The SongBird Project

Apple Music Launches June 30th: How To Tune In

2015-06-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

Taylor Swift made history this past week. Single handedly, she changed the music industry by calling out Apple Music, pressuring the music giant to rightfully pay for the music it will offer during its trial subscription of the service. Little did Swift know, this controversy has been the most fairytale-esque PR nightmare Apple has ever seen. By now, you have heard of this hyped streaming service...but how do you tune in?

Apple Music is set to make its worldwide debut tomorrow, June 30th, at 11AM ET/8AM PT on every Apple device around the globe. Not only does the service give Apple users access to over 30 million songs in the iTunes catalog, the service has an exclusive 24/7 radio station, Beats 1.

The new streaming service will launch as an update for iPhones and iPads, as part of Apple's iOS 8.4, which will be available for download tomorrow. Before you have to subscribe to the service, Apple is giving users a free three-month trial. Following the trial subscription, membership is available for individual users, at $9.99 a month, as well as family plans, which cover six individuals, at $14.99 a month.

Apple Music's Beats 1 radio will officially emit its never-ending airwaves exactly one hour post Apple Music launch at 12PM ET/9AM PT. As long as you have an Apple ID, the station is free to tune in. The global radio station will feature DJs in major U.S. cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, as well as across the pond in London, UK.

Forget about Facebook and Twitter, Apple Music has integrated its own social media platform into the service, termed Connect. Connect will allow artists to share exclusive content, such as notes, photos, and videos, directly with fans in a way that differs from the social media norm.

As a purchaser of physical music (yes, I still am obsessed with physical CDs), I am equal parts anxious and excited for how Apple Music will impact the battleground of the music industry. I definitely will be updating my phone ASAP, will you?

Give me a shoutout on Twitter and let me know what you think of Apple Music.

@FM17

Tim Chaisson "Animal" - 'SongBird Find' 4-14-15

2015-04-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Buy Tim Chaisson 'Lost In Light' on iTunes

If you've been listening to The SongBird Project on the WPNR airwaves, you've noticed my 'SongBird Finds,' in which I spotlight an artist per show. At WPNR, we get a LOT of music submissions. Every once in a while, an album will come across my desk that just stops me in my tracks. I introduced an artist a few shows back and have gotten a great response to debuting his music on our airwaves - Tim Chaisson is an awesome Canadian artist that is bound to make a Nashville name for himself. While listening to his eclectic album, which can be classified as Country/Alternative/Pop/It-Doesn't-Matter-Because-It's-That-Good, I stumbled across a few tracks that are just incredible. The emotional, vulnerable, and in-your-face honest tune, "Animal" is a unique concept and reminiscent of how emotionally heavy tracks hallmark careers and propel some artists to new heights. If I could place a bet on Tim Chaisson, this song could put him at the forefront of the Nashville scene. Be sure to pick up a copy on iTunes and check out the video below.
Key Tracks: "Crushed", "I Can't Live Without You", "Animal", "All Those Words"

Let me know what you think! Give us a shoutout on Twitter using @FM17, #TheSongBirdProject, or #WPNRCountry

Check out The SongBird Project every Tuesday & Thursday on WPNR-FM 90.7 at 1PM EST

WPNR Country Chart 4-6-15

2015-04-09T09:49:00.001-07:00

WPNR Country Chart

Week of 4-6-15

5. Chase Bryant – “Little Bit of You”

(Chase Bryant/Derek George/Ashley Gorley)

4. Dan and Shay – “Nothin’ Like You”

(Chris DeStefano/Ashley Gorley/Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney)

3. Mickey Guyton - “Better Than You Left Me”

(Mickey Guyton/Jenn Schott/Jennifer Hanson)

2. Little Big Town – “Girl Crush”

(Hillary Lindsey/Liz Rose/Lori McKenna)

1. Sam Hunt – “Take Your Time”

(Sam Hunt/Josh Osborne/Shane McAnally)

THE SONGBIRD PROJECT airs on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 1PM-2PM EST on 90.7 FM

(if in the Central New York area) or you can listen live at: http://player.liquidcompass.net/WPNRFM.

WPNR Country Chart - 3-30-15

2015-04-02T09:57:00.001-07:00

WPNR Country Chart

Week of 3-30-15

5. Dan and Shay - "Nothin' Like You"

(Chris DeStefano/Ashley Gorley/Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney)

4. Mickey Guyton - "Better Than You Left Me"

(Mickey Guyton/Jenn Schott/Jennifer Hanson)

3. Sam Hunt - "Take Your Time"

(Sam Hunt/Josh Osborne/Shane McAnally)

2. Carrie Underwood - "Little Toy Guns"

(Carrie Underwood/Hillary Lindsey/Chris DeStefano)

1. Little Big Town - "Girl Crush"

(Hillary Lindsey/Liz Rose/Lori McKenna)

Singer/Songwriter Adam Hambrick - 'Wheels or Wings'

2015-03-06T09:11:00.001-08:00

Buy 'Wheel or Wings' on iTunes

Adam Hambrick is a name you will want to remember.
Working with Nashville producers Jeremy Stover (Justin Moore) and Andrew DeRoberts (Kris Allen, OneRepublic), Hambrick released an impressive collection of songs on his debut EP, 'Wheel of Wings.' This Sony/ATV Singer-Songwriter has a voice that cuts right through, sonically and lyrically. Every song on this incredible EP feels like a well-crafted radio single.
His hooks are lived in, rhythmic, and undeniably catchy. If this stellar EP isn't enough, Adam posts demos on his SoundCloud. One of my favorites is this soon-to-be-smash, "Dangerous."

