Members and Instruments
Kim Beaseley Collins on guitar and vocals,
Marna Taylor on vocals,
Mac Gayden on slide and electric guitars and vocals,
Nick Rather on rhythm guitar,
James (Haggs) Haggerty on Bass,
Dave Colella on Drums and Percussion

Basic Genre

Americana

How long have you been playing?
Sweetwater Rose has been together for three years now. We knew each other as Nashville songwriters and singers/musicians, and all of us had worked together at one time on shows or knew of each other through friends, but never all together.

How did you get together?
Mac Gayden our Producer and his wife had a vision to start a female group that could give credit to some of the sounds from the 60′s that were missing in today’s music a voice again, with a little twist.  The genre’s were all blended more at that time, folk/country/rock were all just music.  They brought us all together and we started writing and singing together, and went into the studio to put some songs down at Studio 19 (which has a great warm sound) and House of Blues Studio ( which has everything.)  Mac wrote the song “Everlasting Love” which was cut by U2 and 14 other hit cuts,and he wanted to give back.  We just all found each other in the music, and shared similar interest. We are going back into Alex the Great Studio soon to cut more songs.

What do you do for fun? You know, besides music…
“Marna Taylor- Pottery, spending time with friends, traveling.
Kim Collins – I enjoy spending time with friends and Husband. We love to travel (the states and abroad), so when we are not touring I like to get a beach trip in occasionally! I am also an avid yogi and love spending meditative time in my yard in East Nashville.”

How’s the music scene in your home town?
“Marna –  Growing up in Oklahoma country music was everywhere, but luckily my parents exposed me to lots of different music!  I am very grateful for that!!

Kim- The Nashville music scene is as diverse as you can get.  On any given night you can go to one of the many local small venues and see stellar talent…something that will blow your mind.  There’s so much talent in this city and in the last few years
Nashville is finally getting recognized for this, beyond country music.”

What’s on your personal playlist this week?
“Marna-I love all the new summer music that comes around this time of year! I am loving the new songs by Fun and Gotye right now, but always go back to the great summer music like Steve Miller Band!!!
Kim-  Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and The Smoking Flowers.”

Can you pin-point the moment that you knew you wanted to be a performing musician?
“Marna – I was very shy growing up, so my parents got me into musical theater! I remember the first solo I sang on stage with the spotlight on me, it just took me to another place and I felt right at home! I was hooked in that moment!

Kim- I always knew since I was a young child that I would be a musician. It was embedded in my family since birth.  My mom was a folk singer from the 60′s and my Uncle too.  Music was always around, and my first solo performance was at the age of 5.”

What are your goals as a musician? How far would you like to go, what do you see as the next big hurdle?
“Marna –  When music is a part of who you are, you have no choice really but to honor that!  With the music business changing so much right now, it can feel like a hurdle not knowing how to move forward at times.  I guess the trick is to stay true to who you are musically and hope that honesty translates.

Kim- I sometimes feel that I have already accomplished most of my goals, musically speaking.  It has been a long career for me, and I have released records I am proud of.  While the fame aspect may have alluded me, that was never my goal in the first place.  I play for the love of it and can only hope that enough people love what I do so I can pay the bills!  I would love to reach a bigger audience, so right now that would be the biggest hurdle I need to tackle.  SWR has that potential, and I am grateful to be a part of this growing and changing family!!”

Describe one of your most memorable moments in music.
“Marna – When I was 16 and in the show choir, my skirt fell off at an airstreamers convention!!
I thought I would die, but got lots of hoots and hollers from the fellas in the audience. Luckily, we all had leotards under the skirts that were just panels of material anyway, so it wasn’t x-rated.  Then singing at The Basement with Zoe Deschanel and Karen Elson one night. Now having a great show with SWR.

Kim- My former solo rock band, Kim’s Fable, performed the day after 9/11.  It was a large festival that we assumed would be canceled.  The festival did not cancel, and as shaken as I was over the events the day before- I knew we had to keep our chins up and spread healing through music.  My lyrics have always been positive and healing in nature, (especially in KF) so I made sure to fil the set light with the potent positive vibes. It was a hard show to get through (I cried several times)..tons of people showed up to our surprise, and at one point I looked out and strangers were holding hands, crying, hugging and singing along. It doesn’t get more powerful than that.
”

What song makes you dance when you’re cleaning house?
“Marna – Stevie Wonder’s  ”" Superstitious”"

Kim – “”Ventura Highway”" by America”

Tell us about some of your musical influences.
“Marna – Linda Ronstadt, Bobbie Gentry, Lena Horne, and Dolly Parton

Kim – My musicial influences were all over the map.  From Sinead O’Connor, to Neil
Young to Fleetwood Mac to Led Zeppelin.  Ultimately, I’m a 70′s gal though!”

