Zoe Cummins~ “Q&A”!!

1.    Hello Zoe, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician? I grew up in small town in Southwest Oklahoma, doing a little bit of everything around me. I’m not sure if that was because there wasn’t much to do outside of farming/ranching or if it was because I was looking for something I liked as much as music. I stayed very busy with very “Oklahoma things”: raising livestock, sports, public speaking, and SISTERS. I am the oldest of 5 girls so we constantly had people over and each spent a lot of time entertaining people in various ways.
2.    What was the first country album ever bought? I remember asking my mom to buy the Dixie Chicks album “Fly” when I was really little. I looooved the Dixie Chicks!
3.    Where do you see your music career in the next 5 to 10 years? I’d like to at least be signed to management in the next 5 years. The songwriter in me would like to have a couple songs cut as well. I don’t look to the future too much though because I’m usually trying to stay busy booking up my short term with the steps towards my goal. I just know that I want to be writing and playing as much as I can and I want every set and every song to be better than the last. I guess the main goal right now is just finding money with my music to pay for all the songs I wanna record and time I want to spend working on my music.
4.    What is the background story behind your latest single “Rope the Moon?” Haha. Well…. we all have exes. Me and my most recent ex broke up because we just weren’t good together. We loved each other a lot but we just weren’t meant to be in a relationship. It took us 2.5 years to figure that out because we loved so hard. About 6 months after we broke up, all my friends said my ex was dating a new girl that was really cool and they liked the two of them together. Then they suddenly broke up. So I sat on that for awhile. Then my grandad started getting really sick and my grandma had a guy best friend that I was talking about one day. I just thought it was really sweet that he would be there for her all the time and I told a friend he’d rope The Moon for her. And then I thought about the girl my ex had broken up with and wrote to the hypothetical idea that she had found the person that’d rope The Moon for her so she would feel peace about moving on.
5.    Is there anything else new coming up with your music in 2019? TONS. I am really excited for the songs I’ve been writing and I’m excited to be trying new ones out all the time at shows. I want to pump everything with energy and constantly share what I have been working on. Also I started a Pop side project. Haha.
6.    How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words? Rock, Americana, Country, singer/songwriter
7.    Where are some of your favorite venues or events to play at? I really love True Music Room. I got good vibes from that place. And I recently played Analog with Madeleine and Olivia Rudeen and we played the best show we’ve ever played together I think. That place is awesome. We also did a fun little outdoor gig at Sandbar back at the beginning of June and that was so fun. But I find myself at Live Oak most nights of the week and I always have a good time on that stage. Also anytime we get to travel for a festival that’s awesome.
8.    What is one of your favorite quotes? Probably any line from Step Brothers. Lol.
9.    Is there anything else you would like to share? Hope to see everyone reading this August 22nd at The Five Spot!

Zoe Cummins~ “Artist Spotlight”!!

Zoe Cummins was born and raised in a tiny city in Oklahoma. She spent a lot of her childhood trying to be like one of the musicians she saw on the one channel of her bedroom TV-CMT. Cummins knew from an early age that if she wanted to be on the stage she would have to move to Nashville. At the age of 18, she started learning what it meant to pay her fees and make the rounds of Nashville. Six years after Nashville has become home to the singer/songwriter. Cummin’s music is greatly influenced by the country music that surrounded her a child (Dolly Parton, Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert and, Bobbie Gentry) and also with the music, her family passed down to her (Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, Jim Croce, Bob Dylan, Prince and Carol King. Her unique Pop infused Americana flare to traditional country music contribution not only a different sound but also a stimulating viewpoint that ties listeners in. On June 28, 2019, Zoe Cummins latest single “Rope the Moon,” and it is available both on Spotify and Apple Music.

Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoecumminsmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZoeCumminsMusic?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoecummins/

Kendal Conrad~ “Q&A”

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

Hi! Before I was a country musician, I was a kid who used to take her boombox out to the barn and perform for the chickens and the horses. I always loved to sing, even if no one was listening. I then segued into local talent competitions and teen idol contests. It wasn’t until high school that I taught myself how to play guitar and started writing songs.

2. What was the first country album you bought?

The first country album I bought was Taylor Swift’s debut album, and boy, was that a defining moment. I was shocked to discover that a girl my age, who grew up near me (Wyomissing, PA), wrote her own songs and played guitar. To say I was inspired is an understatement. “Tim McGraw” made me want to be a songwriter.

3. What is the background story behind your latest track “Come to Your Senses?”

“Come to Your Senses” vents my frustrations with dating. I’m basically leveling with the guy across the room: look, the ball is in your court. Are we going to sit here and make eyes at each other all night or are you going to come talk to me? You can’t make a connection with someone without communication.

