J Phive~ Country Music Producer!!!
Artist Spotlight:
J Phive is a platinum-selling music producer in Nashville, TN. Phive grew up in Atlanta and went to the University of Georgia. He did well in college, but he was also interested in having a good time and making his own music. He bought a Roland MC-307 beat machine and started a new journey for himself. In the beginning it was just something fun to do when he was not busy attending school. After graduating, he joined up with childhood pal DJKO, and they created a production duo called Phivestarr Productions. For the first couple years, they had an open-door policy and worked almost nonstop. They also got to produce records for YoungbloodZ, Nappy Roots, Bubba Sparxxx, Jill Scott and Goodie Mob.
While going to school in Athens, Phive met producer/CEO Shannon Houchins, and they rekindled when he moved back to Atlanta. Houchins believed in Phivestarr since the first day and was a wonderful mentor to him. They continued working hard, and in 2006, he pitched to Phive with a wacky idea to take a super country guy who likes to rap and do a combination of rap and country music. And that was the beginning of mulit-talented musician Colt Ford. With Ford and Houchins they took something that nobody thought could be done. They also started their own genre of music and now have mainstream Nashville musicians wanting to do the same thing. One of their songs, “Dirt Road Anthem, was cut by Jason Aldean.
In 2011, they were nominated for a ACM award for co-producing the song “Cold Beer” by Colt Ford and Jamey Johnson. They also helped discover other groups such as The Lacs, Charlie Farley and Demun Jones. In 2013, Phive moved to Nashville and produced more than a 100 released songs in his first year living in a new state. He received his first platinum record for the work he did on country artist Brantley Gilbert’s album “Halfway to Heaven.” Also he received two Billboard number 1 records, 10 top 5’s and countless top 10’s and 20’s.
Numerous years ago, Phive was introduced to country singers Taylor Ray Holbrook and Ryan Upchurch. Together the three of them wrote the song “Southern Land,” which has more than 20 million impressions on YouTube. A little while after that Phive co-wrote/produced an EP for both of them… “Backroads” and “Summer Love.”
Phive enjoys making all types of music. Recently, Phive have been focusing much of his time creating more Urban Sounds and Pop music. He recently co-wrote and co-produced “All I Need” by Jordyn Jones and “Little Things” by Annie LeBlanc.
If you would like to find out more about J Phive then check out his website https://www.jphive.com.
Q&A:
1. Hello J, how did you get started in music and how did you start your career in country music?
I learned to play the guitar at about 10 years old and played off and on through my childhood. Growing up my parents never listened to country music so I was first turned on to Tim Mcgraw by a girl I was dating in high school. While in college I was interested in making Beats and really just enjoyed doing it. Being from Atlanta I generally listened to music such as Outkast and Goodie Mob so hip hop heavily influenced the music I made. One day my friend Shannon Houchins came to me with the idea of Colt Ford and I thought it would be a fun project. Over the next year we made songs such as “Dirt Road Anthem”, “Ride Through The Country”, and “Cold Beer” which basically started a new Genre.2. Who has been some of your favorite country musicians to work with and who would be your dream artist/group to work with?The problem with Nashville is there are so many talented people to work with at all times. You really have to use your time wisely or you can fall in the rabbit hole of a Nashville Songwriter. I always joke that the guy selling tools at Home Depot, or the girl serving me my dinner are 10 times a better musician than i’ll ever be. I have just been able to build long term relationships and out work other people. I now try to work directly with Artists. That way you have much increased chances of the song coming out. The more it is played the more residual income I will earn. This is how I pay bills so at this point it is more of a business than a hobby. I have gotten to work with some really great people since living in Nashville. I have worked with Rob Hajacos who plays fiddle for Garth Brooks. He has played on over 100 number one records and is extremely talented. I have also recently been working with Pedal Steel Player named Smith Curry who has played on countless records. I have also been doing a few things with Shay Mooney from Dan + Shay. He is by far the most talented male vocalist in Nashville. He is on another level. I produce and Co write with with a singer from Virginia named Taylor Ray Holbrook. His fan base is huge and his music is very unique. He is a genuine good person and he would do anything to help a friend.3. How did you feel when you heard you were nominated for a ACM Award in 2011?