Where would you choose to build a vacation home?
“Marna –  Jamaica mon!!!

Kim – Italy and Northern California”

How did you learn of Music Tree?
“Marna –  From friends that are in the know!

Kim –  Sweetwater Rose’s involvement, which came thru Chip Ramsey.”

How do you feel about being a part of the Music Tree Festival?
Marna – I’m very excited to feel like we are getting to be a part of this new festival, and to kick-off Bonnaroo in the great town of Manchester!

Kim – I am excited and honored to be a part of this festival!! Thank you for having us!

Do you have plans for Bonnaroo?
“Marna – I’ve always felt like the best way to approach any festival is to be in the moment, because it’s hard to get to see everything you would like to and it helps so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Kim- I have several friends that will playing Bonnaroo, so I may go a day or two with an artist pass…
Mac Gayden – (Producer/slide player)  I have played Bonnaroo with the group Zenphonic that I produced we did 3 shows there in one festival.  Ashley Capps always puts on a great show and treats the talent great, so I always go and support.
We are happy that the Town of Manchester and surrounding areas have embraced Bonnaroo and live music, and appreciate them for it.”

What would you like to add?
“Musicians on our “”Natchez Road”" cd, have been incredible, Mac knows all the great musicians, so Sam Bush, his banjo player Scott Vestal, Byron House from Robert Plants Band of Joy, Brad Pemberton from Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, Patrick Ferguson from The Psychedelic Furs, Mac Gayden from Dylan and JJ Cale.”

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweetwater-Rose/274377050363?ref=tn_tnmn
www.reverbnation.com/sweetwaterrose

Nashville  musicians Hello Walls are getting ready to rock the Music Tree Festival in Manchester, on the main stage at Rotary Park, June 2, 2012. While we make preparations for a live interview, the guys have taken some time to put this together as an introduction to their alt/rock/americana music. Wilco and My Morning Jacket come to mind, spinning this track. Give it a whirl…

Hello Walls

Members and Instruments
Tim George- guitar, vocals;
Tyler Polk- guitar, pedal steel;
Nicholas Asta-Drums;
Joe Durm-Keyboards;

How long have you been playing?
We have all been playing for years, but have all been playing in Nashville over the last year.

What do you do for fun? You know, besides music…
We are really into Star Trek reenactments…and Pokemon

How’s the music scene in your home town?
It’s crazy as you can imagine. Everyone is a phenomenal musician and the competition is brutal.

What’s on your personal playlist this week?
“Gram Parsons
Beach Boys-Surfs-Up
Townes Van Zandt
Willie Nelson-Red Headed Stranger
Neil Young-Tonights the Night”

Can you pin-point the moment that you knew you wanted to be a performing musician?
Tim George: I couldn’t pin point the moment but I’ve known from an incredibly young age.

What are your goals as a musician? How far would you like to go, what do you see as the next big hurdle?
Recording and touring. The hurdles are constant and always smacking you in the face. Sometimes you see them coming but most of the time you don’t.

Describe one of your most memorable moments in music.
Tim George: The day I wrote my first song.

What song makes you dance when you’re cleaning house?
Sisters Coming Home by Willie Nelson

Tell us about some of your musical influences.
The holy trinity: Townes Van Zandt/Willie Nelson/Neil Young. But there is a lot of great music out there and it all influences us.

Where would you choose to build a vacation home?
On a thousand acres with rolling hills somewhere. Or a deserted carribean island.

How did you learn of Music Tree?
The interwebs of course.

How do you feel about being a part of the Music Tree Festival?
It is an amazing opportunity and we are gratefully to be a part of it.

Do you have plans for Bonnaroo?
Won’t go until we are playing Haha.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hello-Walls/154176861294606
https://www.soundcloud.com/hello-walls

Mize and the Drive are on Facebook (photo property of Todd Smith)

Members and Instruments

Lee Ramsey, lead vocals, acoustic guitar;

Ben Wencil, rhythm guitar, backup vocals, percussion;

Les Greer, bass, backup vocals;

Dan Jarnagin, drums;

Cody Malak, lead guitar, backup vocals;

Alex Stevenson, saxophone

Hometown
Murfreesboro, TN

Basic Genre
Rock, Soul, Funk, Folk, Jazz (little of everything)

How long have you been playing?
Individually, all of us have been playing in the 10-15 years range, but the band has been together for two years.
Although Ben/Dan/Lee/Cody have been jamming on and off since their days at MTSU, we didn’t form the band until just a couple years ago. Lee brought in some song ideas during a jam session, we all dug the tunes and started developing them further. Les and Alex joined the project in the Spring of 2011 and rounded out the sound we’d been trying to reach.

