Live Mic - Where Music Comes First

Music and Writing - Gave me the Desire to Further my Education

2011-08-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

This blog is about music. I started this blog a few years ago and concentrated on the live music scene. That is how the title of the blog “Live Mic” came about. I have always been a huge music lover, as are most of us, no matter which genre we prefer. I have also been freelance writing since 2005. In 2006 I became a fan of American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks. I was granted the opportunity to interview him, and the next thing I knew I was interviewing several musicians. Well-known names, musicians who were in a band and now breaking out on their own, actors who also are great musicians, too great independent artists who just need some extra word of mouth to get their music out to the masses. I find an immense amount of joy in speaking with musicians, and helping to get information out to their fans, and hopefully gaining them new fans.

Along the way I have discovered that being in the music industry is very hard work. Not only does a musician need to be good at what they do, and entertain their fans, they must also try to gain new fans in a business that is filled with millions out to do the same thing. Another thing I discovered is no matter how good your music is it does not mean the masses will get to hear it. Creating great music does not guarantee getting radio play.

A musician also needs people are their side. They need their publicists, promoters, and everyone else on their team to be on their side 100%. They cannot slack off on their duties to their client if the client is to noticed by the public. You would think that since they are getting paid to do that then it obvious that they will do their job. This is not always the case however, and the musician is the one who suffers from sloppy management.

I was doing what I could interviewing and writing about musicians and searching out Indie artists who needed publicity. I soon realized that while I was doing what I could to help it wasn’t enough. Let me clarify, it was not enough to satisfy my desire for what I want to do in regards to music. I made a huge decision to get an education, so I could learn more about how the music industry works, and also to become a better writer.

In October I enrolled in college to obtain a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications at Ashford University. I am nearing the end of my first year of college. I am very excited to get my degree and become a professional music blogger, or a music publicist.

This blog will showcase some great musicians.

Bucky Covington Racine Ohio

2010-10-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

We went and saw Bucky Covington in concert in Racine Ohio. He put on an a amazing Live show and we loved it. Below you will find some videos of the night.

2010-01-20T06:55:00.001-08:00

Interview with Jeff Timmons
An Interview with Jeff Timmons founding member of 98 Degrees.Jeff Timmmons is now a solo artist and preparing to release a collection of songs to his fans for free.
Read More

Jeff Timmons Interview

2010-01-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

Thursday 12/31/09 I interviewed Jeff Timmons from 98 Degress who is now doing his own thing. Check it out

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2549197/interview_with_jeff_timmons.html?cat=49

Bucky Covington Gotta be Somebody

2009-10-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

Bucky Covington Video for new song Gotta be Somebody. Did I say I love this song? Well I do!

Bucky Covington News

2009-10-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit - David McClister

As all my readers know I am a Bucky Covington fan. Today I received a new press release and am sharing it with you. Bucky Covington as exciting new things coming up. His newest CD is set to be released in spring of 2009. Below is the newest press release and a link to hear a 90 second preview of Bucky's Newest single "Gotta Be Somebody". I also love to feature Bucky here on Live Mic because he is one of those artists that gives his all to the Live Performance and the audience enjoys every minute of a Bucky Covington concert.

Bucky Covington Is Gearing Up To Headline NASCAR Post-Race Concert In Memphis

NASHVILLE, TN / October 19, 2009 - Lyric Street recording artist Bucky Covington is gearing up to headline the Comcast Concert Series Post-Race show following the NASCAR Nationwide Series Kroger On Track For The Cure 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park coming up on October 24, 2009 in Memphis, TN. The free show kicks off immediately following Saturday's race, which is scheduled to get underway at 2:30pm. Concert attendees will be treated to a high energy set featuring a preview of the new music from Bucky's forthcoming release.

"I'm thrilled to perform for the NASCAR crowd to say the least," said Bucky Covington. "My two favorite things have always been cars and country music. We're going to get the audience all revved up and have a great time."

Recently, Bucky Covington delivered to radio his brand new single "Gotta Be Somebody." Currently climbing the country charts, this song is from his much anticipated sophomore album, I'm Alright, to be released in spring 2010.

Bucky Covington's self-titled debut CD opened at #1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart in April 2007 with the biggest first week sales for any debut country artist that year. He's the best selling debut artist of the 2007 class and is one of only three male country artists since 2005 to have three consecutive top 10 singles from his debut album. In addition to competing on the fifth season of "American Idol," Bucky's national television appearances have included Live with Regis and Kelly, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Good Morning America and Fox & Friends.

