Glen Campbell performing his 1968 hit single “Wichita Lineman.”
Lauren Alaina “Pretty”: In Lauren Alaina’s song “Pretty” it is a song devoted to anyone who feels they are not pretty enough or good enough.
Carly Pearce “Color”: Carly Pearce’s song “Color” tells the story about loves ones needing one another.
Old Dominion “Written in the Sand”: In Old Dominion’s song “Written in the Sand,” it tells the story of questioning the future in a relationship between a girl and guy.
1. Hi Heidi, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?
I started singing in church when I was three, playing in other churches and music theatre productions when I was five, so being a performer is something I’ve done for as long as I can remember. Before I started doing music professionally as an adult, I was a busy farm girl doing chores, riding horses, playing with my goats or llamas, taking piano lessons, dance lessons, and voice lessons in Dawson Creek, BC.
2. How did you become a fan of country music and how did you know you wanted a career in it?
Growing up, we had two choices for music: country or western. It’s all I’ve ever known. I discovered pop music later on, or show tunes when I would be in a musical, and I have an appreciation for all genres, but country has and always will be my favorite. I just always had the dream of being like George Strait; riding my horse into a rodeo arena and playing my guitar and singing story songs for the fans.
3. Who are some of your musical icons?
George Strait, Brooks and Dunn, Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Shania Twain. I’m a huge 90’s fan.
4. What are three of your favorite songs that you ever recorded?
”Good Either Way”; a real stripped down acoustic heart break song I wrote with my dear friend Isaac Rich
“Blame It On Your Heart”; a cover of the Patty Loveless hit written by Harlan Howard. I write for his company, Harlan Howard Songs, so getting to do my own version of one of his most famous songs, and one of my favorites, was a real honor.
“Worth a Shot”; this was my first major radio single release and the first time I got to tour the country playing it for radio stations, perform it on TV Morning Shows, and live for fans, who sang it back to me. I had many “firsts” with this song so it’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
5. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years with your music?
I’m a dreamer, obviously. I dream big and project these big plans with positivity and confidence; so I’ll go ahead and say I see me doing arena tours across the country, heck, any country that’ll have me. I’d like to start a charity that is health care related and would love to see that be a huge success and be able to really help others.
6. Is there anything new coming up with your music for 2018?
Lots! A new single will drop in the new year, I’ll be touring starting mid January, recording a new album in between tour dates. It’s going to be a big and busy year!
7. If you could sing a duet with a famous singer or group who would it be and why?
King George. I’ve mentioned him several times already and that’s just because he’s had such a big impact on me. He’d be my first choice for a duet partner.
8. What is one of your favorite quotes?
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.“
This is a tough business and lifestyle. I’ve found that faith in God and his word is the one thing that’ll give me courage and hope. This passage is a good reminder for me to stay the course, work hard, and have faith I’ll be okay.
9. Is there anything else you would like to share?
I love interacting with fans and making new friends! Please feel free to follow me and reach out to me on social media (twitter, instagram, Facebook, YouTube: @heidirayemusic). Hope readers like my music and I’d love to meet them on the road!
Country singer/songwriter Heidi Raye is from Dawson Creek, BC. Raye has written and toured with some of the most famous country artists, groups and producers. Her first record deal was with George Strait’s manager, Erv Woolsey and now she is apart of legendary Hall-of-Framer Harlan Howard’s record label. At Harlan Howard Records, Raye has continued to open many doors for herself. She has written over 200 songs with Music Row’s most well known veterans in just this past year.
Hayes has also got the chance to share the stage with country artists like Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean and Terri Clark. Raye has also worked with Grammy award-winning producer Chuck Ainlay to make her latest EP “Worth A Shot,” that was released on July 7, 2017.
Hayes newest single “I’m Gonna Wish You A Merry Christmas,” and this song is available on Spotify. If you would like to find out more about Heidi Hayes then check out her website https://www.heidiraye.com.
1. Hi Stephen, how have you grown as country singer/songwriter in the past year?
I am super excited to have just released my third single within the past year and I feel that my music is continuing to mature, along with my songwriting abilities. With every new cowriter or musician that I work with, I always feel that I am growing as an artist and songwriter myself through those experiences.
2. How did you come up with the name “Things I’ve Never Done” for your new single?
The name of the song comes from the main idea that my cowriter, Norv Turner, came to me with, which was an idea for a song that included somewhat of a “bucket list” like theme of doing things we’ve never done. The reality though, is that this song is not just about things that I specifically have never done… I mean, one of the lyrics is “learn to play guitar” and I definitely know how to do that (I think!)… This song is meant to be universal and is intended to send a message that encourages people to get out and those “things” they’ve never done.
3. What is the background story behind your new song?
In April of 2017, Norv Turner (yep, two-time Super Bowl winning former NFL Head Football Coach!) came to me with the original idea for writing “Things I’ve Never Done”. While he has spent his entire career coaching football, not many would be think he’d also been jotting down ideas for songs and poems in a notebook that he keeps with him! From there, we put our pens to paper and wrote the song together. Meanwhile, I came up with the music and melodies, Norv and I finished the lyrics together, and I later went to a friends studio in Northern California to professionally record the song.
4. How did Make A Wish Foundation become involve with your new song?
It’s December. It’s a time for giving back, and with the Holidays approaching – we wanted to make this song greater than ourselves. We wanted to be able to share what it means to do things you’ve never done before not only through the song itself – but also by donating to no better charity than the Make A Wish Foundation. This foundation literally fulfills wishes and dreams of young children with chronic illnesses so they too can do things they’ve never done. We hope this song is able to make an impact not only in the Make A Wish community, but beyond.
5. Is there something you wish your fans would take away from this song?
Well, yep! I say it in the first verse of the song, “Ya don’t want to be saying any time down the road, you wish ya did this, or you wish ya did that”…
So my advice is to do your best to get out and do those things! Of course.. time, cost and consequence permitting! 🙂
6. Was there any other artists/producers that helped to create this tune?
Doug Allen, who also produced my song “I’m An American” produced “Things Ive Never Done” as well. Beyond being a great friend, the guy is extremely talented as a producer and a musician. He performed the piano and helped with backing vocals as well. James Kenneth (aka Skinny Jake) also tracked the drums and beats throughout the song and John McConaghy was also involved throughout the recording process.
7. Is there anything coming up with your music for 2018?
I plan on continuing to record in 2018 and am looking to produce a more thorough album of about 7 or 8 songs, rather than continuing to release singles.
8. Is there anything else you would like to share?
Thank you for putting this piece together! My official social channels and website are below. I always appreciate every like, follow and friend!
dixiedeeblog.com 