Alex Stern~ New Single “Dreamin’: Q&A

Alex-Stern-Releases-New-Single-22Dreamin22.jpg1.     Hi Alex, how have you grown as a artist and songwriter in the past year?

This past year I was able to perform live more than I had ever before so that really helped to give me such amazing experiences to meet new listeners and to greater connect with the listeners who are already following and supporting my music. Being able to directly connect with people in person has really helped my songwriting to evolve into wanting to make my songs more personal for my listeners to have a chance to know my artistry and story on a deeper level.

2.     How did you come up with the name “Dreamin’,” for your new single?

The name of my new single was just the title that naturally came to us when the chorus was written, it felt like it just perfectly captured the idea of what the song was about.

3.     What is the background story behind your new song?

When I wrote this song with my friend Matt Pingel we were both going through break up situations. All the lyrics to this song are autobiographical and tell the story of a relationship situation from the fresh start to the crumbling end. The lyrics reveal alot of personal experience and also capture the truth I felt towards the relationship, looking back at it from past to present.

4.     Was there any other artists/producers that helped to create this new tune?

I co-wrote this song with Matt Pingel and co-produced it with Josh Sudduth.

5.     Is there something you wish your fans would take away from this song?

Most importantly, I want listeners to be able to relate the emotions in this song to help them to process their own similar situations of heartbreak. I wan’t this song to set the tone for the next songs, to show my fans that I wan’t to spill my heart out so that they can know me on a genuinely authentic level.

6.     Is there anything else coming up with your music for 2018?

I’m excited to get back on the road to play more shows outside of the Nashville area and I’m really excited to continue to release more new songs later this year!

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

My new single “Dreamin” is out NOW on Spotify & all digital platforms! Listeners can connect with me on Instagram & twitter ( @alex_stern_ )

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Top 5 Favorite Songs of the Week: Jan 29, 2018

  1. Caitlin Canty “Take Me For A Ride”: “Take Me For A Ride,” is a tune on the frustration in going back to a person that you have been trying to quit in your life.
  2. Steep Canyon Rangers “Out In The Open”: “Out In The Open,” is a song that falls in between juke-joint blues and mountain music.
  3. LANCO “Win You Over”: In Lanco song “Win You Over,” it has a heavy country sound harmoniously and is very up beat and country rock infused sound to it.
  4. Hunter Hayes “This Girl”: “This Girl” tells the story about a guy who has known his girlfriend for awhile now and how each moment he spends with her is a moment that he will always cherished.
  5. Ryan Kinder “Fortunate Son”: Nearly 50 years from its first release, Ryan Kinder covered Creedence Clearwater Revival’s classic antiwar tune “Fortunate Son” as a powerful ballad.

Top 5 Fave Songs of the Week: Jan 22, 2018!!!

  1. Song Suffragettes “Time Up”: Over 20 of country music’s up and coming female artists joined together to make a strong statement in their new song “Time’s Up.” This song is a collaborative message that adds to the conversation about exploitation of females in society.
  2. Walker Hayes “Beautiful”: In Hayes’ song “Beautiful” tells the story of how he is missing an ex and he explains how she is really beautiful.
  3. Sandra Lynn “Fight”: In Lynn’s new song Fight, it tells the story about a couple who are struggling to protect their relationship, so it will not end.
  4. Emma White “Hotline Bling”: In White’s new song she does a cover of the rapper Drake’s song “Hotline Bling.” She makes it her own and add a little country to it.
  5. Haley & Michaels “All Out”: Haley & Michaels new single “All Out” tells the story about that moment when you commit to something all the way and will not give up on it.

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Lyssa Coulter’s “Artist Spotlight”!!!

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            Growing up in a little Metrowest city about 40 miles from Boston where there were more cows than supermarkets, gas stations and pharmacies combined. Lyssa Coulter always had a passion for singing and performing. Coulter would sing out lyrics to her favorite songs from the Broadway musical Annie, as her mom drove her to preschool at the age of 2. She loved to dance in her home’s foyer and perform for people when they came to her house. Coulter has been looking for her stage since she could walk on her own.

            At 16, Coulter started her vocal education at Encore Music Academy in Franklin and rapidly grew the confidence to play at karaoke nights at CBS Scene is Foxborugh. Shortly after her family moved to Westborough and Coulter started working with Patrice Peris and Whitney Doucet at a local music studio. This is where music became the most important part of Coulter’s life. While attending this studio, Coulter started to write her own songs.

            Because of her love for all genres of music, Coulter was not sure which genre interested in. After attending award winning Kelsea Ballerini in concert, she knew country music was her calling and after this decision was made, she decided to record her first song in country music capital “Nashville.” Coulter now trains with famous vocal coach, Mark Baxter.

            Coulter’s first appearances were at local events like Westborough, Spring Festival and the Spirit of Shrewsbury, along with being hand selected for many national anthem performances. Most recently Coulter has performed at Indian Ranch in Webster (MA), Boston’s own Cheers and the Topsfield Fair. In addition she had played at many restaurants and bars around the Boston, Worcester and Metrowest areas. Coulter has also performed at Loretta’s Last Call Indian Ranch, Hard Rock Café in Boston and has recently started to play some Nashville venues.