4. Is there anything else coming up with your music in 2019?

I will definitely be releasing more music from the EP that I just finished recording with Matt McVaney earlier this year! There aren’t any songs on there as bright as “Senses,” but there is a fun dance-type track, a ballad, a song about revenge. I’m excited to see the reaction when I put out the rest of the songs.

5. What are some of your favorite venues or events to play at?

I love playing Jenks Club in Point Pleasant, NJ. It’s on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, and the crowd is always super pumped and high energy. I’ve played there a few times, and this year I’m opening for Adam Doleac August 21. If anyone wants to go, message me — I have a limited number of free tickets!

6. How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words?

Vulnerable. Empowering. Edgy.

7. When you are not working on your music what do you like to do in your free time?

I’m a big horror buff, so I like to keep up with the latest horror movie releases. I’m also an obnoxious photographer of food, so I like to try different restaurants and different kinds of food. I’ve learned that I like escargot and grilled cactus.

8. What is one of your favorite quotes?

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” This is a paraphrase from Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. I feel like it suits my mindset and the way I approach life in general.

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

Make sure to follow me on my socials! I follow back on Twitter and Instagram.

Kendal Conrad~ “Artist Spotlight”

Kendal Conrad is a singer, actor and award-winning songwriter. Conrad has appeared on MTV and also sang with Keith Urban at one of his concerts. She was even featured on Urban’s website as one of his favorite “Raise ‘Em Up” tour moments. Conrad was titled International Miss Talent with her own original song “Girlstrong.”

Kendal has performed at many historic venues including the White House, Six Flags, Hershey Park and the Well Fargo Center. She has also sung the National Anthem for MLB, NBA, MMA, and NASCAR events. Conrad sang at NBC’s National Dog Show and was a contestant in the Colgate Country Showdown. She has been an opening act for country artists like Phil Vassar, Craig Morgan, Easton Corbin, Maggie Rose and Old Dominion. She even performed personally for romance novelist Nicholas Sparks.

Outside of her music, Conrad was an extra in the film “Silver Linings Playbook” staring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. She was a part of the Broadway production “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” at the Civic Theater of Allentown. Conrad recorded her first EP in country musician Reba McEntire’s studio in Nashville. She also plays a Martin brand guitar.

On June 28, 2019 Conrad release her newest single “Come to Your Sense.” If you want to find out more about Kendal Conrad, check out her website: www.kendalconrad.com.

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kendalconrad?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KendalConrad

Patrick Carpenter~ “Q&A”!!!

1. Hello Patrick can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?Well, I’ve pretty much always been a musician. I began playing guitar around 11 and before that, I was a pretty average kid always playing soccer and stuff. Before I began pursuing the artist thing, I spent a few years as a lead guitar player for a few acts around town. In 2018, I broke off to do my own thing, but I still will join in with my friends as their guitar player here in there. Over the past few years I have also been pursuing a football-coaching career as well. I spent 3 seasons at Franklin High School in Franklin, TN and recently, I was hired at Lipscomb Academy for the 2019 season. Outside of country, I have a heart for worship music. I played at my home church St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Madison, MS my whole life and I still do when I go home. When I came to Nashville, I really looked hard for a church to assist in Worship with. That lead me to Brentwood UMC and Otter Creek in Brentwood, TN. I am very thankful for my musical gifts and playing in worship has been such a great way to give back.

2.When did you realize you wanted a career in country music? Probably when I was really young. Almost immediately after I began playing guitar, I knew I wanted to do this. I remember watching Kenny Chesney’s “I Go Back” video one summer and saying “I wanna do that!” I remember seeing Bon Jovi and just being blown away by their presence and ability to have the crowd feeding from the whole band and I knew I wanted to be those guys.

3. How did you come up with the name of your most recent album “Friday Night Hallelujah?”Haha so that’s a funny story. I had heard the phrase in another song and I thought that was such an interesting idea because it could be it’s own song and everyone has his or her own version of a “Friday Night Hallelujah.” Whether it’s a beach, a bar, a farm, everyone has their own escape. The idea then grew to were the songs on this album the songs that you would hear on your Friday Night escape? It’s a soundtrack to a Friday night party.

4. What is your favorite song off your newest album?. Ooh good question, I love so many of these songs for so many reasons. I do favor “Daydream” quite a bit. Daydream is a total beach party anthem about living your best life and forgetting about the constant drag of living a life that you don’t want. The funny story about this song was that I actually wrote the majority of the song at work while I was sitting at my desk. Haha guess I was literally daydreaming about my daydream!

5. What was the first country album you ever bought?Wow I haven’t thought about that in a while. I’m pretty sure it was “When the Sun Goes Down” by Kenny Chesney. I mentioned how “I Go Back” was the song that made me want to pursue this and that was on that album. Pretty soon after that I bought “Mud on the Tires” by Brad Paisley and that album really inspired me to hone in on my guitar skills and between guys like Brad, Keith Urban, Richie Sambora, they are why there are so many guitar antics throughout my music.