I have no idea how we got that but I was super excited for a reason to go Vegas. We met some really good people that trip who are still very close friends. ie DeeJay Silver who has been Jason Aldeans DJ for Years. Pat Mcgrew who is a financial consultant for some of the biggest stars, and Kevin Neal who is one of the biggest booking agents in Country Music.4. What is your advice to a individual that wants to work in the country music world?
Go to Belmont. I think music is amazing and the laws are being modernized to help musicians and artists claim earnings which is amazing. I would always recommend having a back up plan. For Instance take classes for Music Business or anything that interests you and do music too. That gives you 4 or 5 years to build relationships and move in 2 directions at once.5. Is there anything new coming up with your career for the rest of 2018?
I have been writing with a friend from Los Angeles named Curt Chambers. He can play anything you put in his hands and sing anything. His artistry is country but we have actually been writing a lot of pop stuff for some LA people. I always keep a lot of irons in the fire. I just finished a song called “I need a Woman” by Taylor Ray Holbrook which is really fun and clever. That should be coming out in a few weeks.6. What is one of your favorite quotes?
If its not a “Hell yes” than its a F#ck No .This goes back to time management. If I am not excited about something or I don’t see a positive relationship coming out of it i’ll turn it down 9.9 out of 10 times. The other .1 is if they have a proper budget. Everyone Expects Producers to do all this work but nobody wants to pay what its worth. In most cases a producer is a coach, a mentor and babysitter all at the same time. Then once the artists and writers leave I have to edit, comp, tune, mix, arrange, reference and master so a lot of time and effort goes into everything I put my stamp on. There are many fun parts of the song creation process but it sometimes feels like work to get it finalized.7. Is there anything else you would like share?
I would say just stay positive and love how you spend your days. If you’re not happy then Change your Situation. Inner Peace is priceless. Some of the richest people may be extremely unhappy. Always love the present and count you blessings.
Claudia Hoyser’s~ Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip!!
1 1⁄2lbs chicken breasts, cooked and shredded 1(12 ounce) bottle hot sauce (use whole bottle or just half, if desired) 2(8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1(16 ounce) bottle bleu cheese salad dressing (or can use ranch or 8 oz blue cheese and ranch) 2⁄3cup chopped celery 3cups shredded cheddar cheese or 3 cups monterey jack and cheddar cheese blend
Claudia Hoyser~ “Q&A”!!!
- Hi Claudia, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country singer/songwriter?
It’s honestly tough to remember! This has really completely taken over and it’s been the best thing to ever happen to me. I was a college student at Kent State getting ready to go work a real “big girl job” when my favorite hobby started turning into my career.. now it’s my whole life! - When did you become a fan of country music and when did you know you wanted a career in it?
I think country music had a bigger impact on me growing up than I realized. My Poppy (grandfather) would always have it on and we used to laugh at his “twangy, banjo music.” Now it’s really the only place my music feels “home.” I had been working with my manager/ co-writer for about a year, finding my voice and country music was a natural fit with my storytelling and sound. - Who are some of your favorite country artists/groups?
There are really too many to list!! But I have always considered Miranda Lambert to be my biggest inspiration. Also love Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Brothers Osborn and of course the classics like Dolly and Johnny. - How did you come up with the name for your latest EP “Steam” and what is your favorite song off this EP?
We chose to name the EP after the song “Steam” because it’s about following your dreams. The chorus says, “Steam don’t run frozen, takes a fire to be free, steam don’t run frozen, I feel the burning in me.” And I just thought that was a perfect theme to run with since it was my first ever EP and really felt like the start of a huge journey. - Is there anything new coming up with your music for the rest of 2018?