To learn more about Bucky Covington and upcoming tour dates, log on to: www.buckycovington.com or www.myspace.com/buckycovington.

"Gotta Be Somebdy" 90 second clip

Search Engines work strangely but cool to

2009-07-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

I have been surfing the internet today for music news about Michael Jackson and any updated info about Taylor Hicks. So my search engine had his name in the search bar. My husband asked me to get some auto insurance quote and I just typed it in without noticing I had not deleted Taylor’s name. SO my search ended up being for Taylor Hicks auto insurance quotes.

This search query brought up Ford Signs American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks For National Advertising ... full Auto News article at Motor Trend: Ford Signs American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks For National ... Insurance Price Check. The link takes you here http://www.motortrend.com/auto_news/112_news060628_ford_signs_american_idol_taylor_hicks/photo_02.html

All you see is small picture of Taylor over top their other stuff, you then click the picture and see this picture.

No specific reason I am sharing this information except that I thought it was pretty cool. It is amazing what can be typed into a search engine and what information will show up.

Summer Concerts

2009-07-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

Summer is here and finding things to do that is cheap for a family is not an easy task. I love to go to outdoor concerts. I was searching for outdoor concerts and stumbled on something nice for those who live in, or will be visiting Alabama.

The 2009 Gazebo Concert Series.

Here is the info for those interested. Remember Taylor Hicks, Bo Bice and Ruben Studdard are Alabama natives so I am sure some great music will be enjoyed.

Gazebos Concerts in the Park
at Village Green Gazebo in Historic Downtown Madison

When: Thursday Nights

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

July 16 - North Alabama Songwriters -
Donny & Susan Grace
Dave Swinford
Jesse Lindsey Smith
Will Stults
Mary Justice Luca
Holly Helms

July 23 - Country - Jeff Whitlow and the Old Barn Band

July 30 - Southern Gospel - The Majestics Quartet

August 6 - Bluegrass - Mike Ball & the Madison Mountaintop Band

August 13 - Originals/County/Gospel - Matt Prater

August 20 - Latin - Luis Trevino & the Soft Notes Combo

Aug. 27 - Classic Pop - Purple Ravens

Kris Allen Apologize

2009-05-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't watched American Idol much this year. But the little I have watched of it I figured Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen would be the final three. I also think Adam Lambert will win but I want Kris Allen to win or at the least be in the final 2 with Adam. I have never voted for a contestant since Taylor Hicks but I cast some votes last night for Kris Allen. I loved his performance of One Republic's Apologize. I like Kris Allen for his voice and also for his personality. I hope he got enough votes last night to be in the finale and if so than I will probably vote for him again next week to hopefully see him win the show.His performance of the song is below. Enjoy.

And here is the studio Version

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Kevin Costner

2009-04-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

We have all more than likely seen movies starring Kevin Costner. I have enjoyed many movies with Costner in them. Now I have found out that he also has a music career. So I wanted to share a music video with you of his for those like me who do not know that Kevin Costner sings. Since I started this blog I have started searching for new music to share with the readers and I have found lots of great new music. I recently interviewed The Bacon Brothers which is Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael. I love their music. So if you know of other actors who also play music let me know. Seems I have missed out on some good music. Enjoy the video below.

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Indie Artist to Check Out Shane Avery

2009-03-22T18:33:00.001-07:00

I have found out that the best way to discover great music that isn’t being shoved down our throats by radio is to just go online to MySpace or YouTube and listen for yourself. One such artist I just recently discovered is Shane Avery. If you enjoy great country music and an amazing voice than check him out here. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=339125874

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Howie Mandel and Buy.Com

2009-03-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

Nothing to do with music but Howie Mandel is well known for supporting Buy.com. I also like buying fromBuy.Com because you never know what you might need that will be on Sale there. I just found a commercial at YouTube that I find pretty funny. Howie goes to visit his son and his son pays for his purchase in a way I am sure all parents are familiar with. Check out the commercial and also visit Buy.com to see their sales.

