Tzatziki Recipe (I’m Greek!):
Ingredients:
3.5 Cups Full fat Greek Yogurt (Fage)
4-5 Garlic cloves
1 Big cucumber
4-6 Tbs Olive oil
2 tbs VinegarSalt and pepper
1. Grate and drain the cucumber.
2. Mix the yogurt and the grated cucumber in a bowl.
3. Add the finely grated garlic, the olive oil and the vinegar4. Mix everything with a whisk or a mixer. Season with salt and pepper
1. Hello Marla, can tell me a little bit about yourself, before you became a country singer/songwriter?
Hi! I am originally from a small town in Connecticut outside of New Haven. I moved down here to Nashville in 2010 to attend Belmont University and to pursue my music career. When I was in high school I made frequent trips to Nashville to write. The first time I ever performed was when I was four-years-old and I have been performing ever since! I’ve been writing most of my life, too. Musical theater was a large part of my life, too, but songwriting was always my main pursuit!
2. What is your process when you are writing a new song?
Every song seems to have a different origin story, but most of the time I prefer writing with a hook in mind. I am constantly generating ideas so I try to make sure that I always bring one to the session. A lot of my song ideas come from me singing to myself, mostly when I am in the shower! Often times lyrics come out through the melody I’m singing. I also write a lot by myself, even though I co-write nearly every day. Solo writing is something that I have always really loved and I have been doing a lot of lately. That process tends to be a little different than co-writing because you have nobody to bounce ideas off of, so you have to really trust yourself. I’ll sit down at the piano or I’ll start playing guitar and if something sounds interesting melodically or sonically or if I like my lyric idea then I’ll run with it! Then it becomes a puzzle!
3. What is your favorite song off your latest EP “Marla?”
Ah that is hard- it is always different! The song “Try Telling My Heart That” is a very special song to me. I wrote it with Grant Vogel and Witt Mckay. The song is a very defining song of mine. The lyric, the melody and the concept embody everything I am as an artist. We wrote it at the end of 2014 and my love for it, and other people’s love for it, hasn’t seemed to fizzle at all, which I think is telling. I came up with the title one day while I was sitting at my piano and I started writing some seriously melodramatic song that I didn’t like ha! I loved the hook, though, so I took it to Grant and Witt the next day and the chorus poured out. It took two more sessions to nail down the verses, tough. Once we figured out what we wanted to say it wrote itself. I am very proud of that song.
4. Is there anything new coming up with your music in 2019?
I am going to start releasing a lot of demos and live acoustic videos on YouTube. I finished recording my EP a year and a half ago so I have written a ton of new songs since then! I’ve never been more excited about new music as I am at the moment. There are also lots of songs I have written in the last five or so years that I really want to get out that I love just as much!
5. What are three things you enjoy doing in Nashville?
6. If you have to describe your music in 3 to 5 words, what words would you pick?
Heartfelt, Accessible, Energetic, Pop/rock influenced, Honest
7. Who are some of your musical icons and if you could sing a duet with any singer or group who would it be and why?
Growing up, my idol was Celine Dion. My music is nothing like hers but that’s ok she is untouchable! My mom listened to classic rock and my dad listened to country. Fleetwood Mac was constantly playing in our house, as well as Phil Collins, Elton John, Garth Brooks and Shania Twain, just to name a few. I used to listen to George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” incessantly, thanks to my dad! It would definitely be a dream of mine to sing that with him. The first record I ever bought was Christina Aguilera’s first album. She will always be a favorite of mine. I was always (and still am) a huge Lady A, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood fan. Currently, I am obsessed with Dua Lipa! She is a killer entertainer.
8. What is one of your favorite quotes?
I’m a ginormous Harry Potter fan, so this may be predictable, but I have always loved this quote.
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”- Albus Dumbledore
9. Is there anything else you would like to share?
Stay tuned for new music in 2019! I am truly so excited to put more music out there. Follow me on YouTube, Instagram (marla.music), Twitter (helloitsmarla) and Facebook! Also, check out my EP on Spotify and Apple Music.
Country musician Marla is from Connecticut. She started to sing and perform at 4 years old and grew a liking for piano and the guitar. Some of Marla’s musical influences are Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Fleetwood Mac and George Strait.