I had an opportunity to talk with Adam for WPNR, on The SongBird Project, and had a great conversations about his songwriting inspirations, the story behind a few of his songs, including the Justin Moore/Miranda Lambert smash-duet, "Old Habits," and much more!
For more information on Adam Hambrick, check out his Official Website, SoundCloud, Facebook, and Twitter.
Check it out below:

Michael Mott Talks His New EP 'GONE' & #GONEGIVEAWAY

2015-03-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

Buy it now on iTunes

As you probably know by now, I am a HUGE supporter of Michael Mott.

Not only did I have the opportunity to work with him on his debut album, 'Where The Sky Ends,' but have had the pleasure of having a front row seat to his musical adventures.

I interviewed Michael this past December on WPNR (check it out here), when he released 'Where The Sky Ends: The Dance Remixes', and he is back at it again. Last week, Michael released his brand new EP, 'Gone: The Remixes,' which features 5 all new versions of the Mott-penned/Ben Fankhauser vocal-smash, "Gone." If you haven't already, be sure to follow the iTunes link above and grab a copy. Michael is also giving away 3 copies of his new EP, the #GONEGIVEAWAY ends TONIGHT! There are a few hours left so go ahead and enter before it's too late. You can enter using the Rafflecopter widget posted below.
Michael and I had a great conversation about the making of his new EP, his musical inspirations, and what he's currently working on! Missed the interview? I just posted it on SoundCloud.
Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Music Thursday

2015-02-27T18:04:00.000-08:00

Thursday's radio show was solely dedicated to new music premieres on WPNR.

Here are some of my top picks that were featured on the show:

Dan + Shay - "Nothin' Like You"

Stella James Band - "Stella"

Chase Bryant - "Change Your Name"

Kelleigh Bannen - "Smoke When I Drink"

Thompson Square - "I Can't Outrun You"

Lennon & Maisy - "Boom Clap"

Missed The SongBird Project? Don't worry, you can always check my SoundCloud here.

Be sure to tune in every Tuesday & Thursday at 1PM EST on WPNR-FM 90.7.

Not in the CNY area? Listen Live Online

THE SONGBIRD PROJECT TAKES RADIO

2015-02-18T22:19:00.000-08:00

I'M BACK!

Thank you to all who have been following my musical journey for the past four years, it's been quite a crazy ride...and it's about to get even crazier.

As most you know, I have been an On-Air Personality for WPNR 90.7 FM and have created country music programming for the station - #WPNRCountry. Well...we are building on our country genre and are taking THE SONGBIRD PROJECT to the airwaves!

THE SONGBIRD PROJECT airs on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 1PM-2PM EST on 90.7 FM (if in the Central New York area) or you can listen live at: http://player.liquidcompass.net/WPNRFM.

I had an amazing opportunity this past November to interview one of my idols, Martina McBride, before she played a local fundraiser at the historic Stanley Theater in Utica, NY.
Check out the interview below and follow me on SoundCloud here.

I have been having an absolute blast at the station and am so excited to take the blog to the airwaves. I'll be tweeting while on-air, be sure to tweet me your requests using #WPNRCountry!

Ones To Watch 2015

2015-02-18T19:52:00.003-08:00

With 2014 being the year of the 'bro-country' influx to the country genre, I predict these five females will help lead the genre in 2015.

Here are my Top 5 Ones To Watch:

1. Mickey Guyton

2. Kelleigh Bannen

3. Caitlyn Smith

4. Clare Dunn

5. Rae Lynn

Emily West Stuns with 'Chandelier'

2014-07-29T20:51:00.002-07:00

Live from New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, America’s Got Talent entered a new phase in the competition – the first night of quarter finals. In this stage of the summer reality competition voting begins.

Nashville native Emily West is a contestant on this season’s show. She returned to the stage tonight with a larger-than-life performance of Sia’s "Chandelier,” which left the judges in awe. Finishing with a standing ovation from the panel and audience alike, West was tearing up from the overwhelming response.

Howard Stern, typically the most critical, told West that he became a judge to discover talent like hers. He also told her, "You’re the best singer I’ve seen since I joined the show." Mel B was in awe, adding: "That’s probably one of my favorite songs of all time, and you sang it like it was a classic Hollywood song."

Emily West needs your votes! NBC changed the voting this season, now making voting possible by dialing 1-866-60-AGT09, voting on the NBC website at: http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent, on the AGT Facebook page: https://apps.facebook.com/nbc-agt-vote/, or by even googling "America's Got Talent," you can cast your votes. Online/App voting ends by 12 ET tomorrow 7/30/14. Get voting!