What do you do for fun? You know, besides music…
“Les: light saber fight with my son Wyatt, working in my vegetable garden, making home brew, dinner and a show with wife

Lee: I like painting star wars actors and then stalking them until I get their autographs, so far I’ve got Ray Park (darth maul) Billy Dee Williams (Lando) David Prowse (darth Vader)

Ben: Long drives, sight-seeing

Cody; spending time with my wife, running, fishing, cooking

Alex: adjusting the valve clearance on my motorcycle

Dan: fishing, cooking”

How’s the music scene in your home town?
Murfreesboro has a great blossoming scene of music right now. On any given night, you can see a show somewhere, and every single genre of music is covered.

What’s on your personal playlist this week?
Cody; Mogwai, Phantogram, Miike Snow
Les: Shins – Port of Morrow, Gotye – Making Mirrors, Jack White – Blunderbuss
Lee: Marvin Gaye (Here My Dear) Elbow (Build A Rocket Boys) Killers
Ben: Nothing! Sometimes silence is the best remedy.
Alex: Our Lady Peace new album Curve
Dan: Carina Round, Porcupine Tree, Of Monsters and Men, Mumford & Sons

Can you pin-point the moment that you knew you wanted to be a performing musician?
Lee: I remember hearing my brother play piano in our living room and we had a serious sibling rivalry going, but it would shake me how powerful, artistic, and soulful he could be I think at that moment I wanted to be at least a fraction of what he was, and I would hear my father tell stories about the band he was in and the friendships and shenanigans they discovered I very much wanted to find my own and so now I get the best of both worlds performing on stage and finding mischief with five people I have became very close with. To share in the process of creating art with someone creates a bond that most will never know.

What are your goals as a musician? How far would you like to go, what do you see as the next big hurdle?
Lee: My goal as a musician is to record my experiences and who I am or I’m trying to be; most of the lyrics are somewhat tied to me either through first hand experience, observations, desires, fears, etc..thats not to make it sound deeper than it is some of it is really quite silly, but it means something to me. As far as how far I would like to go, it would be amazing to connect to enough people that they would support your journey in music full time and I have some personal heroes that I would give anything to play with like Jack White (not necessarily on stage even just to jam with) ~ think the hurdle to that or the next hurdle is time..either there isn’t enough of it or events don’t happen at the right moment (timing).

What song makes you dance when you’re cleaning house?
Cody: Tears for Fears – Head Over Heels or anything else from that album

Lee: Send Me On my Way- Rusted Root (which also doubles as my dog’s favorite song) and Old Crow Medicine Show

Ben: LMFAO – Sexy and I Know It

Tell us about some of your musical influences.
Cody; Gilmour, Hendrix, Jake Cinninger, Trey Anastasio, Nels Cline, Nintendo, Super Nintendo
Lee: my family; Ben Harper, Otis Redding, Beatles, Pink Floyd
Ben: Dave Matthews, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Jeff Coffin, Civil Wars
Alex: Mad Season, Michael Brecker, John Coltrane, Dark New Day, and other varied music groups.
Dan: Josh Freese, Josh Eppard, Jeff Friedl
Les: JP Jones, Sting, MMJ, Ben Harper, Tom Petty

Where would you choose to build a vacation home?
Cody: Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Lee: New Orleans
Ben: Ireland
Alex: wherever my sweetie wants it
Dan: on an island inhabited by only himself and Victoria’s Secret models
Les: Roatan Island, Honduras

How did you learn of Music Tree?
A friend of Cody’s plays in the Buddy System and kept posting about the event on Facebook.

How do you feel about being a part of the Music Tree Festival?
We feel its a great opportunity that hopefully allows us to spread our music to more people.

Do you have plans for Bonnaroo?
We’ve all been going for years now. Lee and Les are working the event, and Dan and Cody will be there to enjoy the music.

http://www.reverbnation.com/mizeandthedrive
http://www.facebook.com/mizeandthedrive
http://www.twitter.com/mizeandthedrive
http://mizeandthedrive.bandcamp.com

Sponsors and Runners Still Needed for Denton’s Dash 5K benefitting George Brown Memorial Foundation

HILLSBORO, Tenn. – The numbers are staggering and hard to process. Every year the lives of nearly 2,500 infants are claimed by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. That is approximately seven babies every day lost to a condition that cannot be predicted or prevented. Tennessee has the seventh highest rate in the country of deaths in children under the age of one.