6. What are a few of your favorite venues or events to play at?Well I’m fresh off playing at Duling Hall in Jackson, MS. That was my first venue to headline and I had a great buddy and talented musician, Anse Rigby, open for me. We had an incredible night. It was so cool to go back home after the success of this album and celebrate with my friends and family from my whole life. Around Nashville, I really love playing writers nights. I’m a big fan of the Bluebird Café’ and the Listening Room. Last year we hit the festival circuit pretty hard and had a chance to play at the Franklin BBQ Festival and they were so welcoming and took great care of the band and me.

7. Is there anything else new coming up with your music in 2019?I’m working on a doing a Christmas release this fall/winter. I’m pretty sure what I’m going to do, but I can absolutely promise it’s going to be so guitar-driven it’s not even funny haha. I am working on a music video as well, that feels like the next best step for me. I’m always writing and working on new stuff, but it’ll probably be next year before I release anything new. I don’t wanna diminish the importance and the success of “Friday Night Hallelujah.”

8. What is one of your favorite quotes?“If you see a turtle on a fence post, it probably had help getting there.”– Brad Paisley. Brad said that during his CMA Entertainer of the year speech and I’ve always loved it. I used to think that all of this was based off one person, but it truly takes a team of great people that work together and collaborate well for this to really work.

9. Is there anything else you would like to share?I’m just grateful for where this is all headed. It has almost been a year since I released my first EP. I remember hoping that people would just like it; I didn’t think it would ever chart on iTunes and take me places like it has so fast. I’m truly grateful and blessed for where I’m at and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here!

Patrick Carpenter~ “Artist Spotlight”!!!

Patrick Carpenter is a guitar player and singer/songwriter from Jackson, Mississippi. The legendary guitar players that came before him such as Richie Sambora, Eddie Van Halen, and Brad Paisley inspire him, he started playing guitar at 11 years old. After many years of playing in bands around Mississippi, he moved to Nashville in 2014 to follow his dream of an entertainer. Rapidly, he was chosen as the lead guitar player for several acts around town starting in 2016.

After playing festivals, writer nights and many shows on Broadway, Carpenter chose to finally begin chasing his dreams as a solo act in 2018. Combining traditional Country, 80’s arena rock and mainstream pop, Carpenter has found his own voice and sound that is old-fashioned, yet contemporary. Carpenter graduated from Lipscomb University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and New Media. He is currently enrolled to obtain his Masters of Education in 2020 while being an Assistant Football Coach at Lipscomb Academy.

Country singer/songwriter an instrumentalist Patrick Carpenter on May 17, 2019, released his first album, “Friday Night Hallelujah,” which debuted at #3 on iTunes Singer/Songwriter chart and Top 3 on the Bestseller list. The LP is also available on Apple Music, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and other digital streaming outlets.

Carpenter’s album was produced by Brent Rader (Joe Nichols, Billy Dean, The Frontmen); the album is a follow-up to the Mississippi resident’s debut EP, “Coming Back Stronger” that reached #13 on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts. All 12 songs are all written or co-written by Carpenter and his guitar skill is showcased throughout. The album was written as a summer party album including themes ranging from beachfronts and living out your dream.

Carpenter traits not only have modern country sounds but also uses his love for traditional country and classical rock drum melodies and musical guitar solos that are all based with relatable songwriting. With songs such as “Coming Back Stronger,” Carpenter continues his melody of writing tunes that inspire others to stay true to themselves and to keep moving through life.

If you would like to find out more about Patrick Carpenter then check out his website at (https://patcarpmusic.com/home).

Social Media Accounts:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patcarpmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patcarpmusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patcarpmusic

Tori Martin’s~ Avocado Pasta Recipe!!!

One of my favorite summer dishes is creamy Avocado Pasta! It’s light, refreshing and
extremely tasty! It can be made as a vegan/vegetarian meal, Keto friendly, or with
regular noddles and protein.

INGREDIENTS
 12 ounces dry spaghetti or pasta or Zoodles
 2 ripe medium avocados (about 6 ounces each), halved and pitted
 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves
 1/2 cup lightly packed baby spinach leaves
 2 cloves garlic
 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
 1 teaspoon kosher salt
 1/4 cup olive oil
 Optional for serving: Parmesan cheese shavings, cherry tomatoes, or chopped fresh basil
leaves, grilled chicken.

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until
al dente, 8 to 10 minutes, or according to package directions. Meanwhile, make the
sauce.
Make the sauce. Scoop the avocado flesh into a blender. Add the basil, spinach, garlic,
lemon juice, and salt. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute. With the blender running,
drizzle in the olive oil and blend until incorporated, set aside.
Drain the pasta. Drain the pasta in a colander, then, transfer to a large bowl.
Toss the pasta with the sauce. Pour the sauce from the blender onto the pasta and toss
to coat. Serve immediately.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3
days, but the color may darken.