As I have been following Emily West since she was posting demos on Myspace, I am just in awe of her. How someone can go from playing Nashville clubs to sharing every emotion in her voice on the stage of Radio City Music Hall with literally an orchestra behind her is breathtaking. There isn't even an artist out there to compare her to. Her authenticity is simply enough.

Watch Emily West perform "Chandieller":

Updates!!

2014-04-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hi SongBirds!

Just popping in to say THANK YOU for sticking by while I bring some major changes to the site!

New posts & updates are coming soon!

Stay tuned!

"Give Me Back My Hometown"

2014-01-14T20:32:00.000-08:00

Happy 2014, SongBirds!

This year is off to a crazy start and I know there are some magical things in store.

This year is and will definitely be blog-worthy, in my life and musically.

Now, I will be the first to admit...I am not the biggest Eric Church fan. However, I am totally having a change of heart, and I know you will too. This song restores my tested faith in Country Music.

I am over society's judgmental views of country music. This song shatters those criticisms. To the untrained ear, country music no longer sounds 'country' any more, and it doesn't have to! From the structure, instrumentation, and choice of words, this song is propelling our genre into a new chapter.

Can I just talk about how brilliant these words are? Like come on. "All the colors of my youth/The red, the green, the hope, the truth/Are beatin’ me black and blue cause you’re in every scene" The. Best. My songwriting head is exploding, absolutely brilliant.

This. Is. Country. Music.

FM Radio:
Singer: Eric Church
Songwriters: Eric Church/Luke Laird
Song: "Give Me Back My Hometown"
Buy it here: iTunes

Damn, I used to love this view
Sit here and drink a few
Main street and the high school lit up on Friday night
Down there it’s another touchdown
Man, this year’s team is stout I can hear them goin’ crazy
And up here so am I

Thinkin’ about you sittin’ there sayin’ I hate this, I hate it
If you couldn’t stand livin’ here why’d you take it, take it

Give me back my hometown
‘Cause this is my hometown

All the colors of my youth
The red, the green, the hope, the truth
Are beatin’ me black and blue cause you’re in every scene
My friends try to cheer me up get together at the Pizza Hut
I didn’t have the heart to tell them that was our place
These sleepy streetlights on every sidewalk side street
Shed a light on everything that used to be

Give me back my hometown
‘Cause this is my hometown

You can have my grandma’s locket
The knife out of my grandpa’s pocket
Yeah my state champion jacket
I don’t care you can have it
Every made memory
Every picture, every broken dream
Yeah everything, everything, everything

Give me back my hometown
‘Cause this is my hometown

"Church Clothes"

2013-09-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

Credit: Kelleigh Bannen

Regardless of the words I write on this little blog, I don't think anything can do justice to the sound Kelleigh Bannen's voice. I've seen more singers than I can remember live, and I've never heard a voice like this. Her tone is so unique that their is no one is comparison. As the opening act for Luke Bryan, Kelliegh had the audience in the palm of her hand. I need at least 100 songs of her on my iPod, now. Oh and on top of that voice, she is also an incredible songwriter in her own right. I've been fascinated with this girl ever since I discovered her last year - "Why Now Why"

Inevitably, I've followed everything she's ever done. So to see her live...oh & meet her...beyond words, one of the best nights, ever. This was by no means an "opening act." As a singer/songwriter, watching Kelleigh's set was literally like seeing a little ray of God. I feel nothing but inspired and know that my life will never be complete unless I can affect someone the way she touched me that night. I feel ready to take on the world.

Every so often a song comes along that takes the breath out of you; this was that song for me. This song speaks for itself but of course that will not stop me. I have been singing this song ever since I heard the Opry performance, ahhmazing. The verses hesitate in a way that makes the story come more to life. The choruses have just a few simple lyric changes that propel the story yet relive the agonizing pain in this 'church' life. In my opinion, it's the details like "curl in my hair," or "Slipped a five in the offering plate." I can really lose my mind over this song. The marriage of melody and lyrics in this song are the driving force for why I will spend forever trying to replicate the same. Like they were just made for each other. Although she didn't have a hand in writing this masterpiece of a song, her vulnerability makes her delivery feel as if she lived it. Brilliant. I promise you've never heard anything like this. Country music needs Kelleigh Bannen.