The Denton George Brown Memorial Foundation is pleased to announce that Denton’s Dash 5K and Family Fun Walk will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012. Denton’s Dash will be held in the beautiful country setting of Hillsboro, Tenn., (a little more than a hour from Nashville). The race will start at the home of baby Denton and his family. The course begins with a short stretch along a gravel lane, winds through paved country roads, with a short section on Hillsboro Highway, back onto paved country roads, and finishes on a slight downhill back at the Brown family home. There will also be children’s activities, a family walk and a silent auction.

Multiple sponsorship opportunities are still available. Runners may sign up online at http://www.active.com/running/hillsboro-tn/dentons-dash-5k-and-family-fun-walk-2012. Participants registered by May 15, 2012 will be guaranteed a t-shirt.

On April 23, 2009, Daniel and Christy Brown lost their beloved second chid, Denton, to SIDS. This tragedy changed their lives. As they pick up the pieces and try to find grace and joy in the future they share with their oldest son Avery and their new daughter Addie Rose, they strive daily to honor Denton’s memory by helping others with similar stories through the Denton George Brown Memorial Foundation. Read more about Denton’s story at http://dgbfoundation.org/dentons-story/.

The mission of the Denton George Brown Memorial Foundation is to offer support for grieving families affected by SIDS so they can put their lives back together, one second at a time. Please join us as we strive to help spread awareness and support to families suffering from the loss of a child.

For more information about the Denton George Brown Memorial Foundation or sponsorship information for Denton’s Dash, please visit www.dgbfoundation.org. E-mail inquiries may be sent to dgbfoundation@gmail.com.

###

For more information:

Christy Brown
www.dgbfoundation.org
dgbfoundation@gmail.com

Matt Addison took  a few minutes to let us in on some of their secrets, and we thought we’d break the story for you before that guy that thinks he’s a jedi over at TSI-News got a-hold of it.

Mythical Motors
Two Purple Pigs, May 31

Matt Addison – vocals, guitar Mike Brown – bass Stacey Palmer – guitar, vocals Brad Smith – drums
Hometown
Chattanooga, TN

Basic Genre
Rock/Power Pop

How long have you been playing?
The band formed in 2007.

How did you get together?
Matt Addison and Brad Smith met at a Robert Pollard show in 2006.  They started playing music together as a duo for a few months, before adding Mike Brown on bass.  After a couple of lineup changes, Stacey Palmer became the band’s guitarist in 2009.

What do you do for fun? You know, besides music…
The band’s interests include David Lynch films, cycling, history, beer, and the history of beer.

How’s the music scene in your home town?
There’s a lot of really good bands here, and a thriving punk scene.  We’ve played most of the local Chattanooga venues, and would like to play out of town more in the future.   

What’s on your personal playlist this week?
“Robert Pollard – Mouseman Cloud
Guided By Voices – “”Keep It In Motion”" and “”Jon The Croc”" singles
The Men – Open Your Heart
Sharon Van Etten – Tramp   
The Zombies – Odessey & Oracle   ”

Can you pin-point the moment that you knew you wanted to be a performing musician?
Probably when I heard Nirvana for the first time.What are your goals as a musician? How far would you like to go, what do you see as the next big hurdle?

We would like to play out as much as possible, and record more often.
Describe one of your most memorable moments in music.
Seeing Neutral Milk Hotel perform in a small coffee shop in Chattanooga.

What song makes you dance when you’re cleaning house?
Anything by Boston Spaceships.

Tell us about some of your musical influences.
Robert Pollard and Guided By Voices, Tobin Sprout, Neutral Milk Hotel, Superchunk, Bevis Frond, R.E.M, The Beatles, Big Star, The Who…

Where would you choose to build a vacation home?
Paris, France

How did you learn of Music Tree?
A friend of the band encouraged us to submit our music.

How do you feel about being a part of the Music Tree Festival?
We’re very excited!!

Do you have plans for Bonnaroo?
Not yet…

https://www.facebook.com/MythicalMotors

http://mythicalmotors.bandcamp.com/album/full-breathing-costume-ep

Jedi Smo is trying to line up a time to meet them in person for a live interview, this week, till then, just read this over and over…

The Goldrooom

The GoldRoom Members and Instruments

Wm. Shane Ball-Guitar/Vox, Joseph Campbell-Guitar/Vox, Darin Ledford-Drums, Kevin Torbett-Bass

Hometown: Nashville

Basic Genre: Rock

How long have you been playing?