Always!! We just released my latest single “Drinkin’ with the Boys” which is a brand new radio edit version of the song from the EP. I am so excited about it because it’s just a fun summer party anthem and you don’t really hear too many girls doing that type of thing. People have said it’s kinda “Shania” in a way! We’re working on the music video now and are taking video submissions from people jamming to the song, for a chance to be featured in the music video! Send in your videos to HoyserCountry@gmail.com or post on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #HoyserCountry - Where do you see your music career in the next 5 to 10 years?
Sometimes I wish I had a crystal ball but that might take some of the fun out of it! I just hope that in a few years I am touring and working on my second or even third album! - If you could sing a duet with a famous singer or group who would it be and why?
I would have to say Chris Stapleton or Little Big Town.. I always make up my own harmonies when I am listening to them and I would love to get a chance to do it for real. - What is one of your favorite quotes? “And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.”
- Is there anything else you would like to share? We have been putting a new video on Facebook once a week as part of a series called Claudia’s Classic Country Covers and some of them have gone viral! I hope everyone can check them out and stay tuned for my full-length album, “Red Light’s Turning Green” coming soon!
Claudia Hoyser~ “Artist Spotlight”!!!
Up-and-coming country musician Claudia Hoyser is getting more known and has fans both in the U.S. and the U.K. Many people love her natural and sultry vocals and sound. Hoyser just released her new summer party song “Drinkin’ with the Boys,” and is already a fan favorite. Her last single, “What Kinda Man,” was number 58 on the Music Row Country Breakout Charts.
Furthermore, to Hoyser’s radio success, she has been quickly growing her online attendance with her weekly live cover videos of different country artists and groups and she is also averaging around 500,000 views per week. Also she has already had over 10 million views on her Facebook account since January. Her latest video was posted on May 14, 2018 and it has already reached 4 Million views. Hoyser is traveling on the road visiting both small towns and big cities and also finishing up her first full-length album, “Red Light’s Turning Green.” Lastly, if you would like to find out more about Claudia Hoyser then go check out her website https://www.claudiahoyser.com.
Social Media Accounts:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiahoyser/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claudiahoyser1
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6v0GJeA2Y_Lhl4yRhpjkYQ
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YPimtPMegGejTPwLKqpGB
- iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-matter-what-it-costs-single/id1178882566
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/claudia_hoyser
Top 5 Favorite Songs of the Week~ June 18, 2018!!
- Scott Kipfer “Falling Like the Rain”: In country singer/songwriter Scott Kipfer’s new single “Falling Like the Rain,” it tells the story about coming out of your own shell and learning to love while dancing in the rain.
- Steve Moalker “Born Ready”: Country singer/songwriter Steve Moakler praises the population’s of long-haul truckers in his new song “Born Ready,” which serves as the title track of his newest album “Born Ready.”
- Shari Rowe “Beach Town”: in Shari Rowe’s new song “Beach Town,” it tells the story about a wonderful vacation lifestyle and just having a fun relaxing day.
- Lena Stone “Hey There Hollywood”: Lena Stone’s new song “Hey There Hollywood” tells the story about being changed by a big city like Los Angeles, but still staying true yourself.
- Catherine McGrath “Lost In The Middle”: Catherine McGrath’s new song “Lost In The Middle,” tells the story about exploring the love of music in your own life.
Moriah Domby (country singer/songwriter)~ Berry Pie Recipe!!!
Crust:
2 1/2 cups (325 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup very cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
In a bowl, mix together flour and salt. Add a dash of sugar into it as an option. Keep your
butter cubes in the fridge until ready to use. Cut butter into flour until it resembles pea sized
crumbs. Add your ice water into the dough one tablespoon at a time and stir with a spatula,
pressing the dough together until it forms a ball. Don’t over work it. Makes 2 crusts. When
ready to bake, roll each half of the dough out into 2 circles on a lightly floured surface. Use
one in the bottom of the pie plate, prick the bottom with a fork a few times, and put into the
fridge while you mix the filling. Cut the other crust into strips for a lattice top.
