Sarah Ames~ “Q&A”

1.    Hi Sarah, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?
Hi! Throughout my childhood and high school years, I was involved in dance classes, musicals and plays, and singing competitions. I also sang on many demos for a local songwriter and sang at local events around my hometown of Orinda, California. I was also a really dedicated student (I got all A’s! Woo!). I then spent two years in the Popular Music Performance program at University of Southern California, where I learned a ton about being a better musician. I then decided to just go for it and moved to Nashville to pursue my dream!

2.    When did you start listening to country music and when did you know you wanted a career in it?
I started listening to country music at about 7 years old. I distinctly remember listening to Shania, Faith, and Tim McGraw as I rode in the backseat of my mom’s car. I always knew I loved to sing and write. However, I remember making the definite decision to pursue a career in music over acting in my junior year of high school. Then, it was in my first year of college that I decided I wanted a career specifically in country music.

3.    Who are some of your musical icons?
I love the Eagles and Steve Miller Band. I love Faith Hill and Shania Twain. I also love a lot of the pop/rock women of the 90’s, such as Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Tracy Chapman, and Alanis Morissette. Shawn Mullins is pretty great too.

4.    What do you like to do in your free time?
I live on 22 acres, so I enjoy working outside. I have chickens and a big vegetable garden that I grow from seed every year. All that is a lot of work, but it’s nice to get my hands dirty and be away from everything digital for awhile.

5.    What is the background story behind your newest single “Grapevine?”
I think most of us are a little guilty of loving to hear some good gossip that makes our jaw drop (as long as the gossip doesn’t involve us!). We hate to love it… whether it’s just small town talk or nationally broadcasted gossip from TMZ or USWeekly.

6.    Is there anything else new coming up with your music in 2019?
YES! I have a lot more music done, ready to be released. We will be releasing another song or two in the next month, and there will continue to be releases throughout the next 6 months. 

7.    Where are some of your favorite venues or events to play at? I enjoy playing at CMAfest. Nothin more fun than a bunch of awesome country music fans in one place! I played the Wildhorse Saloon last year during CMAfest and I really enjoyed it. It’s a great stage with great sound and lighting. 

8.    What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.” 

9.    Is there anything else you would like to share? My dog lying next to me says hi.

Sarah Ames~ “Artist Spotlight”!!!

Sarah Ames is a country singer and songwriter from Northern California. Sarah’s music combines an informal and bright lyric, with the sounds of both country and rock. Some of Ames’ hugest influences are the Pop Rock women of the 1990s (Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, and Alanis Morissette). She also likes California country/rock bands such as (The Eagles, Steve Miller Band, Doobie Brothers) and Country crossovers females like Faith Hill and Shania Twain.

         As a young child, Ames spent a lot of time listening to music and singing. She wrote her first song at 8 years old. Throughout high school, she was a part of school musicals, sang on demos and entered local radio singing contests.

         After High School Ames attended the University of Southern California, where she majored in Popular Music Performance. While at USC, she played with her band around the Los Angeles and USC area, finally landing the chance to sing at Dodger Stadium and be an opening act for the Steve Miller Band. 

         After 2 years of college, Ames moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music. She spends most of her time in Nashville writing and singing and crafting that is individually her own. 

         On April 5, 2019, Ames put out latest single “Grapevine.” Her new song is available to listen and download both on Spotify and iTunes. If you would like to find out more about Sarah Ames then check out her website at (https://www.sarahames.com).

Social Media Accounts:

Nate Smith~ “Q&A”!!!

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

Well, I started singing at 9 years old to Garth Brooks, and Elvis! I’ll never forget as a kid, watching Garth Brooks flying around stadiums. He’s still a huge inspiration to me, and I hope to meet him someday. Fast forward to 23, I signed a publishing deal with Centricity Music Publishing for a few years while living in Nashville and wrote songs for different artists (Royal Tailor, Phil Stacey, and Jasmine Murray). I got around writers who were way more talented them me and really helped me learn how to write at a professional level. I started writing country music during that time and when I moved back to California, I began diving in more. It really feels like I’ve found the best place home for my voice in country. 