Lewis Copeland

2009-03-22T18:13:00.001-07:00

I am from a small town in Waverly Ohio. I wanted to alert you to talented singer also from Waverly. Lewis Copeland was born and raised in this small Southern Ohio town of Waverly. It was here that he learned the hierarchy of life: God, Country, family and friends. Growing up, Lewis became a role model. Blessed with a gift to entertain others through music, he routinely found himself on many stages. His ability to write songs and play various instruments was complimented by an outgoing personality that is intoxicating.

In 2005, at the young age of 20, Lewis Copeland packed his bags, kissed his mama good-bye and made a 370 mile trek from Waverly to the bright lights of Nashville in pursuit of a dream; to be recognized as a Country singer/songwriter. Unlike a stranger in a foreign land, Lewis immediately felt at home among friends in Nashville and quickly adapted to his surroundings. Within weeks of arrival, he was playing gigs on Broadway getting noticed by some of musics top entertainers like Willie Nelson and Neil Young. From the stages of Tootsies Orchid Lounge, The Second Fiddle and now a regular every Saturday night at The Stage on Broadway, Lewis has been sharing his small town values, love of music and the spirit of youth with a growing fan base. Just as friends and family discovered long ago, Lewis Copeland is being recognized in Nashville as a man of many talents and someone that is a pleasure to be around. Vist Lewis MySpace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=46792113
Video Below
Lewis Copeland Performing in Kentucky

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Lewis Copeland

2009-03-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

Little Buddy Radio

2009-03-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

I am sure you all remember Gilligan from Gilligan’s Island. If you are like me you also like to listen to great music from an era when music was at its best. Little Buddy Radio may just be the radio station for you.
Little Buddy Radio plays Soul, Blues, Funk, R&B - The best music from all decades. It is
Music you love from your past and also music you'll love in the future. They have a playlist of over 4,000 songs with new songs added daily!
Little Buddy Radio is owned and operated by the Denver Foundation, which Bob and Dreama Denver founded to help handicapped and disadvantaged children in Bob's adopted home state of West Virginia. You can visit Little Buddys MySpace page here http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=143518785 and listen to the great music.

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Taylor Hicks Free Download Seven Mile Breakdown from The Distance

2009-03-03T20:09:00.000-08:00

The Distance the new Taylor Hicks album will be available March 10th. Now at Amazon you can a free download of Seven Mile Breakdown off of the album. So head over now and download a great new song by Taylor Hicks. http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Mile-Breakdown/dp/B001U8T2WI/ref=sr_f2_2?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1236136099&sr=102-2

You can also see the video for the single release of What's Right is Right off of the album at http://new.music.yahoo.com/Taylor-Hicks/videos/view/What%27s-Right-Is-Right--205814483

So go now and get an idea if some of what you have to look forward to when you purchase The Distance by Taylor Hicks

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The Bacon Brothers "Boys in Bars"

2009-03-02T13:54:00.000-08:00

If you have been following my blog you know I am a fan of Kevin Bacon and recently discovered he and his brother Michael have had a band and been performing for 14 years. I love their music and wanted to share a video of their song “Boys in Bars” with you. I am still amazed at how I never discovered the music of The Bacon Brothers until now considering I have watched every movie Kevin Bacon has been in. But I am glad I know about it now. Video below enjoy.

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Taylor Hicks "The Distance" Release Date and Places to Buy

2009-03-02T13:35:00.000-08:00

March 10th Taylor Hicks’ new album “The Distance” will be released. You can purchase a copy at Amazon, Wal-Mart (with bonus Track), Target (with bonus track) and iTunes (with bonus track). Each of these outlets will have a different bonus track. You can also purchase a copy that is sealed with another booklet enclosed signed by Taylor Hicks at Newbury comics. http://www.newburycomics.com/rel/v2_viewupc.php?storenr=103&upc=103-1206819N

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HEAR MUSIC TO RELEASE PLAYING FOR CHANGE – SONGS AROUND THE WORLD ON APRIL 28TH

2009-02-19T14:26:00.000-08:00

Remarkable Effort Ten Years in the Making Features Collaborations
with Artists Around the Globe, Including Keb’ Mo’
U2’s Bono and Bob Marley

Los Angeles, CA (February 19, 2009) – Giving voice to an extraordinary effort to inspire peace through music and to connect diverse musicians worldwide, including those in conflict regions, Hear Music today announced the April 28 release of Playing For Change – Songs Around the World. The special CD/DVD package, available at participating Starbucks company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada and at traditional retail worldwide, contains a ten-song audio CD as well as a seven-track DVD, which features five of the songs performed live. The DVD also includes a trailer for the forthcoming PFC documentary and information on the PFC Foundation.