Marla left the East Coast at 17 years old and attended college at Belmont University in Nashville; TN. Marla started to like the fact that her kind of songwriting did not fit into any of the normal Nashville boxes. She spent some of her time in Nashville refining her songwriting and vocal skills by learning the art of country music, the music she became a fan of when she was a child. By the age of 21, Marla put out three EP’s; all of them were featured on iTunes and rapidly allowed her to gather a loyal fan base, reaching people as far away as Australia. She also started a fan base by spending some time on the road playing at many different colleges and universities around the country. It was not long before Nashville started to take a notice, as she has been an opening act for artists like Chuck Wicks, Kix Brooks and Lorrie Morgan.
Marla has spent the last couple years writing and creating her team, which includes Grammy-nominated producer Brad Hill (Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne) and upcoming producer/songwriter Joe Fox. Her first single, “Try Telling My Heart That,” was shown on the popular Wild Country playlist on Spotify and also the “Hot Tracks” playlist on Apple Music, along with over 400 others. This song also has already over 200,000 downloads just on Spotify. The music video debuted on CMT in the CMT’s Artist Discovery program. On September 21, 2018 Marla put out her latest EP “Marla,” on this EP there are 6 songs including “Try Telling My Heart That.”
If you would like to find out more about Marla then check out her website at http://marlamusic.com.
Social Media Accounts:
Directions
2 CUPS OF MELTED BUTTER
6 CUPS OF LIGHTLY PACKED BROWN SUGAR
6 EGGS
6 TBSP HOT WATER
8 CUPS OF FLOUR
3 TSP OF BAKING SODA
3 TSP OF BAKING POWDER
¾ TSP OF SALT
3 PACKS OF CHOCOLATE CHIPS
Mix all ingredients together, and stir in the chocolate chips at the end. It’s that simple!
CONVECTION BAKE: 8 MINS @375 F
1. Hi Maddison, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?
I’m originally from a small town in Alberta, Canada. I’ve had this dream for as long as I can remember, but I began pursuing my artist career professionally when I was 14. It’s crazy to look back in my old journal and see how I began working on my poetry skills before my songwriting skills ever began to develop.
2. How did you did become a fan of country music and when did you know you wanted a career in it?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve always known that pursuing music was my path. I’ve never doubted that. My great grandmother introduced me to several classic vinyl records (Patsy Cline, Elvis) where I discovered my love for truly timeless music. I’m the only person in my family to ever be gifted with a passion for music, and that always brought my great grandmother and I closer. I can’t name a time that music didn’t play an influential part in my life.
3. Who some of your musical icons?
I have a deep admiration for a variety of artist! Just to name a few, I’ve grown up a fan of LP, Alison Krauss, Harry Style and Dolly Parton. I try and pull my inspiration from everywhere because all music makes you feel a certain way. I’m always interested in who these artists are as individuals because it is fascinating to know where they got their inspiration as well.
4. What is the background story behind your newest single “Real Real Thing?”
This song is about my evolving perspective on love and the experience of it. It’s about having a real connection with someone and the things that I’ve experienced. It’s a bit unconventional and lighthearted, but the beat makes you want to get up and dance! At least that’s what I hope to see from listeners!
5. Is there anything new coming up with your music in 2019?
I’ve got a lot of new music coming in 2019! I’m extremely excited to share everything that I’ve been working on the past few years. Be sure to follow me on all my socials and on my website (maddisonkrebs.com) to stay up to date on when I’m releasing everything!
6. Where do you see your music career in the next 5 to 10 years?
Thankfully, I see so many incredible things coming for my career! I really try to not get ahead of myself but I do firmly believe in the power of creating a vision for how and where you want to go in life. I’d love to see myself on tour and sharing my music with the masses. I want to make sure I continue to create music that people can truly lean on and carry with them throughout the rest of their lives.
7. If you would sing a duet with any singer or group who would it be and why?
If I had a time machine, I would love to go back and sing a duet with Elvis. He’s just one of those artists my great grandmother raised me on and that would be a dream come true!
8. What is one of your favorite quotes?
I collect quotes all the time. I love Elizabeth Gilbert. She is one of my favorite authors. This is a quote from her book, Big Magic: “Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.” There is so much truth in everything she says.