2.    When did you start listening to country music and when did you know you wanted a career in it? I first started listening to country as a kid, because my mom blasted it non stop. She has since become a Zumba addict and trust me, it’s not my lane. I don’t have the same level of swag as Pitbull and Daddy Yankee haha. I wrote a song for Paradise, CA, when myself and so many others tragically lost our homes during the Camp Fire of November 2018. The song I wrote, with a co writer, really connected with people and kind of started this whole journey. Shortly after I did actually end up sharing a stage with Pitbull, and X Ambassadors at Golden 1 Center (home of the kings), in January of this year. 

3.    Who are some of your musical icons?

Gosh, where to start. Garth Brooks, Patsy Cline, One Republic, all the way to Blink 182. I have a very diverse music catalog and love anything with a good hook and a good story. As far as modern country, I enjoy Dustin Lynch, Luke Combs, and Brett Young. 

4.    Will you be putting out any new songs in 2019 and will it be available on iTunes and Spotify? I recently went to Nashville and recorded 4 songs with Producer, Joel Bruyere (Ryan Larkin’s, TFK). My first single will be “Wildfire,” and I don’t have a definite release date, but it’ll be out soon!!

5.    Where do you see your music career in the next 5 to 10 years?

I hope to be playing still, and making an impact on others. Music is more of a platform for greater change to me, and my goal is to positively effect every listener. 

6.    What are some of your favorite venues and events to play at?

Golden 1 Center was great, but one of my favorite performances was in the parking lot of a Jimmie Allen show for 5 random amazing people!!

7.    What is one of your favorite quotes?

Less is More. Song is King. 

8.    Is there anything else you would like to share? Come follow me on Instagram @natesmithcountrymusic to stay up to date, and follow my weird sense of humor.  

Nate Smith~ “Artist Spotlight”!!!

            Country musician Nate Smith is from Paradise, CA. Smith was one of the many people who lost their homes during the campfire in November of 2018. Through his loss, Smith wrote a song called “One Of These Days,” in only two weeks; he went to Nashville to record the song. “One Of These Days,” charted to the Top 50 of the iTunes Country Charts, and have over 70k streams on Spotify. All profits from the song are being donated to cap fire relief aid. Smith has been shown on ABC, FOX, CBS, Good Morning Sacramento, and 103.1 KCCY, 103.5 The Blaze and NPR. Since the release of Smith’s song “One Of These Days,” he was invited to play at California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Benefit Show at the Golden 1 Center with Common, Betty Who, X Ambassadors, and Pitbull, 

            If you would like to find out more about Nate Smith then check out his website at (https://www.natesmithcountrymusic.com/#/)

Social Media Accounts: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natesmithcountrymusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natesmithcountrymusic

Tyller Gummersall~ “Q&A”!!!

1.    Hello Tyller, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician? Hi Danaille, sure! Well, I grew up on a ranch in Southwest Colorado. So my formative years were spent doing chores, chasing cows in the mountains, being a 4-H member and all the awesome things that go along with growing up in a rural setting.I got my first horse and my first guitar at 8 years old, and growing up in a rural area influenced my music and personality a whole lot. My parents are both Artists (painter and photographer), so we traveled lot taking art around which was really neat, getting to see different states and cities. 
2.    Who are some of your musical icons?The first song I ever learned to play was Hey Good Lookin’ by Hank Williams sr. Hank was a bighero of mine musically. Also, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yokaum, Buck Owens, and growing up in the 90’s obviously George Strait was a big influence. 
3.    When did you start listening to country music and when did you know you wanted a career in it?I grew up listening to all kinds of music, from Miles Davis to Tom Petty. But Country music was a huge part of my life from about 7 years old on. If you turned on the radio in 97 you’d be hearing Alan Jackson and George Strait and Randy Travis, just really amazing singers and great songs. And that’s what we listened to all the time.I’m very lucky to have supportive parents, I’ve been singing all my life and playing guitar since I was 8 years old. I honestly don’t remember a time when music wasn’t what I wanted to do.
4.    What is the background story behind your latest single “When Do I Buy Whiskey?”A few years ago I was in Nashville and ended up helping my friend deliver some hay. They lady we stacked the hay for was named Devon O’Day who is a DJ on 650am WSM (Opry Radio). So we started talking and I gave her a cd. She ended up really liking my songs and had me on the radio the next week which was a huge honor. Then later on Devon and I started writing (she’s an amazing writer who’s had songs recorded by George Strait etc.).We had this idea of a drinking song that wasn’t really about drinking haha so we wrote “Why Do I Buy Whiskey”. 
5.    Is there anything else new coming up with your music in 2019?I’ll be playing live all over Texas and Colorado. And I’ll also be releasing some more new songs over the next few months. Some of the tunes I wrote with Jim Lauderdale who’s an amazing writer.
6.    What are some of your favorite venues or events to play at?That’s a great question! I feel very fortunate for the opportunities I’ve had opening for folks like Robert Earl Keen, John Anderson etc.Playing with REM at the Arvada center was a whole lot of fun, I really like the Olathe Corn Festival, The Mule Barn in Justin, TX. And there are some really special house concert series like It’s All About Z music in Franklin, TN. I just love playing for folks who want to hear my music…doesn’t really matter where! 7.   7. What do you like to do in your free time?Doesn’t seem like I get much free time these days, but I still love riding horses and fixing things on guitars and trucks.
8.    What is one of your favorite quotes?Daryl Scott one gave me the advice of “know what you don’t want to do, and be open to everything else”. I think that’s really good advice for the music business. 
9.    Is there anything else you would like to share? Yeah, if you like my music check out some of my friends like – Kin Faux, Kinsey Rose and Twin Kennedy! There’s a lot of really great country music out there right now!