The GoldRoom, in one form or another, has been playing music together since 1997.

How did you get together?

“Wm. Shane and (former member) Richard Perry recruited Darin and Kevin from a band called Grenadine. They were promised eternal martyrdom and 72 virgins should they leave their current band and join the jihad against Americana and Indie Folk music. They agreed, and the combined forces were melded under the banner, Subrosa.

After Richard Perry left the group, they continued as a 3 piece for some time under the name Pacific, eventually adding noted tongue ring specialist David Haer to the group. At some time or another, the renowned robe comber James Robbins was also associated with the band, but the details of that era are hazy, at best.

At the end of the days of Pacific, Kevin was honorably discharged from the band to make room for the hill giant Dean Rothgar Simpson and the wizard from the north, Joseph William Campbell of the east Tennessee Campbells. With the addition of the giant, the average height of the band was raised by no less than 7 inches, and, the new wizard granted them all protection from ironic trucker hats and nostalgic thrift store tee shirts. They began to call themselves The GoldRoom.

This name was chosen as an homage to Lord Stan Kubrick, may peace be upon him. When Dean left the group to fight in the

Norwegian Ice Wars, they called again upon Kevin the Torbett, who in his absence from music had considered becoming a eunuch. It is these four men, William, Joseph, Darin, and Kevin who now flail their weapons wildly, hoping they may luck into a glancing shin blow or the misstep of the enemy, Lord Kubrick willing.”

What do you do for fun? You know, besides music… .

“Darin- Photography, Hanging out at Tokens, Grifting

Shane- Pharmaceuticals, Watching things, Shadow boxing

Joey- Cooking, Spells, Spelling

Kevin- Gardening, Pipe smoke, Diet Pepsi

” How’s the music scene in your home town?

Not good. Not very good at all.

What’s on your personal playlist this week?

“Darin-   Brick and Mortar, Hot Snakes, Far Away Trains

Kevin-  Beach Boys,The Statler Brothers,Geddy Lee

Shane- Brightblack Morning Light, Shipping News, NPR

Joey-   Lee Ranaldo, Albert Ayler, and Willie Nelson”

Can you pin-point the moment that you knew you wanted to be a performing musician?

“Shane- 3rd cigarette burn to the wrist

Darin- when I was 38

Kevin- I don’t like sharp things

Joey- *casts spell of forgetting*”

What are your goals as a musician? How far would you like to go, what do you see as the next big hurdle?

“-Goals are finite. We don’t have them.

-We would like to go as far as any young person will allow.

-The next big hurdle is the next practice.

We all hate each other.”

Describe one of your most memorable moments in music.

“Playing with the likes of Failure, Shiner, and Self Playing to the bartenders at Casbah in Johnson City, TN”

What song makes you dance when you’re cleaning house?

“Is this a serious question? Did a girl write this interview? Come on, man….”

How did you learn of Music Tree?

“From Greg Harmon, former member of Slump. Great guy, that Greg. Great guy.”

How do you feel about being a part of the Music Tree Festival?

Aroused.

www.thegoldroommusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Goldroom/

Monday June 4, 2012 at Two Purple Pigs, you probably want to catch these cats, they flat lay it down!

Members and Instruments
Bruce Skinner – vocals/guitar, Josh Taylor – bass guitar, Mark Janousek – drums

How’s the music scene in your home town?

Josh – The music scene is on an upward swing. The only thing holding back our local scene is people not giving it a chance. Augusta probably has the highest talent per capita I’ve experienced; it’s on us musicians to press on and get people to come out and see it for themselves.

How did you get together?
Josh – Booze.

Mark – I found Bruce on Craigslist.  I was looking for an original band to be a part of and we got together and discovered that we have many similar ideas when it comes to being in a band.  When Bruce and I were looking for a bassist another musician in town, Michael Dinkins, gave me Josh’s name.  He knew Josh had just left his old band and was looking for a new band.  So I contacted Josh and the rest is history.

Can you pin-point the moment that you knew you wanted to be a performing musician?

Josh – Since I played drums at a talent show in high school. There’s a sort of adrenaline rush you get from performing something you’ve poured your heart into in front of other people. Even the most shy or awkward person can get on stage and express themselves to complete strangers.

What are your goals as a musician? How far would you like to go, what do you see as the next big hurdle?