Find Kelleigh Bannen:
www.kelleighbannen.com
www.twitter.com/kelleighbannen

My video, the beginning got cut off:

FM Radio:
Singer: Kelleigh Bannen
Song: "Church Clothes"

A pressed shirt, you tuck it in

You tie your tie, and tie it again

I put a little curl in my hair

Pink on my cheeks barely there

A proper skirt, hits at the knee

A good sweater in winter green

You shake the keys, downstairs

I hit the lights not a minute to spare

Slipped a five in the bible for the offering plate

What a beautiful picture we both made

You drive, I look out the window

It’s not right but nobody said so

We walk in and head to the same pew

And hold hands, just like we’re supposed to

But last night you slept on the sofa

And these days I don’t even know ya

We fight like hell but nobody knows

When we’re wearing our church clothes

We stand up we sing a hymn

We say a prayer for other friends

We’re turning to the book of John

I’m thinking how I can’t go on

But we smile and we give it our Sunday best

If we’re lost couldn’t tell by the way we dressed

You drive, I look out the window

It’s not right but nobody said so

We walk in, I head to the bedroom

But you don’t, you do what you want to

Like last week when you packed a suitcase

And came close to getting your own place

Oh that’s the stuff nobody knows

When we’re wearing our church clothes

Oh we don’t speak

Don’t touch as if nobody’s watching us

Lord knows we got it down

What would they say if we gave up

You drive, I look out the window

It’s not right but nobody said so

We walk in like we’ve never been so close

Miles apart but careful that it don’t show

When we’re wearing our church clothes

Dirt Road Diaries Tour/"Country Girl (Shake It For Me)"

2013-09-01T20:52:00.002-07:00

Nothing like this song to make you wish you grew up on dirt roads. I love within one line, a song can instantly transport you from your car, living room, wherever, right onto the exact location of the song.

So amazing to watch Luke Bryan carve out a place for himself in country music.

So unreal that here we are Labor Day weekend, which means that summer is officially over. Crazy to think that I am a junior in college now. Ridiculous. Well, I feel like the pinnacle of my summer was 8/29 when we went to see Luke's Dirt Road Diaries tour at the NYS Fair, which featured Thompson Square and Kelleigh Bannen (My favorite person ever!) Ever since that concert ended, all I want to do is go back. Regardless of the overly-intoxicated and way too obnoxious people that obstructed my view, hands down, this is one of the best concerts I've ever been to. Amazing, amazing, amazing!

For starters, although I love Luke, the second I saw Kelleigh's name on that bill, I bought the tickets. This girl is too amazing for words...she's getting her own entry.

I guess my seats were actually meant to be. Although we've sat in the grandstand for almost every show we've seen at the fair (not intentionally), the one thing I've never realized until this time is that I first-handedly had the ability to witness the power of a song. Literally. Amazing how once you're older, you realize everything you knew all along. Honestly, I don't know what was louder, Luke himself, or 17,000 people singing along. Unreal, out of body experience.

Country Girl (Shake It For Me) - Syracuse, NY

FM Radio:
Singer: Luke Bryan
Songwriters: Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson
Song: "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)"

Got a little boom in my big truck

Gonna open up the doors and turn it up

Gonna stomp my boots in the Georgia mud,

Gonna watch you make me fall in love

Get up on the hood of my daddy's tractor,

up on the toolbox it don't matter

Down on the tailgate girl i can't wait

To watch you do your thing

Shake it for the young bucks sittin' in the honky-tonks

For the rednecks rockin' 'till the break of dawn

For the DJ spinning that country song

c'mon c'mon c'mon

Shake it for the birds

Shake it for the bees

Shake it for the catfish swimming down deep in the creek

For the crickets

and the critters

and the squirrels

Shake it for the moon

Shake it for me girl

Country girl shake it for me

girl shake it for me

Somebody's sweet little farmer child

She got it in her blood to get a little wild

Pony tail and a pretty smile

Roped me in from a country mile

So come on over here and get in my arms

Spin me around this big ol' barn

Tangle me up like grandma's yarn

yeah yeah yeah

Shake it for the young bucks sittin' in the honky-tonks

For the rednecks rockin' 'till the break of dawn

For the DJ spinning that country song

c'mon c'mon c'mon

Shake it for the birds

Shake it for the bees

Shake it for the catfish swimming down deep in the creek

For the crickets

And the critters

And the squirrels

Shake it for the moon

Shake it for me girl

Country girl shake it for me

girl shake it for me

Country girl shake it for me

girl shake it for me

Now dance like a dandelion

In the wind, on the hill underneath the pines

Yeah move like the river flow

Feel the kick drum down deep in your toes

All I wanna do is get to holdin' you

And get to knowin' you

And get to showin' you

And get to lovin' you 'fore the night is through

Baby you know what to do!

Shake it for the young bucks sittin' in the honky-tonks

For the rednecks rockin' 'till the break of dawn

For the DJ spinning that country song

c'mon c'mon c'mon

Shake it for the birds

Shake it for the bees

Shake it for the catfish swimming down deep in the creek

For the crickets

And the critters

And the squirrels

Shake it for the moon

Shake it for me girl

Country girl shake it for me

Girl shake it for me

Country girl shake it for me

Girl shake it for me

"Slow Me Down"

2013-08-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I've shared what I'm listening to, but there's a few changes coming to SongBird that are definitely worth the wait...stay tuned.

So excited for new Sara Evans. I am loving how social networking has the ability to bring you new music. As with this song, it was one of those, retweet & share, complete part of the puzzle-type marketing brilliance. And let me say, it was definitely worth waiting for. This song is fantastic.

