New artist (Katie Bryce and Mallary Hope)

Being from Georgia myself, I thought I would do a spotlight on 2 new amazing artists, that I hope to see a lot of over the next few years.

Katie Bryce Ricketson:


From the heart of Douglas, Georgia, Katie Bryce is beginning to put her dent on the music industry. Her first single 'Everything' was leaked onto youtube. This is an AMAZING song. It adds this vibe to pop music that isn't there. The background music to the song is very acousticly driven, which I love! Most pop music today sounds too fake, but with Bryce it's different. You can tell she has a genuine voice, that she has talent. To me it doesn't matter to me that her sister is Jennifer Nettles, I would love that song either way. I hope her album comes out very soon.

Check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAmjAa5wbd0


Mallary Hope:




This girl is striaght out of Cohutta, Georgia. She has talent for sure! I was told by 3 different people that I should listen to a new artist 'Mallary Hope'. I finally broke down and checked out her mypace page.. I listened to 'Love Lives On' and was thirsting for more. I heard her for the 1st time on US 101 on one of my first driving attempts. I turned it up looud! I can almost gaurentee that if you are a fan of Carrie Underwood or Martina McBride you will like Mallary Hope. Her voice soars! I can see her up on that CMA stage in a few years giving an acceptance speech for 'Female Vocalist of the year'

Check out Mal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKuVlUX4G8o

An Open letter to Sugarland and Decatur CD (controversy)

I was just going to make this a response to the Decatur CD hype, but I've reading comment and such on the AJC post about it (http://blogs.ajc.com/peachbuzz/2009/08/12/sugarlands-bush-drops-by-decatur-cd/) and some on Sugarland's on website. Before you start saying what's a 15 year-olds opinion going to help. Let me just point out I am a fan, in the official fan club. I own 4 Sugarland CD's and 5 Jennifer Nettles Band records. I am from Georgia. Been to a Sugarland concert and I am going to another on September 26 in Atlanta.

First to adress the Decatur CD issue. On August 8 Decatur CD and independent record store in Decatur posted an open letter to Sugarland (http://www.decaturcd.com/) In the letter adressed the fact that several fans came in looking for the Live On The Inside CD. The duo signed a deal with Wal-Mart to exclusively sell the Live CD/DVD combo. Which means Decatur CD had to tell fans no they couldn't sell the CD. On the site they said: "You guys have been around roughly as long as Decatur CD, and we’ve been supporters of your music from day one. We’ve put your releases on listening stations, given away tickets to your shows and so on. After all, what is a local music scene if not an extended family of sorts? We have to take care of each other.The point is that by shutting the door on independent record stores, you’re in effect shutting the door on your hometown." Many know that Jennifer and Kristian both got their starts at near by Eddie's Attic. So I see why this CD seller would be upset. If Jennifer and Kristian had not had supporters in Decatur there may have never been a Sugarland. At the same time this Wal-Mart deal was gold for the duo. Not in a money way like most people are looking at it either. Wal-Mart is a HUGE marketer. So they saw a good opportunity and jumped. I don't blame them. It's just one CD. Kristian Bush obviously saw the post and responded with this comment:"You are right, and thanks for the suggestion. I am in Houston for a show right now but will come by the store when I get home on Wednesday and bring you a few boxes of discs, We can peel off the Wal-Mart stickers together while we catch up. -Kristian" Sadly due to the contract Kristian was not able to give some CD's to the local store. However he did not just blow his promise off. He stopped by the store and dropped off some Sugarland goodies for fans and took pictures for fans that happened to be there. I think that was very thoughtful of him to at least stop by.

Many people posted rude comments on the Atlanta Journal's blog about it, but this one struck a chord with me. "Let’s be real. Jen’s a smart Agnes Scott woman. She made a solid business decision. Kudos to her for living her dream of being a rock star. Those of us in crammed into coffee shops in the early 90’s knew she was extra special. Sugarland deserves this time. I agree with Chad. There are ways to balance appeasing the “man” and pleasing those of us who still own the first “tape” she ever released! HML" Finally a true fan! Just because this one CD was released exclusively does not mean the 2 forgot what made them who they are! Jennifer realizes I'm sure that if Eddie's Attic just right down the road from her college (Agnes Scott), had not given her a shot and all those performances in the 90's she may not be here today(in the musical sense)

I had the opportunity a couple weeks ago on my birthday (Aug 3) to take my first trip to Eddie's Attic. I was extra extra special because the Attic had booked the patio for a Sugarland viewing party. I walked in the door and just thought 'wow, if these walls could talk'. Not only was their the history behind Sugarland there, but many great writers had walked up those same stairs. The patio was pretty packed as we watched the ABC network special. At the end prizes were given out. I was one of 5 lucky fans who won. I got a copy of Live On the inside autographed from the two. Obviously they care, or they wouldn't have dropped off those CD's to the Attic. Decatur is a pretty city itself, and it's history is mezmorizing. I loved it. So "Sugarland fans" who are complaining, let it go. It's one CD.