Josh – My goal as a bassist is to become as versatile as I can. A believe a solid bass line can make even the simplest song stand out. My goal as a performer is to one day go on tour. We’re a pretty new band, so our biggest hurdle at the moment is getting our name out there. We’re going back to the studio this summer, so with some good material recorded it should help with that.

What’s one of your most memorable moments in music.
Bruce – Losing an open mic contest to a two piece band that played toy instruments and really bad acoustic covers.  That was the fuel I needed to start seriously putting together a band.  That was the night that I contacted Mark on Craigslist.  Ha ha.
What song makes you dance when you’re cleaning house?
Bruce – Feel the Rise makes Mark dance like a maniac… it’s a sight to behold.

How do you feel about the Music Tree Festival?

“Bruce – Pumped!  We’re very excited to play.  We are getting a lot of good feedback in Tennessee, which is good because the other two guys in the band are from Tennessee.. ha ha.

Follow on Facebook

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/jump-in-single/id495347871

Hometown
Manchester, TN

Basic Genre
Electronica

http://www.soundcloud.com/afterdrk
How long have you been playing?
I’ve been playing music since I was 8, starting with piano lessons (classic, right?). At age 12 I picked up percussion and drum set, followed by guitar at age 15. At the ripe young age of 22, I jumped into the electronic scene after really getting into artists like Deadmau5, Bassnectar, and Pretty Lights. I’ve been spinning tracks for almost a year now, although it feels like so much longer.

What do you do for fun? You know, besides music…
When I’m not making music, generally I’m working on one of the causes I support (I’m an active member of the Tennessee chapter of NORML), spending time with friends and/or family (usually friends), or wasting away in front of a television.

What’s on your personal playlist this week?
“Summer Romance (Anti-Gravity) Love – Incubus
Butterfly – Bassnectar
When The Rain is Gone – Adam Freeland
Acid Wolfpack – Coyote Kisses
Look At Mexico Now – Wick-It the Instigator
Snap Back Swag (Crizzly Remix) – AJ Hernz
Limelight – Rush”

Can you pin-point the moment that you knew you wanted to be a performing musician?
While music has always been an integral part of my life, I’d have to say the moment I knew this was something I wanted to be involved in for the rest of my life was after my first performance piece at my first piano recital. The recital was small, consisting of mainly parents and relatives, and occurred in the home of my piano teacher. Even though the audience was one from which applause was next to compulsory, I still felt a thrill and a rush like none other. It was such a surge of nerves, excitement, and simple unbridled energy; I knew there was no escape. It’s been the love of my life ever since, and I don’t see that changing.

What are your goals as a musician? How far would you like to go, what do you see as the next big hurdle?
My answer to this question is binary, for I have two ideologies that both deserve to be presented. Strictly as a musician, my goal is to play music and retain the ability to enjoy playing music as long as I’m fortunate enough to walk this earth. That’s pretty much it. As a performer, however, things get a little more complicated. As I have said, performing in front of a live audience is a rush like no other. Nothing can compare to producing something in front of an audience that they find stimulating and entertaining to the point of applause or, if you’re lucky, a standing ovation. Getting real-time appreciation for your artistic vision is a drug like no other. That being said, any performer will tell you that becoming a “famous” musician is definitely one of their aspirations. The hard part is turning your aspirations into reality, and one reason for that is the intricacy and complexity of the music business. That’s what my next hurdle is: convincing someone in the industry that I’m a marketable item. If I can convince a record label or studio that I’ve got a marketable talent, I feel like I’ll be a thousand leagues closer to achieving my life-long goal, which is actually not fame and fortune, but rather just enough to get by. If I can work in the music industry at all, whether it be studio work, coordinating performances, or (hopefully) performing as a musician, and I can make enough money to support myself and my family, I will die a happy individual.

Describe one of your most memorable moments in music.
Probably my most memorable moment in music is something that most people would find innocuous. It was a Thursday afternoon when I was in 8th grade. I came home from school, like I did every day, and plowed through my homework. It was a standing rule in the house that I was not to play my drum set (which I was just learning to play, much to the annoyance of my parents) until all my homework was done. Finally, the “i’s” were dotted and the “t’s” were crossed, and I sat down behind my kit. And, as per usual, after about thirty seconds of me wailing away, I was given an express command to shut my door. I played for a while, I don’t remember how long, but finally I was called down for supper. That particular evening, we had a guest in the house and, after dinner, during the typical post-meal banter among friends and family, the subject of my progress as a drummer came up. Instead of the typical paternal response of “he’s getting used to it, just give it time,” or “he’s making some real progress,” or anything along those lines, which is what I was used to hearing, my father actually said “He’s getting really good, you should hear him play something.” It was that moment that I realized my parents respected me as a musician. Not as a learner, but at someone who had mastered the basics of their craft. While I am no Neil Peart or Mike Portnoy, the realization that my parents actually respected my musical ability and that they were proud of it is something I’ll never forget.