I tend to gravitate more towards ballads because of the raw story-telling, vulnerability that comes with 3:50 and a slower tempo. With that said, you know an up-tempo song is good when I'm chasing after it. First, as soon as I saw this title, I had to hear it ASAP. I've had this title saved in my phone forever! Never quite knew which story route to take with it...Well, I guess that can get deleted because this song says exactly what I wished I could've put into that title. You know an amazing ballad writer...a la Heather Morgan had to be a factor in this gem. Such depth in these simple lyrics, "If there's something you still need to say, you need to say it now. Hurry up and slow me down." I'm such a wordie that it's kind of weird. But, I love the contrast in the hook, ahh. Anyways, this is such a different sound for Sara. This is modern, fresh, and propelling, yet, at the same time, the production reminds me of great 70's records.

FM Radio:

Songwriters: Marv Green, Jimmy Rabbins, Heather Morgan

Singer: Sara Evans

Song: "Slow Me Down"

"I Want Crazy"

2013-06-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

If you haven't fallen in love with Hunter Hayes by now, you do not have a heart. Ahh I love him. His album, Encore, came out today and it is ahhmazing. This kid is so talented it kind of makes me sick.

To contextually capture emotion is indescribable for me. This song does it so effortlessly. And its uptempo. Total summer anthem right here. Plus, Troy Verges + Lori McKenna, my hearts already broken, could you imagine if this co-write was a ballad?

FM Radio:

Singer: Hunter Hayes

Songwriters: Hunter Hayes, Troy Verges, Lori McKenna

Song: "I Want Crazy"
Buy it here: iTunes

I'm booking myself a one way flight

I gotta see the color in your eyes
I'm telling myself I'm gonna be alright
Without you baby is a waste of time

Yeah, our first date, girl, the seasons changed
It got washed away in a summer rain
You can't undo a fall like this
'Cause love don't know what distance is
Yeah, I know it's crazy

But I don't want "good" and I don't want "good enough"
I want "can't sleep, can't breathe without you" love
Front porch and one more kiss, it doesn't make sense to anybody else
Who cares if you're all I think about,
I've searched the world and I know now,
It ain't right if you ain't lost your mind
Yeah, I don't want easy, I want crazy
Are you with me baby? Let's be crazy

Yeah

I wanna be scared, don't wanna know why
Wanna feel good, don't have to be right
The world makes all kinds of rules for love
I say you gotta let it do what it does

I don't want just another hug and a kiss goodnight
Catchin' up calls and a date sometimes
I love that we're rebels, and we still believe
We're the kind of crazy people wish that they could be, yeah

Oh, I know we're crazy, yeah

But I don't want "good" and I don't want "good enough"
I want "can't sleep, can't breathe without you" love
Front porch and one more kiss, it doesn't make sense to anybody else
Who cares if you're all I think about,
I've searched the world and I know now,
It ain't right if you ain't lost your mind
Yeah, I don't want easy, I want crazy
You with me baby? Let's be crazy

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na

No, I don't want "good" and I don't want "good enough"
I want "can't sleep, can't breathe without you" love
Front porch and one more kiss, it doesn't make sense to anybody else
Who cares if you're all I think about,
I've searched the world and I know now,
It ain't right if you ain't lost your mind
Yeah, I don't want easy, I want crazy

Yeah, look at us baby, tonight the midnight rules are breaking
There's no such thing as wild enough, and maybe we just think too much
Who needs to play it safe in love?
Let's be crazy!

Who cares if we're crazy? We gotta be crazy
I know that we're crazy, so let's be crazy
Yeah…

"Blessed"

2013-06-17T20:27:00.001-07:00

Since today marks my 21st, I am making a promise to myself to track this next chapter of my life because God knows, it's gonna be a big one. It feels like a lifetime ago that I've written one of these.
Reflecting back on my year, I have been so fortunate it's kind of nauseating. Anyways, I had a great pre-birthday weekend in Boston seeing my songwriting idols, Music City Hitmakers, perform with the Boston Pops Orchestra. Ahh what a 'moment.' I know I can go on like a broken record how amazing Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson, Troy Verges, and Brett James are, but, an experience like this has to be witnessed. Words cannot describe seeing a MCHM show. You've never experienced or felt a so-called 'concert' like this before.

Words + Music = A Song. Lies. Words + Music + Emotion = A Song. Writing a song is the most emotionally draining and satisfying thing I've ever experienced. Once you realize what true 'music' is, your eyes instantaneously open. I couldn't imagine my life without music. Being able to play and create is what I will spend the rest of my life chasing after. At 21, I've learned to not care about what the ideal career would be. I believe that if I could do this forever, I somehow have that ability to capture lightning. Yeah, I probably sound like a nut right now but hey, this is my blog. Haha!

Listen to this song and feel every emotion and beautifully done string arrangement.