            Coulter’s single “By My Side” was released in June 2017 and has been played on 101.7 The Bull’s Backyard Country, Country 102.5 Local Catch of the Week, 98.9 Nash Icon and the Mix 104.1. Coulter recently returns to Nashville to record her EP with Chris Parker at Digit Timbre and will be putting out more music in 2018.

            If you would like to find out more Lyssa Coulter then check out her website https://www.lyssacoulter.com and while visiting her site take a listen to her latest single “Whiskey in the Twilight.”

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Lyssa Coulter~ “Q&A”!!!

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

LC: Before being a singer I planned on attending college to study Secondary Education. I wanted to be a middle school teacher. 

DD: 2.  How did you become a fan of your country music and how did you know you wanted a career in it?

LC: Growing up my dad listened to rock and my mom always listened to country. Artists such as Uncle Kracker and Tim McGraw. My freshman year of college I was trying to find where I wanted to go with my music and I was so stuck. I grew up listening to and loving so many different genres. At first I wanted to go towards Colbie Cailett and Sarah Barellis and then I thought Carrie Underwood and at one point even Daya. And then I went to my first Kelsea Ballerini concert with a friend and after seeing Kelsea’s performance with all of the lights and glitter and then listening to the emotion and lyrics to her songs and her vibe I knew that country pop was my calling.

DD: 3. Who are some of your musical icons?

Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgrave, Miranda Lambert and Brooke Eden

DD: 4. What is the story behind your newest single “Whiskey in the Twilight?”

LC: Whiskey in the Twilight is a fun pop-country song that I wrote with my friend Rodger Hagopian. He came to me with the melody and some lyrics to the chorus and I had thought to myself, I’ve been in a couple summer flings. So we took the emotions from past relationships and past summer flings and put it into a really cool, fun song. 

DD: 5. Is there anything coming up with your music in 2018?

LC: I’m so excited for 2018. I have my whole EP ‘After Midnight’ being released. I also have been getting ready to work with a full band! We have had a few rehearsals and are excited to see where 2018 brings us! I am hoping for many new venues and lots more original music!

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

LC: I’d probably want to do a duet with Kelsea, or Thomas Rhett. Thomas Rhett music is incredible. His lyrics take you through stories and his voice is incredible

DD: 7. Where do you see your career in the next 5 to 10 years?

LC: In 5-10 years I hope to be touring nationally. I think my biggest goal in this career is to be able to perform at Gillett Stadium. Although that’s a big goal for 5-10 years anything is possible. I didn’t think I’d be where I am now and I am. So as far as I’m concerned anything is possible. 

DD:  8. What is one of your favorite quotes?

LC: ‘Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game’ -A Cinderella Story

DD: 9. Is there anything else you would like share?

LC: I just want everyone who has supported me to know I am so incredibly thankful for everything, and I am excited to see what 2018 has in store for us!

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Hayley Payne’s Favorite Recipe: Not Yo’ Banana Pudding (By~ Paula Deen)!!

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  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 10

Ingredients

  • 1 (12 oz) container thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream frozen whipped topping
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (8 oz) package softened cream cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 (5 oz) box instant French vanilla pudding mix
  • 6 to 8 sliced bananas
  • 2 bags chessmen cookies

Directions

Line the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.

In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

Cort Carpenter: New Single “Again” (Q&A)!!

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DD: 1. Hi Cort, how have you grown as country singer in 2017?

CC: Over the past year, I’ve been able to accomplish some big goals, share the stage with some of my idols, and overall continue to better my stage show and vocals. I’m the hard work never ends, and I’m always trying to get better.

DD: 2. How did you come up with the name of your song “Again?”

CC: Well, that word is a big emphasis of the chorus/hook. It could have been naked a few different things, but my team thought it was catchy and different. 

DD: 3. What is the story behind your new song?

CC: The story behind this tune is one so many of us can relate to. It’s about waiting on a late night text from your (girl or guy), and realizing that person may be gone for good. So many us have had those moments, for example, after a fight or disagreement, then come to find that person may not be coming back. In this song, the guy is hoping to get past whatever happened and make it right. 

DD: 4. Is there something you wish your fans would take away from this song?

CC: Well, I just hope they love it and can relate. In my songs, my hope is always that the fans can see themselves in the lyrics. That’s my number one goal when I write.

DD: 5. Was there any other artists/producers that helped to create this new tune?

CC: Absolutely! Co-written with the talented Austin Peckham, and produced by Blaine Mitchell and Craig Wilson. A strong team behind this one for sure!

DD: 6. Is there anything else coming up with your music for the rest of 2017?

CC: I’ll be pushing my new single #Again into 2018.

DD: 7. Is there anything else you would like to share?

CC: I’d just like to get out there that every fan & every stream/download matter more than people know. As I try to continue my way up in the ranks of country music, I’ve found it takes an army behind you. I’m hoping my fans and music can get behind me and keep this thing soaring in 2018! 