Tori Martin~ “Q&A”!!

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

I grew up a military brat born on the Eglin Air Force base in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. I lived in 5 different states before moving to Texas at the age of 7.

Even though I’ve moved around so much, Texas has always felt like home. I have 10 siblings so my life has never been boring, and oddly I don’t come from a musical family. Growing up I was very athletic, (a major tomboy) and a track star in high school. It’s funny because now I’m super-girly even though I’m outdoorsy. At the age of 14, I began singing in our church choir, which led me to pursuing my dreams in music!

2.Who are some of your musical icons?

First and foremost, Dolly Parton is my queen. I always tell everyone she can’t go to heaven until I sing with her at least one time! I’m a huge Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Etta James fan. Stevie Nicks is definitely my second queen.

3.What is the background story behind your latest song “Living the Dream?”

I wrote this song with my friend, Lyndsey Highlander right when I moved to Nashville 2 years ago. Prior to moving, I had been in the music industry since I was 16 years old. We wrote this song as an anthem for ourselves and for all dreamers. So many times you are told “no” and doors are shut, but then they are opened. It takes tenacity and determination to keep going. Through the years, I’ve missed out on a lot of happiness always living for “the future” and not loving where I am at. When we got together to write a song this poured out. We realized that we’re already “doing it,” we’re already “living the dream” and that’s so easy to lose sight of.

4.Is there anything else new coming up with your music in 2019?

Yes! The music video for “Living the Dream” coming out very soon. I can’t wait to share it with y’all. I’m also in the studio gearing up for a new album!

5.What are some of your favorite venues or events to play at?

In Nashville, so far one of my favorite venues to play at is The Listening Room. It’s kind of refreshing because people from all over come there to hear original artists and songwriters. I love that! My favorite venue I’ve probably ever played (so far) is the Chevrolet Main Stage at the State Fair of Texas. It’s a massive stage where artists like Kid Rock, Kacey Musgraves and Willie Nelson have all played, in fact, the same year I did. The lights, the stage, and the crowd… it was nothing short of amazing!

6.What do you like to do in your free time when you are not working on your music?

I have two golden retrievers (who just turned one) so they keep me SUPER busy. I love to cook/bake, enjoy the outdoors, and hang with the hubs!

7.What is your recording process like when working on new material?

I really like bringing my songs to the table and to be involved in the creative process with my producer. Many times the songs are just acoustic/vocal demos and have tons of room for creativity. So, I love having a pre-production to dream and scheme. Then, hitting the studio after!

8.What is one of your favorite quotes?

“Find what you love and let it kill you.” – Bukowski

Tori Martin~ Artist Spotlight

Country singer/songwriter, Tori Martin just release her brand new single “Living the Dream,” from her upcoming album. The song is available now through all streaming platforms and digital sellers. The song was co-written by Lyndsey Highlander and produced by Jake Saghi and the song is meant to motivate listeners to follow their dreams. A music video for this song will be released in a few weeks.

Martin also had her image to show on a NASCAR racecar in two NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series races at the Iowa Speedway and at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway near St. Louis. The #10 Chevrolet is owned and driven by Jennifer Jo Cobb. Cobb is a long-time NASCAR driver who, like Tori, had a huge dream as a little girl and worked hard to make her dreams come true. Cobb and young karting racer Delana Hodge can be seen in the “Living The Dream,” music video.

Martin grew up in Texas and moved to Nashville in 2017 to follow her music dreams and continues to tour across the country. She has already accomplished success on the Texas Country charts. Her songs “From Here to There” (#22), “Done Deal” (#19) and “Woman Up (#20) are all loved by her fans.

Growing up in Azle, Texas, Martin who is 24 years old has always had a passion for music. She started singing in church as a child and was influenced by her country music loving Paw Paw, who bought her first guitar. She grew up on classics like Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette. “Stand by Your Man,” was the first song she learned to sing at 14 years old. She started playing at opry houses around Texas. She recorded her first EP, “Falling Straight Up,” in Nashville at 16 years old and played first headlining a concert that same year.

Some of Martin’s musical icons are Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, and Stevie Nicks. She became known for her great vocals and genuine songwriting. In 2014 she was named one of the “New Faces of Country,” by Renegade Radio Nashville and was a contestant on Season 14 of American Idol. The following year, she was nominated for “New Female Vocalist of the Year,” and at the Texas Regional Radio Music Awards. She also performed at Taste Addison, headlined by Granger Smith in 2017. Martin currently co-hosts the “Music Biz Besties Songwriter’s Series,” at Just Love Coffee in Nashville.

If you like to find out more about Tori Martin then check out her website at (https://www.thetorimartin.com/home).