FM Radio:

Singer: Martina McBride/Hillary Lindsey

Songwriters: Hillary Lindsey, Troy Verges, Brett James

Song: "Blessed"

I get kissed by the sun each morning
Put my feet on a hardwood floor
I get to hear my children laughing
Down the hall through the bedroom door
Sometimes I sit on my front porch swing
Just soaking up the day
I think to myself, I think to myself
This world is a beautiful place

I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed

Across a crowded room
I know you know what I'm thinking
By the way I look at you
And when we're lying in the quiet
And no words have to be said
I think to myself, I think to myself
This love is a beautiful gift

I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed

When I'm singing my kids to sleep
When I feel you holding me
I know

I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed

"How Country Feels"

2012-10-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

As much as I complain about country radio...I never say how in love I am with Sirius XM. They have really brought me out of songwriters demos shell. I've always been one of those shallow fans of Randy Houser fans. Fantastic talent but I never really knew a lot about him...so I never bought an album. BUT, this song made me totally start to fall for him. Another dream team of songwriters here!
I want to live one day of this song. Amazing. I don't know where to start. The addictive chorus, the amazing hook that comes before the chorus, rare I know, the truck, ahh just watch the video already.

FM Radio:
Singer: Randy Houser
Songwriters: Wendell Mobeley, Neil Thrasher, Vickie McGehee
Song: "How Country Feels"

"Hey Pretty Girl"

2012-10-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

What do you listen for when you hear a song? I listen for emotional, raw, real vulnerability. Someone's truth that they can only say within 3 minutes and 40 seconds. I don't care if this Kip Moore is singing about a truck, beer money, or the prettiest girl he's ever seen, I hear it every time. This guy is something special and it didn't take me long to realize it.

Who wouldn't want this song to be about them? Kip Moore just won some major points in my book.

FM Radio:
Singer: Kip Moore
Songwriters: Kip Moore, Dan Couch
Song: "Hey Pretty Girl"

Hey pretty girl, won't you look my way
Love's in the air tonightYou can bet you'll make this ol' boy's dayHey pretty girl, won't you look my way

Hey pretty girl, can I have this danceAnd the next one after thatGonna make you mine there's a real good chanceHey pretty girl, can I have this dance

Hey pretty girl, it feels so rightJust like it's meant to beAll wrapped up in my arms so tightHey pretty girl, it feels so right
Life's a long and winding rideBetter have the right one by your sideAnd happiness don't drag its feetTime moves faster than you think

Hey pretty girl, I wanna take you homeMy momma's gonna love youShe'll make me sleep on the couch, I knowBut hey pretty girl, I wanna take you home

Hey pretty girl, lets build some dreamsAnd a house on a piece of landWe'll lant some roots and some apple treesHey pretty girl, lets build some dreams
Life's a long and winding rideBetter have the right one by your sideHappiness don't drag its feetAnd time moves faster than you think

Hey pretty girl, you did so goodOur baby's got your eyesAnd a fighters heart like I knew she wouldHey pretty girl, you did so good
Hey pretty girl when I see the lightAnd it's my time to goI'm gonna thank the Lord for a real good lifeA Pretty little girl and a beautiful wife

"Hard To Love"

2012-10-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

Usually, I cringe at the thought of writing about a 'radio-friendly' song...Unless, it is a song that deserves to earn that title. Every time I'm listening to the radio, I'm hoping this song comes on.
1. Lee Brice is my husband. (Unofficial)
2. The lyrics, melody, instrumentation, his voice (gahh) is incredible.
3. Listen and melt because Lee Brice is definitely not "Hard To Love."

"The Luxury of Knowing"

2012-09-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be serendipitous if we knew every reaction that would take place from every action we could take. Like jumping off a cliff and knowing exactly how you're going to land, every time. Well, as great as that sounds and how unrealistic it is, for me I think its that free falling, flip of a coin, once in a lifetime chance that I'm chasing after. I mean, we would be like robots if we knew how the world worked. There's a little part of me that does, then the rest of me is pretty much over that. And nothing is worth working hard for if you already know how it'll end...THAT is the unspoken, sheer brilliance of this song. Lori McKenna is a songwriting gem. Writers like her do not come around often. Every song of hers is the truth, period. And every song of hers, to me, sounds like a natural, easy conversation. Take a second and feel the tension in these words, gives your goose bumps.

P.S. - Not only did the brilliant Lori McKenna record this song, Keith Urban did! Listen to the differences!

FM Radio:
Singer: Lori McKenna/Keith Urban
Songwriter: Lori McKenna
Song: "The Luxury of Knowing"

You know when I'm coming home
You know when I'm coming to bed
You know when I tell you that I love you
I mean every word I said

You know I'm a bit too proud
You know that I know how to pray
And you know I won't give this up
Unless I have to give it up
You know I won't walk away

But baby you're like a diesel truck
You're shifting gears and the pedal's stuck
You're headed straight for the edge
And showing no signs of slowing
And I don't have the luxury of knowing

You know that I like to dance
But only when I'm dancing with you
You know I must be bad at lying
'Cause I've only ever told you the truth

But just when I think you're a hurricane
You freeze right over and all that rain
Turns to ice and your whole world just starts snowing
And I don't have the luxury of knowing

Damn it must be easy
Being in love with someone so blind
'Cause I tell you right now the only thing I really know is
That you might change your mind
Any day you could change your mind

But you know when I'm coming home
You know when I'm coming to bed

Baby you're like a diesel truck
You're shifting gears and the pedal's stuck
You're headed straight for the edge
And showing no signs of slowing
I don't have the luxury of knowing...