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Hayley Payne~ “Q&A”!!!

15111515809131.     Hi Hayley, can you tell me a little bit about yourself, before you became a country singer?  I grew up in Knottsville, Kentucky. I am the youngest in my family; I have a brother and a sister. They were always very athletic, but I definitely cannot say the same for myself! I started taking piano lessons when I was about six years old. I always loved to sing and perform, so I joined the local theater and performed in many plays and musicals there. That was the beginning of my love for the stage.

2.     How did you get into country music and how did you know you wanted a career in it?  Like I said before, I always knew that I loved to sing. Country music always resonated with me because I loved how real the lyrics were. I remember listening to songs like “Don’t Take The Girl” by Tim McGraw and “Concrete Angel” by Martina McBride when I was growing up, and the songs were so powerful. I loved how country music told such beautiful stories. There was never really a moment when I decided to pursue a career in country music, because I just knew it was what I was meant to do. I couldn’t think of anything better than doing what I loved for the rest of my life.

3.     Who are some of your musical icons? I’d have to say that Taylor Swift is one of my biggest influences. I love how close she is to her fans, and how her music relates to so many people. That is why I love music so much; because it lets people know that they are not alone and that other people feel the same way that they do. Dolly Parton is definitely another one of my musical icons. She is just amazing in so many ways. 

4.     What is background story behind your latest country hit “Halfway There?” I had the idea for “Halfway There” because I was thinking about how crazy love is. But then I started to wonder, ‘You know, it’s really pretty simple. If I like you, all you have to do is like me back.’ So then I came up with the hook “I’m just waiting on you, ’cause we’re halfway there.” The rest of the song is about how these people would be so great together, but the only thing missing is that the other person has to say that they feel the same way.

5.     Is there anything new coming up with your music for 2018? Right now, I’m just trying to write all the time to better my craft. I definitely think 2018 is gonna be awesome

6.     If you could sing a duet with a famous singer or group who would it be and why? This is a tough one! I would probably have to say Carrie Underwood. She is an incredible performer and one of my favorite artists! To sing with her would be a dream come true

7.     What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of in your music career? I had the opportunity to open for Lee Ann Womack in June of 2017. It was one of the coolest days of my life! I got to meet her and hear her soundcheck. All of my friends, family, and fans came to the show and it was so special. After I performed, these three sweet little girls wanted to meet me and it warmed my heart. It was such a wonderful experience! 

8.     Where do you see your music career in the next 5 to 10 years? I hope that my music will reach as many people as possible. I would love to be traveling the country (maybe even the world) performing my music! My goal is to be able to make music for a living and to share it with the world.

9.     What is one of your favorite quotes? One of my favorite quotes is from Earl Nightingale, “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” I love this quote because we forget how much truth it holds. It pushes me to work hard.

10.  Is there anything else you would like to share? Thank you for letting me be a part of your blog! 🙂

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Hayley Payne: “Artist Spotlight”!!!

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A Kentucky resident and singer/songwriter, Hayley Payne has always believed in the influence of music, however in airport and a single napkin showed it to her.

During a set at a café in a local airport, singing a song about the beauty of life, Payne saw a woman in the audience who began to cry. After a couple more songs, Payne watched her write a note on a napkin. The listener put a $20 dollar bill and the napkin in the tip jar. After the show ended, Payne and her guitarist got the napkin out of the tip jar. The writer shared how she had been waiting for her flight when she heard Payne’s music, which compelled her to come listen. She then shared that she was in town to attend the funerals of three of her family members who had died in a car accident that same week. The next line of her note read “Thank you for helping me grieve in my own way.” The grief of a sad and heartbreaking event may have been relieved a small bit through music. This moment hardened Payne’s decision to follow music as a career.

Over the last seven years, Payne has performed at many different places in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. She had played at private parties, jamborees, concert series and the Ohio State Fair. Some of her most favorite performances include The Ferdinand Folk Festival in Ferdinand, Indiana, Live on the Banks in Owensboro, Kentucky and opening for Lee Ann Womack at the stunning Lincoln Amphitheater in Lincoln City, Indiana.

At the age of 17, Payne, she became a CMA-member and has already obtained quite a few musical credits. In 2013, Payne won the Junior Davison and People’s Choice award in the Kentucky Opry Talent Search. In 2015, she won two-song writing awards: the Josie Show/Country Blast Radio Song of the Year (Young Adult) award for her song “Twitter This” and the award for the Ferdinand Folk Festival Singer/Songwriter Competition. She was also chosen as the lead in her high school’s musicals for both her junior and senior years. She portrayed Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Laurie in Oklahoma. The Nashville Songwriter’s Association International (NSAI) listed her as “One to Watch.”

With a growing social media attendance, Payne likes to share her musical and personal experiences with her fans. Payne just finished recording her first EP of her own songs. Each song is different and it showcases a different side of her personality, but it still from her heart.

Payne hopes to make a connection to people through the power of music. If you would like to find out more about Hayley Payne then go check out her website https://www.hayleypayne.com. Lastly, go check out her newest single “Halfway There.”

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