Filling:
2 cups blueberries
I cup sliced strawberries
1 cup raspberries
1 cup blackberries
¼ cup cornstarch
2/3 cup sugar
dash of salt
teaspoon of cinnamon
2 teaspoons of lemon juice
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Let sit for 15 – 30 mins to settle. Pour into crust. Use the strips
of the second crust to make a lattice top. Pinch top crust around the sides with the bottom
crust to seal. Brush the top with milk and sprinkle with a little bit of sugar. Bake at 375 for
50 – 55 mins. Serve with homemade whip cream and enjoy!
Moriah Domby “Q&A”!!!
1. Hi Moriah, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?
I grew up in Oregon, and I’ve always loved music. I started writing songs at about 5
years old, sitting at the piano singing about whatever came to mind. My Dad taught me some chords on the guitar in Middle school and I started writing songs with guitar as well. I was so shy at first, I would only play them for my best friends or parents. I’d have to say that singing in Church choir is what really gave me confidence to start playing in front of people, and then I was hooked! I was determined to come out to Nashville after I graduated, and so I packed up and came out to go to MTSU just south of town. I graduated with a Music Business degree and ended up working on the business side in music publishing fora couple years. I realized I wasn’t giving enough of my focus to my music dreams, so I quit, booked an acoustic tour across the country with a friend, and took off! It was the scariest
best decision I had made. I’ve been pursuing my passion for writing and performing since.
2. How did you become a fan of country music and when did you know you wanted a career in it? Both of my parents are musical, my Mom was in musical theater and my Dad plays guitar. They exposed us to all types of music growing up. I loved artist like Carol King, Tom Petty and Jonie Mitchell, but country music was what really had my heart. I remember hearing “Walk away Joe,” by Trisha Yearwood for the first time and just being obsessed as a little kid. When I started noticing the names of songwriters on CD jackets, I knew I wanted
to be part of that.
3. Who are some of your musical icons? Dolly Parton, Amy Grant, Deana Carter, Tom Petty, Faith Hill. Emmy Lou Harris. I probably know every word to any album by Sara Evans, Martina, LeeAnn Womack, Trisha Yearwood, any of the awesome and diverse group of female country artists that seemed to rule the late 90’s and 2000’s in the best way.
4. What is the story behind your newest single “Could’ve Tried?” “Could’ve Tried,” is about that person in your past that you never really gave it a full shot with. It’s not so much that you miss them all the time, its more that you look back and
wonder what could’ve have been. If you had tried it might have worked out or it might not have, but either way the not knowing is what never lets you forget all the way.
5. Is there anything new coming up with your music for the rest of 2018?
Yes! I’ve got a video for “Could’ve Tried,” coming soon, and will be releasing an EP in
early fall.
6. Where do you see your music career in the next 5 to 10 years?
I am so grateful to be able to write and perform, and I hope in 5 – 10 years I’ll still be
doing it and reaching even more people with my music.
7. If you could sing a duet with a singer or group would it be and why?
Dolly Parton. I love what she stands for, I love her writing, she’s the Queen.
8. What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for
the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 9. Is there anything else you would like to share?
Thank you so much for taking time to listen to the new single! I appreciate the
support! Please connect with me on Instagram, facebook or twitter to stay up to date on new music and shows!
Moriah Domby~ “Artist Spotlight”!!!
Moriah Domby is from Oregon. Moriah moved to Nashville, after graduating with a music business degree from MTSU. She started working in music publishing after graduating, and then went out on her own to focus on her songwriting and performing. She has got the chance to play at some well-known and different type of stages across the United States. Some famous places she has played at were the Bluebird Café, Eddie’s Attic, Room 5 LA and the National Underground in NYC. Her unique storytelling, charming voice and work ethic certainly makes her a new artist to watch.
Website:
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