Tyller Gummersall~ “Artist Spotlight”!!!

Nashville country artist and Colorado singer/songwriter Tyller Gummersall started his career at the young age of eight performing Hank William’s Hey Good Lookin’ at the County Fair Talent contest. 

            Also that year, Gummersall took the advice of a popular local performer and began taking lessons from his music mentor and two-time national flat pick champion Gary Cook. His eighth year was a huge one in terms of getting his first horse, his first guitar and winning his first talent contest. He persevered working at his future career and at fourteen years old he started voice lessons with well-known Los Angeles voice coach Raven Kane Campbell.

            His good luck continued when he was able to record “Beer and a Rose” (Gummersall’s second album) with his Nashville Dream Band, a part composed of members from Ryan Adams and John Prine’s bands (two of his hero’s) at the special Welcome to 1979 at Nashville studio.

            His third studio album was produced by Grammy award winner Lloyd Maines, “Long Ride Home,” was very well like, enjoying radio play around the country, tens of thousands of the streams and optimistic reviews.

            On March 4, 2019, Gummersall put out his latest single “Why Do I Buy Whiskey.” If you would like to find out more about Tyller Gummersall then check out his website at (https://tyllermusic.com). 

Social Media Accounts:

Liam Mogan~ “Artist Spotlight”

            Liam Mogan is a Southern California up and coming country musician and his nickname is “The Surfing Cowboy.” His debut project “Headlights,” was released on November 16, 2018. 

            Mogan does not just sing and write his own country music, he is country to the essence in a time where that it is becoming less common in both life and a form of art. He was born and grew up in Agoura Hills, California; still to this day he is constantly around horses and waves. Mogan started joining in the care and keeping of livestock at a young age, also he competed in bull riding while attending high school (until injury), and rescues and trains horses like his adored hare, Tulsa. Tulsa was found starving in the desert. When he is not riding waves off the Pacific coast, Mogan is on his saddle or volunteering at Mini Therapy Horses in California. He showcases hard work as a member of the Local 12 Operating Engineers Union and also continues to work on his music. 

            Deeply under the influence of the stories and lyrics from the 80’s and 90’s country tunes- which shape him to embrace his own country lifestyle. Mogan’s work is different from his peers, which is shown in his latest release, “Headlights.” “Headlights,” was recorded in Nashville at Pat Lassiter’s Riverfront Recording Studio, the debut project features the smart double entendre of “Miss Behave,” the autobiography single “Workin’ Man Banjo, and four other important tracks that each showcases great content that was created by Mogan.

            Mogan’s music and great work ethic got the attention of Swedish bassist and producer, Victor Broden (LeAnn Rimes, Richard Marx, Brad Paisley, and Thompson Square); he later dedicated his chops to Mogan’s debut release as a player and producer. 

            If you would like to find out more about Liam Mogan then check out his website at (https://liammoganmusic.com). 

Social Media Accounts:

Liam Mogan~ “Q&A”!!!

1.  Hello Liam, can you tell me a little about yourself before you became a country musician?  Before making music (even before picking up an instrument), I was really invested in football, team roping and surfing. Football was pretty much my life until senior year of high school. I thought I’d play in college, but I attended Pepperdine University, which doesn’t have a collegiate team.