9. Is there anything else you would like to share?
I’d love to take this chance to say thank you. I couldn’t wake up everyday and pursue my dream without the support of a lot of people and all of the fans that listen to each of my songs. This support has and never will go unnoticed. You can also follow all of my wild adventures on all social media platforms:
FB: MaddisonKrebs
IG: @maddisonkrebs
Website: www.maddisonkrebs.com
When Madison Krebs was 7 years old, her mom and dad gave her a Dream Book. It had 100 pages, all of them blank. Right away, Krebs began filling the books with notes and pictures of all her dreams, along with dates by when she wanted them to come true.
Reading the book now a few of the things became clear. First, the now full book shows that a tiny girl from Okotoks, in South Alberta, Canada, has always dreamed big.
Krebs got her Dream Book about the same time she begged her parents to buy her a guitar, so she could put the poetry she was writing to music. Writing songs was one of the first dreams. Krebs shares “ever since she was a little girl, she have always had a clear vision and one heck of a work ethic.”
On one of the first pages in her Dream Book, Maddison wrote, “Be the lead singer in Young Canadians and be really good at singing. In 2012, she became the lead solo artist in the Young Canadians for their 100thanniversary show at the Stampede Grandstand. In 2014, the Alberta Country Music Association nominated her for the Album of the Year for her self-released EP, “Your True Love” (record her own CDs was also in her Dream Book).
This little girl also wrote in her book to have a publishing and recording deal by 2016. That was the year she was the winner of the Label group’s “On The Spot” contest, and she also signed a publishing record deal with the company.
She also dreamed of moving to Nashville by 2018 to pursue her music career. You can possibly guess where she resides now. In Nashville, she finds herself working along with some of music’s greatest producers and songwriters, such as Jeff Trott (Sheryl Crow, & Stevie Nicks), Tony Martin (Tim McGraw & Keith Urban) and Jen Randall (Brad Paisley & Miranda Lambert). Krebs explains “working with all of these incredible people who have also worked with so many of my heroes is another dream come true.” She also mentions they have been such great mentors and pushed me to incorporate more influences from rock and pop into my music and making it all blend into my sound.”
Along with her unique sound, Krebs is discovering her voice. You can hear it throughout all her music and from her songs “Real Real Thing” to “Queen Elizabeth and to her current single “Live for Love.”
There are still many blank pages in Krebs’ Dream Book yet to come true. She still wants to be a role model to young individuals and society for the rest of her life; she wants to sing at the Ryman Auditorium, and to meet country legend Dolly Parton. She shares “meeting Dolly is her biggest dream ever.”
If you would like to hear and download some of Krebs’ songs they are available to listen both on Spotify and iTunes. If you would like to find out more about Maddison Krebs then check out her website at https://maddisonkrebs.com.
Social Media Accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maddisonkrebs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddisonkrebs/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maddisonkrebs
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx5zaIYB6BOVtUE7uNRWG_Q
1. Hi JD, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician? Grew up in a smalltown called Taylorsville, KY. After the death of my grandmother in June of 2002, I discovered a guitar in her house right after her death – my freshman year in college. Self taught while in College. Graduated college in 2007 and moved to Nashville in 2008. Performed shows from 2004-2008 and moved to Nashville. Over the last 10 years, I have performed over 2000 shows with features on CMT, GAC, NBC, Country Weekly and many other National Publications. Also opened for 50 National Acts.
2. How did you become a fan of country music and when did you know you wanted a career in it? The first time I heard Garth Brooks in 1992. Something about his music just pulled me in and then my parents took me to his concert in 1992 and I have been hooked ever since. When I discovered the guitar in 2002, my life changed on an instant and I begin teaching myself to play and everything fell into place shortly after.
3. Who are some of your musical icons? Garth, Alan, John Michael, Clay Walker etc.
4. How did you come up the name of your newest EP “Two Lane Town?” It is lyrics from one of the songs on the album “Young Again” – Also Two Lane Town kind of described Taylorsville, where I grew up. Once you get to know me and my music, you’ll hear a lot about a small town upbringing. The title Two Lane Town just fit. The fans selected that title earlier in the year on a Facebook contest.