"Till You Love Me"

2012-08-27T08:04:00.004-07:00

What would like be like without iPhones, iPods, iPads & Macs? Scary. Well, if it wasn't for shuffle, I would've forgotten about this incredible, iconic Reba song.

1990s country is country. In my opinion, regardless of being a 90s child, some of the best music was in this decade. Come on everything from the breakout of Martina McBride, Shania Twain, Britney Spears, Spice Girls...yeah, I went there. Well, those are the 90s. And while most people were just beginning their careers, Reba was putting out some of the highlight songs of her career.

Everything from the structure of this song, the production, her vocals. Perfect. Can we go back to the 90s already?!

FM Radio:
Singer: Reba McEntire
Songwriters: Gary Burr, Bob DiPiero
Song: "Till You Love Me"

I sent you roses, I warned you I would
Do all that I could to show you the way that I feel
Please, don't say, I'm wasting my time
I've got nothin' but time
So I'll do all that I can to catch that ghost of a chance

The sunlight, the moonlight are beyond my control
And there are stars in the heavens that I'll never hold
But if dreams give you power then I'm strong enough to offer my heart
And never give up till you love me, till you love me

I looked in your eyes, so bright and so blue
And that's when I knew, that you could be mine
If good things come to those who will wait
Well, I guess I can wait if that's what I have to do
Oh, it's worth it for you

The sunlight, the moonlight are beyond my control
And there are stars in the Heavens that I'll never hold
But if dreams give you power, oh then I'm strong enough to offer my heart
And never give up till you love me, till you love me

Oh the sunlight and the moonlight are beyond my control
And there are stars in the Heavens, oh that I'll never hold
But if dreams give you power, oh then I'm strong enough to offer my heart
Oh and never give up till you love me, till you love me, till you love me

"I Drive Your Truck"

2012-08-27T07:48:00.001-07:00

Not too long ago, as I was randomly checking Facebook and Twitter, making my usual rounds, I repeatedly kept seeing posts about the 'new Lee Brice song that will change your life.' After seeing the post for at least the 10th time in a row, I stopped everything I was doing and had to google this. Well, I have never heard a song like this. The imagery and emotion that is rooted in these simple words are indescribable. I think it shows more craft from a songwriter in simplicity. Even better than the craft in this song is the artistry from Lee Brice. Watch this performance and fall madly in love with him...I am. (shh!) There's nothing in this song that isn't someone's truth. This first verse gives me chills all over. Close your eyes, clear your head, and really let this one get to you.

No doubt in my mind, when this song actually gets released as a single

SONG OF THE YEAR.

Listen & leave your thoughts!

FM Radio:
Singer: Lee Brice
Songwriters: Jesse Alexander, Jimmy Yeary, Connie Harrington
Song: "I Drive Your Truck"

Eighty-Nine Cents in the ash tray
Half empty bottle of Gatorade rolling in the floorboard
That dirty Braves cap on the dash
Dog tags hangin’ from the rear view
Old Skoal can, and cowboy boots and a Go Army Shirt
folded in the back
This thing burns gas like crazy, but that’s alright
People got their ways of coping
Oh, and I’ve got mine

I drive your truck
I roll every window down
And I burn up
Every back road in this town
I find a field, I tear it up
Til all the pain’s a cloud of dust
Yeah, sometimes I drive your truck

I leave that radio playing
That same ole country station where ya left it
Yeah, man I crank it up
And you’d probably punch my arm right now
If you saw this tear rollin’ down my on face
Hey, man I’m tryin’ to be tough
And momma asked me this morning
I I’d been by your grave
But that flag and stone ain’t where I feel you anyway

I drive your truck
I roll every window down
And I burn up
Every back road in this town
I find a field, I tear it up
Til all the pain’s a cloud of dust
Yeah, sometimes I drive your truck

I’ve cussed, I’ve prayed, I’ve said goodbye
Shook my fist and asked God why
These days when I’m missing you this much

I drive your truck
I roll every window down
And I burn up
Every back road in this town
I find a field, I tear it up
Til all the pain’s a cloud of dust
Yeah, sometimes, brother sometimes

I drive your truck
I drive your truck
I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind
I drive your truck

Grab your tissues....