Kara VS Paula the AI fued

Now I've been watching American Idol for going on 4 season's now. I have 4 Idol winners CD's (Kelly, Carrie,Jordin,David) and even a few alumni that didn't quite make it to the finale. So after 2 full seasons of watching and getting into the groove of the hype, I was skeptical about this "new judge." I had heard some of Kara's original songs and others she had wrote for other artist, and it seemed at least she knew something about the business. When the show permiered that January, like most of the country I was watching this new girl very closely. After a couple of auditions I loved her. She was almost like a balance between Simon and Paula. She was telling the truth yet adding a sweet comment to it. So she became my new favorite. After the May finale came the usual contract rumors. First it was Simon was leaving. Then it was Kara. So no one really knew yet. Just a couple of days ago via twitter Paula released the news she would not be returning for a 9th season. Instantly blames were put onto Kara. I knew the producers would have some minor issues to work out if they kept all 4, but it wasn't Kara's fault. Paula is the one who decided not to come back. Granted Simon and Randy (not Kara) were getting a larger pay check which wasn't fair. American Idol season 6 alumni Melinda Doolitte and Phil Stacey offered their condolences to Paula via their websites. I am very sad to see Paula gone, because her cookyness has been there since day 1, and she really has an eye to see past looks and history to find a true talent. At the same time though I am glad to see Kara back.

Thank you Carrie Underwood

I don't know why I am writing this, but I have wanted to for a while. I must say that I never started watching American Idol until Season 6. Before that though I had picked up Kelly Clarkson CD's when I was about 9. But when I was 12 I heard a little song by the name of "Jesus Take The Wheel." I googled it and found out Carrie sang it. So our next trip to Wal-Mart I picked up a copy of "Some Hearts." I took it home and listened to the entire record. I was amazed! I'd never really been interested in country music, because I thought it was like full out banjo pickin' and mountain style. I had heard a little Reba and Martina from my mom. For the next week I got up at 5 in the morning to hopefully get a glimpse of a Carrie video. But while I was waiting I really liked most of what I heard. This was also my 1st peek into Sugarland. This was when the were still a trio. I saw "Baby Girl" and I loved it. Since then I have picked up many country records ranging from Martina to LeAnn Rimes. Also after I found out Carrie won something called American Idol, I had to watch. So I found out the air date for Season 6. I was hooked. So without Carrie I might still be on that endless Disney music. I thank her for opening my eyes to new music. So no matter how much I seem to stray from her sometimes, I never will.

Sugarland into one Assignment

I'f you saw my video you are probably looking for full post so here you are

Fred The Leprechaun (original)

There once was a leprechaun named Fred
He was confined to his bed
The story he told,
Was he hijacked a rainbow and crashed into a pot of gold
But now Fred is dead

Love (Original)
Everyone knows love is a battlefield
It can be like a rollercoaster, you’re always scared along the way
Love can be as beautiful as the sunset
Or it can be like a vacuum that never breaks, so it sucks
Love is perfect, but far from it
It is painful and can break you, but it’s what we’re all searching for
Love is the poet’s gift
They can make it sound like the intricate dance of classical music
Love is like the recognition of its one true counter-part
Like feeling the butterflies in your stomach
Love is a battlefield


The Legal Drug (Original)

It consumes us
It’s our obsession at times
And our pure addiction at others
We criticize and we praise it
It’s our legal drug

From the hip-shaking of Elvis
To ‘Rolling On the River’ with Tina Turner
Giving our R-E-S-P-E-C-T to the great Aretha Franklin
To the timeless Bob Marley

We crave it
We need it to function
It pulls out our true self
It shows a person on a different level
It’s our legal drug

Being thrilled by Michael Jackson
Burning in ‘The Ring of Fire’ with the man in black, Johnny Cash
Learning to ‘Let It Be’ with the Beatles
Getting it ‘Straight Up’ from Paula Abdul

Society would crumble without it
It’s everywhere we turn
It’s at our finger tips with the touch of a button
It has evolved so much
It’s our legal drug

Becoming very superstitious with Stevie Wonder
The original ‘Material Girl’ herself Madonna
‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ for Bon Jovi
Following a ‘Stairway to Heaven’ with Led Zeppelin

Then as society changes, we change
We change the content of the drug we want
It comes in different styles and forms
We have the power to choose a new superstar
But it’s still our legal drug

All we ever wanted was some Kelly Clarkson
Seeing ‘Some Hearts’ really do get lucky sometimes with Carrie Underwood
Taking it ‘One Step at a Time’ with Jordin Sparks
And leaving a ‘Light On’ for David Cook

It consumes us
It’s our obsession at times
And our pure addiction at others
We criticize and we praise it
It’s our legal drug

Living the ‘Forever & Always’ with Taylor Swift
Seeing that a ’Backwoods Barbie’ isn’t such a bad thing from Dolly Parton
Tackling the question of 'Love' with Sugarland
Taking a ‘Ride’ with Martina McBride

No matter where it spins off to next,
It is the legal drug


It's Time (Original)
*inspired by the Video "Love"*
Lights Dim I hear the synthesizer ringing through my head as it fills the air
I see the green glow sticks waving frantically, filling the arena
I can feel the excitement rush over me as the crowd grows louder
You can almost taste the love in the air
The smell of the warm, misty fog on the stage gently brushes past me, tickling my nose
As the white umbrella falls from Annie's hand to a halt on the stage floor, I know
It's Time

My Conversation with Travis McNabb

So Sugarland's drummer was on facebook, by fate, at the same time as me. So I bravely sent him a message, and he was kind enough to respond. So here's how it went down.