Grammy winning producer/engineer Mark Johnson and his Playing For Change team traveled for a decade with a single minded passion to connect the world though music. Their ambitious journey took them from post-apartheid South Africa , through the ancient sites of the Middle East, to the remote beauty of the Himalayas and beyond. Using innovative mobile technology, the PFC crew filmed and recorded more than 100 musicians, largely outdoors, in parks, plazas and promenades, in doorways, on cobblestone streets and amid hilly pueblos. Each captured performance created a new mix in which essentially the artists are all performing together, albeit hundreds or thousands of miles apart. In a recent interview with PFC founder Johnson, PBS’ Bill Moyers called Playing For Change a remarkable example of “the simple yet transformative power of music...to touch something in each of us.”

Some of the magical moments include Ireland’s Omagh Community Youth Choir singing
“Love Rescue Me,” written by U2 and Bob Dylan, and American street musicians Roger Ridley and Grandpa Elliott harmonizing with Clarence Bekker from the Netherlands amid an assembly of artists from Russia, Spain, Venezuela, France and Brazil on the Ben E. King/Leiber & Stoller classic “Stand By Me,” the video of which has already become a YouTube sensation with over seven million views.

Also included is an exhilarating version of the Marley classic “War/No More Trouble”. The track (and video) includes musicians from The Congo, Israel , India , Ireland , South Africa , the U.S. , Zimbabwe and Ghana , along with U2’s Bono and Bob Marley. Marley’s “One Love” proved to be an irresistible choice for the producers as well, enlisting American Keb’ Mo’ to sing with performers from India, Israel, Nepal, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

This unparalleled international collaboration of vocalists and musicians are also heard on versions of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” Tracy Chapman’s “Talkin’ Bout A Revolution” and Peter Gabriel’s “Biko”.

The relationship between Playing for Change and Hear Music was facilitated by legendary television producer Norman Lear, co-owner of Concord Music Group, which formed the Hear Music label with Starbucks in March 2007.

“With Playing for Change, Mark Johnson and his team have created a movement that transcends language, border and culture, one that brings people together to a common purpose: peace,” states Lear. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity, along with our Starbucks partners, to bring this special project to the people.”

A five-city Playing For Change – Songs Around the World tour featuring some of the musicians on the CD and DVD will kick off at this year’s SXSW music conference in Austin , Texas on Friday March 20th. Other confirmed dates are:

March 23rd Knitting Factory Los Angeles

March 24th Slims San Francisco

March 25th The Showbox at the Market Seattle

March 31st Highline Ballroom New York

About Hear Music

Hear Music is an innovative record label that was created as a partnership between Starbucks and Concord Music Group. Rooted in quality, authenticity and passion, Hear Music works directly with artists, both emerging and established, to bring quality music to the widest possible audience, in both Starbucks locations and traditional music retailers worldwide.

About Playing for Change

Playing for Change began a decade ago, the brainchild of Grammy-winning music producer and engineer Mark Johnson. In 1998 Mark teamed with producer Whitney Burditt to create Playing for Change: A Cinematic Discovery of Street Music. Following this award-winning 2004 documentary, PFC saw the April 2008 premiere of its latest film, Playing for Change: Peace Through Music, at the Tribeca Film Festival. The documentary features over 100 musicians around the world, combining their distant voices into a powerful group of collaborations.

Seeing great need in many of the locations where the crew filmed and recorded inspired PFC to establish the Playing for Change Foundation, which provides resources – including facilities, technology, musical instruments and education – to musicians and their communities. Completed in January 2009 is the Foundation’s first project, the Ntonga Music School in South Africa . Its second, the Mehlo Arts Center in Johannesburg , will open later in 2009.

Playing for Change is headquartered in Los Angeles . For more information, please visit the website: www.PlayingForChange.com.