Where would you choose to build a vacation home?
If I could build a vacation home anywhere in the world, it would almost certainly end up in southern France, somewhere on the French Mediterranean coastline. I’ve been to Europe several times, but this small area of France is always my favorite part of the visit. It’s quiet, it’s gorgeous, and it’s somewhere I feel I could really relax and let my mind go. I’m at ease there, and if that’s not a vacation, then I don’t know what is.

How did you learn of Music Tree?
Well, between a life-long personal relationship with Chip, a propensity to read the Saturday Independent, and a decent knowledge of musical current events, it was almost inevitable that Music Tree would eventually grace my ear. However, it turned out to be Chip that really got me involved. I was letting him listen to one of my tracks at his office about a month and a half ago, and he told me about the tentative plan to have a festival prior to Bonnaroo. As soon as I heard that, I’ve been keeping close tabs on any and all news pertaining to Music Tree.

How do you feel about being a part of the Music Tree Festival?
It’s something that is difficult to put into words, but I’ll give it a shot. It’s a combination of pride, nerves, excitement, a little arrogance if I’m being honest, but most of all, simple joy that I’m part of something bigger than myself, something that I believe in, and something that I think has the potential to revolutionize how Manchester is viewed by both the music community and the community as a whole.

Do you have plans for Bonnaroo?
The same plans I’ve had for as long as I can remember: work and music. For the past 10 years, my family has operated a vending booth next to Which Stage that benefits the Coffee County High School cheerleading squad… Since the cheerleaders get no funding from the school, all of their expenses must be covered privately or by outside resources, i.e. my booth. So, every year my friends and I plow through a weekend of working and listening to as much music as we can. It is always a rough weekend, but it is always a fantastic one.

Members and Instruments
Jason Murphy – Vocals, Waymon Walker – Guitar, Chad Davis – Guitar, Scott Kelley – Bass, Scott Church – Drums

Hometown
Manchester, TN

Genre
Swamp Metal

http://dixievoodoorevival.com/home/

How long have you been playing?
The band has begin together since Nov. 2011.

 How did you get together?
DVR (Dixie Voodoo Revival) is a group of happy accidents as Waymon Walker (Guitarist) would explain it. Waymon, Chad and Scott C.were in the begining stages of forming DVR. Jason and Waymon are cousins and one day, Waymon asked Scott C. if it was ok to bring his cousin Jason up to hang out? He’s suffered a severe work related injury and Waymon thought it would do him some good to come to a band rehearsal. So, Jason came with Waymon to the next rehearsal, he listened to the music, picked up the mic and started singing. He blew everyone away with voice and he was in the band instantly. You see, Jason was originally a drummer. Then one day I (Scott K) rode with my singer in my band at the time down in Alabama to Manchester. Yes, I live in Alabama and drive every week to Manchester to practice. My now ex singer is long time friends with Scott C. He wanted to go check out a DVR band practice so I tagged along. Their bass player didn’t show up and Scott C looked at me said, Do you play bass? I replied, No, I play guitar. He said good, pick that bass up and follow along with Waymon and Chad so I did. Their bass player no showed a few more rehearsals and in Dec.2010 Scott C. called me up and asked if I wanted the bass gig. I called it quits with my band and started with DVR. You see, I’m originally a guitar player. Have been since 1988. I never played bass in a band at all or even owned a bass til now. That’s how it all started for DVR and the rest is history.

What do you do for fun? You know, besides music…
Outside of spending time with our families… nothing. Music is our fun. This is what all five of us want to do and we have fun doing it.

How’s the music scene in your home town?
As far as our TN crowds go, Manchester and McMinnville have the most loyal fans around! We have been blessed to have such dedicated and loyal following there. Although, we are still building a following in Alabama, the fans down are just as loyal and dedicated. Huntsville, AL is mainly known as a “cover band” town. But we have great turnouts down there for our shows!

What’s on your personal playlist this week?
Anywhere from 80′s hair bands to Pantera to Journey. I love it all!

Can you pin-point the moment that you knew you wanted to be a performing musician?
In 1980 when I first heard AC/DC’s Back in Black.

What are your goals as a musician? How far would you like to go, what do you see as the next big hurdle?
We want to take DVR as far as we possibly can. Whether that means a record deal or just being a well known regional band. Next big hurdle is getting known outside of TN & AL. We want to be known all across the south.