Lindsay
Travis?

2:22pmTravis
hello

2:22pmLindsay
Ok. Hey I was wondering if you'd responed to fans or not ?

2:24pmLindsay
You still there?

2:24pmTravis
yes

2:25pmLindsay
Ok sorry. I dind't want to sound like some 12 year old obsessed SL fan, because I'm 14, but anyway. Are ya'll playing a Kenny show tonight?

2:26pmTravis
yes we are

2:26pmLindsay
Ok I saw Thad's and Brandon's twitterand they had some pics of the set up, it looked way different than the regular set up. I saw you guys in Atlanta back in April...So Good

2:27pmTravis
i havent seen the setup yet

2:27pmLindsay
really?

2:27pmTravis
and thanks

2:28pmLindsay
Your Very Welcome. I'm soo excited I'm coming to the recently scheduled September 26th show in Atlanta too

2:29pmTravis is offline.

2:30pmTravis
cool, should be fun

2:31pmLindsay
I hope so :) I don't know if you'd know or not. But are they doing the key contest for that? Because the date isn't on the Fan Club at all

2:31pmTravis
im not sure, sorry

2:32pmLindsay
It's cool. Just checking, while I had someone like you actually responding.

2:33pmLindsay
So have ya'll had any rehearsals for tonight yet?

2:33pmTravis
no, we wont get to cause there r so many bands

2:33pmLindsay
oh yea. I know Gloriana is going to be there. How long is the set, cause he has like 5 openers

2:35pmTravis
i havent seen yet. i would guess an hour or 75 min

2:36pmLindsay
Wow! That's a long set time. So ya'll just chillin then

2:37pmTravis
yes

2:38pmLindsay
Fun! I hope I'm totally not freaking you out right now

2:39pmTravis
no problem

2:40pmLindsay
lolz:) just checkin.I have a random question. I noticed your bass drum (i think that's what it is) the image changes a lot during the show on it. Why?

2:42pmTravis
we are using different icons on this tour: key, feather, umbrella and the heart with wings, so its a way to have all of those images appear on the drum through the show
just using those on posters, our clothing etc

2:42pmLindsay
Ok I totally get most of the symbols, but why a feather

2:43pmTravis
this was all K&J
im not sure

2:44pmLindsay
Nice. I thought it might be. Because Jenn's thing she did for US weekly said she has an obsession for feathers. hmmm

2:45pmTravis
ok, im gonna run

2:45pmLindsay
ok coolness. Thanks for talking

2:45pmTravis
sure. take care

2:45pmLindsay
You too

My Views on Taylor Swift

Well I thought I better go ahead and write this blog. Because some people get mad when I begin to talk about Taylor Swift. So I'm sorry if this one offends you, I'm not trying to.

Most people know that Taylor Swift is a HUGE star in the country/pop world. This past year, she sold more records than anyone in any genre. That is a complete honor for anyone; country, pop, rock, hip-hop.... She also won the Crystal Mileston award, along with Jennifer Nettles at the 2009 ACM awards. Do you see that this list won't stop, it just keeps going, that's my problem.

I think on a good note, that Taylor has awesome talent. She writes songs, that I'm sure anyone would like to write. The girl can also play guitar SO WELL, considering she's only 19 and can play a 12 string.

My real problem is these constant awards. AMA's, CMA's, CMT's, everything. Her number of album sold, it's rediculous and great all at the same time. I honestly think the girl has that Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus appeal. If you watch some videos of M&G and just concert shots, most of her audience is 7 and 8 year old girls. Granted I have her albums, including the Wal-mart release of Beautiful Eyes, but she's begining to be a little overpushed. At 19 I don't think her vocals are that strong, and yet I'm pretty sure she's soon to grasp Carrie Underwood's hold on the ACM and CMA Female Vocalist award. She has great knowledge on how to get her stuff out there. She's helped produce both her records I do believe, she has twitter, myspace, facebook, and post youtube videos every now and then. She does a great job at letting her fans into her life. Which I think is better than artists saying, leave me alone it's my life stay out. She just has great drive.

I'm just really really sick of seeing her EVERYWHERE! I mean she got a CRYSTAL MILESTONE AWARD!? I'm happy and everything, but to me you really have to earn that award. Not just sell a bunch of records and bring the youth back to country. I mean look at Jennifer, she got it the same night. Jennifer got it for being the FIRST female to single handedly write the ACM and CMA song of the year : "Stay". She also won 2 Grammy's for the SAME song. Now that's earning it.

I don't won't anyone to think I'm bashing Taylor, but sometimes it just frustrates me. I'm also one of those people that holds tight to her FAVORITE artists, and get's mad when they lose. So that's part of my problem