5. What is the background story behind your song “One Less Girl?” My neighbor Mark Nesler co-wrote it. Google him – he has had a huge career. I knew the moment I heard this song it was special. The moment I played it for the folks at CMT they told me, “that is your song” – I shot a video for it and the rest is history. Currently going for adds now at radio.
6. Is there anything new coming up with your music in 2019? I will release my second single and continue playing shows, meeting fans and climbing the ladder to more of my goals. I am expecting big thing in 2019. It seems I always top the year prior. 2018 has been a tremendous year for us. This one will be hard to top.
7. If you could sing a duet with any famous singer or group who would it be and why? Garth or Goo Goo Dolls. 2 of my top bands of all time.
8. Where do you see your music career in the next 5 to 10 years? The music business is constantly changing but I hope see myself performing with a #1 Billboard single under my belt. We will see – I have worked extremely hard for it. It has also been a dream of mine since finding that guitar, to have a #1 single and to play the Grand Ole Opry. I am waiting on both to happen.
9. What is one of your favorite quotes? “Just Do It” – so simple and yet so true. I did.
10.Is there anything else you would like to share? Currently video is on CMT. That has been exciting. Check out our website and look for us on tour in your area soon. Visit jdshelburne.com.
Country musician J.D. Shelburne grew up on a tobacco farm in Taylorsville, KY. Taylorsville is a small town southeast of the Ohio River. At 19, Shelburne started to play the guitar after the passing of his grandmother and he begin learning to play and sing on his own. In his sophomore year of college, he played a couple of shows at local bars in Louisville/Lexington, KY area and grew a fan-based that eventually acquired him on some of the largest stages in the business.
In the next couple years he moved to Nashville to become a country musician. Since living in Nashville, he has played with over 50 national acts raging from artists like Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Kellie Pickler and Craig Morgan. Shelburne had also performed at some of the most popular venues like the Historic Ryman Auditorium, Rupp Arena, Murphy Center, KFC Yum Center and the Old Cardinal Stadium which recently drew the Kentucky State Fair’s biggest crowd of the concert series and Shelburne played “God Bless America,” pervious to the 2016 Quaker 400 NASCAR race at the Kentucky Speedway to over 100,000 attendees.
He has also been a part of the Country Weekly Magazine, Kentucky Alumni Magazine, and Kentucky Monthly Magazine between other national publications including the Huffington Post. His first music video “Farmerboy” increased him thousands of new fans by airing on the TNN Top 10 Countdown nationwide on Heartland TV network, and ZUUS Country Network. In 2015, he made his nationwide debut on GAC (Great American Country Network) and also CMT.com. His second video “Hometown,” was written about the end of his tiny town. On October 21, 2015 Shelburne debuted at #1 all over the southeast as well as over 300 festivals. His outfits have been shown on show at the Kentucky Derby Museum at the Historic Churchill Downs from his appearances at the Kentucky Derby. In 2016, he was asked to be a part of the Kentucky State Capitol for the State Senate as well as the House of Representatives he played his own cover of “My Old Kentucky Home,” for both parties. Shelburne was also named an Honorable Kentucky Colonel and was given the honor of “Admiral” by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Also in 2016, the University of Kentucky’s College of Communication and Information named him their 2016 Most Outstanding Alumnus. On September 18, 2018 Shelburne made his World Premiere on CMT.
In 2017, Shelburne put out his first official music video for “Better Man,” that was filmed in Midway/Millville, KY. The music video made its Network Television debut on Great American Country (GAC) on June 23, 2017. Also in 2017, Shelburne was a guest chef Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with celebrity chef host Guy Fieri at his restaurant, along Guy was Travis Tritt and NFL Legend Jerry Rice. In September 2017, Shelburne was on NBC Network and performed the National Anthem at the NSCAR XS Myrtle Beach 300 at Kentucky Speedway.
In 2018, Shelburne put out his EP “Two Lane Town,” which is available both on Spotify and iTunes. His newest song just came out last week and it is a cover of the wonderful Christmas song “I’ll Be Home for Christmas. If you would like to find out more about JD Shelburne then check at his website at http://www.jdshelburne.com.
Social Media Accounts:
dixiedeeblog.com 