Describe one of your most memorable moments in music.
Mine personally, is our first show at WT’s Roadhouse in McMinnville, TN. It was a packed house and a lot of my closet friends drove up from Alabama to watch us and be there with me. I wouldn’t trade it for nothing in the world.

What song makes you dance when you’re cleaning house?
Don’t dance or clean house…

Tell us about some of your musical influences.
Eddie Van Halen, George Lynch, Dime, Criss Oliva, Cliff Burton, Steve Harris just to name a few.

Where would you choose to build a vacation home?
Anywhere that has a beach!

How did you learn of Music Tree?
Wes Carter contacted Scott C. and told him to submit our info.

How do you feel about being a part of the Music Tree Festival?
We are thrilled to be apart of this and can not wait for the Festival!! We feel this is a great oppurtunity for us and we will make the most of it.

Do you have plans for Bonnaroo?
I don’t personally but Chad will be working at Bonnaroo. I’m not sure about the rest of the guys.

We started our Reverbnation page in early 2011 and we put a band rehearsal recording of Legbah’s Hounds on there which, has since been replaced with a studio verison It immediately went in to the top 10. Where it peaked twice at #2 and is still currently at #6. We released a 3 song EP in June 2011 and put all three songs on Reverbnation. All 3 songs have been in the top 10. Also, all three songs simultaneously held the top 3 spots on Nashvillerock.org for two consecutive weeks in the summer of 2011. We were also nominated for the “People’s Choice Award” last year for the Music City Mayhem Awards in Nashville.

Time to get down with the sounds of Linear Downfall and experience your first telekinetic confrontation with the greys.

You have 2 chances to catch them at Music Tree Fest. First on Saturday, June 2 at the Rotary Amphitheater and then Wednesday, June 6 at Two Purple Pigs.

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Primary Genre: Experimental/Psychedelic
Members/Instruments: Charlee Cook (Vocals, Bass, Synthesizers, FX), Chance Cook (Guitar, Vocals, Keys, FX), William Passionfruit Hicks (Drums, Keys, FX)

Projector Eyes (a telekinetic confrontation with the greys)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82TUeQopG7k

How long have you been playing?

Chance and Will have been playing for 16 years. Charlee has been playing 13 years. As this three piece, we have been playing together for 4 years.

How did you get together?

Chance and Charlee are siblings and have been playing music together ever since they were little. Charlee and Will met in high school, where she invited him to go jam at their home studio. Chance and Charlee decided Will was a good fit and had the right mindset.

What do you do for fun? You know…besides music?

Nothing. Our lives are completely filled with music.

How’s the music scene in your home town?

We live in music city! Every night is filled with music!

What’s on your personal playlist this week?

of Montreal, the Flaming Lips, St.Vincent, Liars, Pink Floyd, Grizzly Bear, Radiohead, the Beach Boys, Deerhoof, and lots more.

Can you pin-point the moment you knew you wanted to be a performing musician?

No.

What are your goals? How far would you like to go? What is the next big hurdle?

Our goals are to be able to only play music for the rest of our lives without having to work soul-sucking, meaningless jobs. We do not have a stopping point for how far we want to go. We want to always progress and grow. Our next big hurdle will be going on a large scale tour.

Describe one of your most memorable music moments.

We were playing at a local dive bar called Springwater like any other night. Wayne Coyne (the flaming lips), Kliph Scurlock (the Flaming Lips), Matt Duckworth (Stardeath and White Dwarfs), Ke$ha (Ke$ha), and Mack Hawkins (the Flaming Lips engineer) walk in the door. We were all shocked. We played a show for them! Long story short.. We were asked to travel to Oklahoma City, OK to record in Wayne’s backyard studio. We are still working with them on some things that will be announced when the time comes. Altogether, that is our most memorable moment in music.

Tell us about your musical influences.

Our music comes from pure emotions and life experiences.

How did you hear about Music Tree Fest?

Todd Hicks.

How do you feel about being a part of the Music Tree Festival?

We are very excited!! It is going to be a lot of fun! Our drummer’s birthday is on June 6th!!

Do you have plans for Bonnaroo?

Ooooh YES! We will all be there and we are very excited for this year’s line up!!!

Is there anything else you want to say?

Our music purges emotions through creating not only walls of exotic sounds but painting visual pictures for the audience through a theatrical experience. All senses will be attacked! Get ready! : ) This is a noisy/funk/disco space party! We expect dancing.

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