2.  How did you get the nickname “The Surfing Cowboy?”There’s apparently a shop in Venice [California] called “Surfing Cowboy”. I can’t remember if one of my buds heard of it first and gave me the label or if it was independent from that. It has stuck ever since and either way—I’m part hippie and part cowboy—it fits me pretty well! 🤠🤙🏼

3.  What is the background story behind your single “Miss Behave,” from your debut release “Headlights?”Hmm. That’s a good question. That “bar scene” story, in “Miss Behave” and in other songs of mine with similar vibes, go back to my post high school era of going to our local dancehall Borderline with all of my buddies. It was our first taste of the bar scene. It was great; line dancing, smoking cigarettes, flirting with girls much older than us… cracks me up when I think back! But the story definitely comes from that time in my life. 

4.  Who are some of your musical icons?I like to split them up: old school icons include Hank Williams Sr, Elvis, and Little Richard, to name a few. Without going through my entire musical library, my modern icons are Kip Moore and Springsteen because of their stellar songwriting abilities. 

5.  Where are some of your favorite venues or events to play at?The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills is my favorite venue. It’s my hometown venue, and I’m so blessed to get to play there. The Canyon is where we went growing up to see Merle Haggard and Ted Nugent. There’s a lot of history there! 

6.  Does your grandmother still have her letter from the legend Loretta Lynn wrote to her? Bringing up the sore subject… haha, just kidding! Apparently it has been lost along the many moves my family made between the East Coast and LA. I’ve heard that it may be in our family storage unit, but I’m not too sure. If I ever find it, I will make sure to post it! 

7.  What got you involve in rescuing and helping a beautiful mare name Tulsa, who was abandoned in the California desert.My family friends lived there for many years. My dad, sister and I went out there every weekend growing up to ride and rope the steers they had out there. Anyhow, our friends saw Tulsa and her mother being chased by a pack of wild Pit Bulls (very common in the Mojave desert). They went out and rescued them. Our friends have trained dozens of horses with plenty of experience with rank handfuls, but at their age, Tulsa was too much for them. That is when I took Tulsa home and immediately started her training. She’s come a long way, but there’s plenty of training to be had! 

8.  What is one of your favorite quotes?“That’s life.”  

9.  Is there anything else you would like to share? Musically, I’d like to say that there is a lot of upcoming shows/music releases planned within the next few months. My current EP Headlights is available digitally wherever you download/stream music. Also, if you are on social media, give me a follow on Instagram @liammoganmusic to check out what I’ve been up to. Finally, thanks for taking the time to feature me! 🙂

Jess Taylor~ “Q&A”!!!

1.    Hi Jess, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country singer?Honestly, I’ve always been a singer. My mom jokes that I came out of the womb singing! I’ve always been creative and loved writing, drawing, and music. I was also a cheerleader for a good part of my childhood, but singing was always my passion!
2.    How did you get into country music and how did you know you wanted a career in it? I grew up on good old country music. Of course I listened to Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Reba, but I fell in love with 90s and early 2000s country. Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, and Lonestar were some of my favorites! 
3.    Who are some of your musical icons?Currently my favorites are Larkin Poe, The Civil Wars, Mumford and Sons, Chris Stapleton, and Kacey Musgraves!
4.    What is the story behind your single “Bump in the Night?”I wrote this song with my friend Madison McKenzie! She had this idea coming into our co-write of Bump in the Night being this different way to tell a cheating story and from there it just came to life. It tells a haunting story of a woman who caught her man cheating. There’s a lot of ghost references that we slid in there to make it interesting!
5.    Is there anything else new coming up with your music in 2019?I’m constantly working on new music and writing new songs! I hope to have more new music by the end of 2019, early 2020!
6.    What are a few of your favorite events or venues to play at?My favorite venue in Nashville to play at is the Listening Room! It has this magic in the air. This is a place where people actually go to listen (not talk through) live music. 
7.    What is one of your favorite quotes?I have my favorite Bible verses everywhere from my living room to my phone background! My favorite is “2 Chronicles 15:7”- But as for you, be strong and don’t give up, for your hard work will be rewarded. 
8.    Is there anything else you would like share? I’m so excited to be releasing new music with a new sound and I really hope everyone loves it as much as I do! Thanks for having me on!