"Home To Me"

2012-08-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

As a songwriter, I think for the past 4 years I've had the title "Home To Me" in my iPhone notes, and all songwriting notebooks and old documents that I haven't gotten to. I've always been drawn to the idea that wherever life's journey takes you, you will always find a 'home.' And to me, I loved the idea that regardless of where you go, the person who you share it with will become your 'home'. Well, I now know why I could never formulate that into a song...because this song seriously got to me! For me, this was one of those songs that you hear the tail end of when you're changing stations, Sirius XM's The Highway. Anyways, then I heard it again (& at least once daily) on The Highway from the Nashville Let Freedom Sing 4th of July event that featured Sarah Darling, Music City Hitmakers, Craig Morgan, etc. Anyways, I was blown away! Love, Love, Love! To make this even better, I randomly checked Soundcloud one day (best thing ever) and found one of my songwriting idols, Caitlyn Smith uploaded her demo to this song! I seriously abused google, BMI, and ASCAP's search engines to find out who was brilliant enough to write this song. Well, here it was right in front of me and suddenly, it all made sense. Of couse Caitlyn Smith wrote this song, who else would? Check out another song that I love of hers "Map Of The World": http://youtu.be/-vqvZsKMnfk This girl is ahhmazing. Love.

Really concentrate on these lyrics. Every word falls exactly where it is supposed to in this song. Not one line, or word for that matter, seems like a filler or something that these just incredible songwriters - Caitlyn Smith (one of my all time favs) & Bobby Hamrick didn't experience...and to me, that is what makes an incredible song. This chorus, come on, does it get any better? Every syllable is perfect.
This song has every part to it that makes a hit song, cannot wait for this song to go to the top! And even better, TODAY this song just became available on iTunes.
I bought it today, you should too. Click here to purchase on iTunes
Hear the demo here: Home To Me

FM Radio:
Singer: Sarah Darling
Songwriters: Caitlyn Smith, Bobby Hamrick
Song: "Home To Me"

You look like Georgia on a cool summer day.
Your smile hits me like a breeze blowin’ off the lake.
You talk like Kansas
You can see to the horizon
There’s no place for words to hide
‘Cause you mean what you say

CHORUS:
Got a heart like Indiana
Laugh like Louisiana
Take me down to Alabama
Show me some of that laid back vibe
Kissin’ while we’re fishin’ in the moonlight
Shine like California
High like an Arizona noontime
Baby when you’re all mine
Anywhere, any place I go
You feel like home to me
You feel like home to me

Love’s taken me across the map
All the way to hell and back
Gave everything I had and I
Lost my mind a couple times
Met you and I was sure
I found the center of the universe
Hit the interstate fast and Now I’m never looking back,
no Lookin’ back, lookin’ back oh no.

CHORUS

You feel like home

CHORUS

You feel like home
You feel like home to me

"Where I Belong" & 1 Year MARK!

2012-08-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

We did it! Whoever you are out there, taking a few minutes out of your day to read my crazy blog...Thank YOU! There aren't enough words I could write or a song that I could post that would tell you how much I appreciate anyone's eyes reading my words. Today marks one year of doing this crazy thing! And although I wanted to do 365 posts, life got in the way and I ended up with 100. I mean come on this is one HUNDREDTH blog...amazing. I couldn't have planned it this way, it wouldn't have been so sweet.

A year ago, I thought I was stuck. Like really stuck between chasing this dream of becoming an esteemed Nashville songwriter/life changer, college and moving to Nashville. My life was already in Plan B mode years before that but in the end it all brought me to this.
Day 1 of The SongBird Project: http://songbirdproject.blogspot.com/2011/08/this-is-me.html

So I sit here tonight, a year after I embarked on this 'SongBird' project and I can honestly tell you I really found more of myself. There's still so much more that I have yet to learn but I've really changed in this past year. I don't even know how to summarize where this blog has taken me. From being halfway done with college and getting a degree, having some amazing, life changing experiences, all of my Nashville experiences, dragging my family to every music venue in Nashville, living in my dream and then having to walk away from it, being recognized by my idols for these little blogs I post at midnight over their gems of songs, basically...I really believe this is the year.

I feel like 20 is going to be really, really, really good to me. I hope.

After everything that has led me to this moment, I can only think of one song that would even scratch the surface of my mess of emotions! This is one of the first demos I've ever heard of Hillary Lindsey's, back in the good 'ole MySpace days, when it used to be the coolest thing ever to jump from page to page and become fascinated with songwriting. Truth is, I still do it just on a different platform.

I really wish this demo still existed out there but this song was recorded by another incredible, forgotten, singer/songwriter - Rachel Proctor.

FM Radio:

Singer: Hillary Lindsey/Rachel Proctor

Songwriters: Hillary Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, Chris Lindsey, Troy Verges (The Dream Team)

Song: "Where I Belong"

I've wished a million wishes on a big empty sky
And I've spent too many endless nights alone
Wondering if I was broken and why everything felt so wrong
And where do I belong

I see beyond the end of time when I look into your eyes
It's so much bigger than this life and everything's right
I feel so safe, safe as a child in your arms
This is where I belong

I've seen my share of troubles
And tears I've shed in vain
Watched my dreams crumble
But all along the way
Someone heard me pray

The house is quiet now and my, my heart is full
And all the ones I love lay fast asleep and I am complete
I turn out the light and I whisper goodnight
And i know, this is where I belong

Follow this link: Rachel Proctor's MySpace