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Review of "The Distance" by Taylor Hicks

2009-02-18T15:27:00.001-08:00

Review of "The Distance" New Album by Taylor Hicks
"The Distance" takes the listener on an amazing journey with songs of love, humor, heartache, the effects of war, and growing together as one
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1490822/review_of_the_distance_new_album_by.html

Whats Right is Right Taylor hicks Video

2009-02-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

Taylor Hicks has a video out Whats Right is Right. Taylor Hicks Video for What’s Right is Right is at Yahoo Video Premieres. it is wonderful video about devotion and love. I love the lighting used on this video and Taylor looks amazing. Go check it now and see what you think.

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Taylor Hicks The Distance Track Listing

2009-02-15T15:05:00.000-08:00

Taylor Hicks, American Idol Winner season 5 has a new album coming out March 10th. The album The Distance will have 11 tracks but there is also going to be 3 digital exclusives. The track list is below. Those with a * beside them will be digital exclusives. What’s Right is Right was released Jan 27th and can be heard here.

The video for What’s Right is Right will be available to see on Yahoo Premieres this Tuesday.

The Distance (Track Listing)

Wedding Day Blues
Seven Mile Breakdown
What’s Right is Right
Hide Nor Hair*
Woman Gotta Have It
New Found Freedom
The Distance
Nineteen
I Live on a Battlefield
Yes We Can*
Maybe You Should
Once Upon a Lover of Mine
Keepin It Real
Indiscriminate Act of Kindness*

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Bacon Brothers Dancing Contest

2009-02-15T14:53:00.000-08:00

For all you fans of The Bacon Brothers, Kevin Bacon or just those who enjoy dancing and want to show off here is your chance. The Bacon Brothers is having a dancing contest for those who want to video themselves dancing to their new single Go My Way.
Here is video about the contest

Submit a video of yourself dancing to "Go My Way" and you may win a chance to dance live with The Bacon Brothers onstage and have a clip of your dance moves featured in a new version of the video.

To enter, upload your video to YouTube then add it to the Bacon Brothers Contest Group at:

http://www.youtube.com/group/baconbrotherscontest

Kevin and Michael Bacon will pick their favorite entries and will edit portions of the submitted videos into a new version of the video for "Go My Way." This video will be featured on baconbrothers.com and The Bacon Brothers contest channel.

One (1) grand prize winner will be chosen from the video submissions. The grand prize winner will have the opportunity to join The Bacon Brothers live onstage at one of their upcoming shows! Ten runners-up will receive an autographed CD. for more information visit:
http://musicallies.com/baconbrothers/danceoff/

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The Bacon Brothers

2009-02-08T17:54:00.000-08:00

I have been a fan of Kevin Bacon for years. I hae watched so many movies of his I can’t remember them all. Footloose and Hollow Man are a couple of my favs. I know Kevin is an extremely talented actor. What I did not know is that Kevin Bacon also has an amazing singing voice.
Kevin and his brother Michael have had a Band since 1995 and have released 4 albums
Forosoco November 4, 1997

Getting There August 31, 1999

Can't Complain June 26, 2001

White Knuckles October 25, 2005

New Years Day November 11, 2008

I don’t know how I never knew that Kevin was a singer but I am glad I found out now. If you are like me and did not know that Kevin and Michael have music out do yourself a favor and check them out now. You can visit their site and purchase their albums or go to iTunes. I highly recommend the songs Go My Way, New Years Day, Boys in Bars, I’m Glad I’m Not Married and Guess again. I am sure you will love the Bacon Brothers. This is rocking good music and I love Kevin’s voice. To get you started into the Bacon Brothers mood you can view two videos now.

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No Electric Means Lack of Online Music For Me

2009-01-30T10:03:00.000-08:00

I have missed so much info regardind Taylor Hicks and music in general this week. I am in Ohio and the ice storm that came through has had my electric out since Tuesday Morning. Then yesterday my phone goes out. We are surving though. Kersene heaters and lanterns sure come in handy. Though cooking is a challenge. They are saying they hope to ave electric on Sat at 6pm but no gurentees. I am at the library right now using the WIFI access to check on what I have missed so far. So Feb 17th we will get to see Taylor Hicks video. Can not wait for that to be come available. Also saw where Taylor has gotten 19 spins on the media base chart. Awesome!! Looks like Taylor doing things HIS way is going to pay off for him. I can not wait until I get to hear Taylor’s music on the radio where I am at. Ok that is all for now. Hoepfully I have my electric and everything back on soon. I am haing winter. They say we have lots more snow coming next week. Geez I am getting spring fever. Catch up with ya’all later on.

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