Interview with Katha Harris

Photograph By: Charlie VanDresser.
“Paint The Town Redheaded”! That, my friends, is the feature track and the title of Katha Harris' new EP. This EP is the fiery redhead’s sophomore album. The songs are personal and soulful with a dash of spice. This Texan native country girl, who has moved to the city of Nashville, is passionate about music and adventure. Katha is Americana country at its best and she's unafraid of being expressive through her music. I would describe Katha’s music as strong. This seems to be obvious when you look at just who Katha is. She has spent much of this year touring as an independent female artist, much of the time just her and a guitar. Katha holds her own in this crazy business of music and she is absolutely writing her own story. Hers just happens to be in the form of fiery lyrics and red hot melodies.

Katha was kind enough to grant me an interview, so check out what she has to say about her life, what inspires her, and who she is listening to.

Q: When in your life did you know you wanted to be a songwriter/artist?
A: I always remember wanting to sing. I used to sing along to Reba and pretend to be her as a child, though I was oblivious to the concept of songwriting at the time.

Q:  Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: Life, personal experience, anywhere I can find it!

Q:  Are you originally from Nashville?
A: Texas

Q;  What is your favorite song that you have composed so far?
A: Hmmmm, that's hard. I like different songs for different reasons. Probably which ever is the newest at the time lol.

Q:  What is on your personal playlist right now?
A: Making playlists is hard for me, I can never decide what to put in them! What I listen to is so much dependent on my mood. Maybe that's it, maybe I should make "mood" playlists haha.

Q:  What Indie musician are you a big fan of?
A: Oh man, I can't pick one! I've been listening to a lot of David Ramirez lately. I LOVE Sean McConnell, Lori McKenna, Patty Griffin, Ray Wylie Hubbard, though some of those may not be considered indie, they aren't usually considered mainstream.

Q:  What does the word music mean to you?
A: Music is life to me. I can't imagine growing up and not having music as an emotional support system.

Q:  How important do you think music is in the public school system?
A: I think music is extremely important in school. Whether a child wants to pursue music in the future or not is not really the point, but that it exercises a different part of the brain. In order to have well rounded kids that grown into well rounded adults, I think it's essential to stimulate their brain from every angle.

Q:  What is the name of your new album? Tell us a little about it?
A: The album is called 'Paint The Town Redheaded' which is also the title track. The longer I do this and the more I put myself out there, I think I'm getting closer and closer to who I am as a person and an artist. 'Paint The Town Redheaded' is definitely on the right track.

Q:  What is your favorite part of recording and working on a new album?
A: Working with expert musicians. I enjoy seeing their reactions the first time they hear a song and seeing how they react to it and musically interpret it. I typically play acoustic, so when you add all these other elements to it, it really makes the song come alive, and it's so cool to witness!

Q:  What is the most memorable thing a fan has said to you?
A: It's really hard to remember exactly what someone has said. In Nashville, you're bombarded with music in every direction, so I don't think people are always paying attention so to speak. That being said, compliments are really hard to come by in Nashville, so if someone has one, I relish in it.

Q: Is the music industry worth all the hard work you put into it?
A: If you could separate those two words, I'd said music-yes, industry-totally, completely irritatingly frustrating.

Q:  What advice would you give a young person chasing after their own dreams?
A: Do it. Do it while you're young and reckless and still can. And even when you're older and your priorities change, never give up.

Q:  How did you go about choosing songs for the new album?
A: Oh man, it's so hard! As I mentioned earlier, I like each song for a different reason; the trick is a) determining how many you can actually afford to record and b) picking out a set that really encapsulates you as an artist. It's tricky, tricky, tricky (and yes the melody to that song is playing in my head as I say that).

Q:  If you could write with anyone out there who would that be and Why?
A: I don't even know how to answer that. There are many people I'd piss myself over if I could write with them. Any singer/songwriter that I listen to a lot, is one that I'd love to write with. See aforementioned list lol.





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NewSong Summer Concert Series



 Announcing upcoming NewSong Concert Series on Sunday July 15th. The music starts at 6pm and ends  somewhere around 8pm. However doors open at 5:30pm. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and friends and enjoy this FREE indoor summer concert featuring Stephen Garrett, Robert Counts, and Sereno Strings. We hope you join us for this family friendly music filled night at:

New Song Christian Fellowship
316 South Gate Court
Brentwood, TN 37067


Concessions including desserts and drinks will be sold by the NewSong youth to harvest funds for summer camp scholarships. Again we sure hope to see you all come out to enjoy this NewSong Summer INDOORS concert! 

Center Stage

Back in December 2011 (I know I blog slow), my sons received an awesome surprise gift from their Granny Lou, G Pa and Uncle Russ. A couple of days before the Garrett Family Christmas celebration, the secret construction of the little bonus room music stage began. Granny Lou, being the grand supporter of the family’s love of music, sacrificed a section of her upstairs room for the stage. The stage complete with lights and a sound board was kept secret until the night of the Family's Christmas celebration.

Can you imagine the excitement and anticipation of finding out what the big secret is upstairs?!?! The boys walked up the stairs and lit up like a Christmas tree when they saw their very own music stage set up with mics , guitars and drums ready to roll for the first of many Garrett Boy bonus room concerts. There was a lot of jumping up and down, clapping, and smiles all around. The little fellows truly thought they were rock stars!

So here is too the new stage, and to the Uncles and Grandparents who have the dazzling ability to go big when encouraging the Garrett Family dream that has been passed down from generation to generation! Let the lyrics and melodies of the newest generations begin!!!
The Garrett Boys

Courage and Friendship

"Courage is not the absence of fear. It’s about being scared and doing it anyway. For you cannot have courage without fear." -unknown
Courage and Friendship on Great Display At The Cole Elementary Talent Show
My eldest son, whom I write about here on Lyrics and Love often, was gearing up to perform at his school talent show on May 18th. He was practicing for weeks to perform his very first Carter Garrett original. I say he was practicing for weeks, but he has had this planned for months. The night comes and he takes the stage as student number 14. I think my own heart is going to pound out of my chest, and I am pretty sure butterflies where living in my stomach. I knew how hard he had worked, and I really was proud of him before he even stepped a foot on stage. I also knew how hard he is on himself. Halfway through the first verse I hear his sweet little voice crack, and he just can’t hold back the nerves. Time seemed to go into slow motion. I saw him close his little eyes in an attempt to compose himself, but the lights, the audience, the perfectionist within was just too much. The tears flooded his face. My heart was crushed for him. I wanted so much to rescue my sweet boy. It’s hard to witness your child experiencing life’s tough moments. His Dad finally walks to the stage and helps him exit, and we have a little family meeting away from the crowd. It was heartbreaking watching him still wringing his little 9 year old hands and crying into our shoulders. Stephen and I did our best to encourage him, but honestly we were failing. I was throwing up silent prayers of comfort and peace over his little heart, but neither of us really knew what to do. Then something tender and sweet began to happen. His principle, peers and teachers start rallying around him speaking words of encouragements over him and patting him on the back whispering, "you can do it Carter, give it another try”. His Cole family was backing him up. They were giving my son something so much more beautiful than the spot light. They were giving him love. They were giving him a second chance. They were giving him just the little push of courage he needed. So, the second time around Carter walked to the stage picked up his guitar stepped up to the microphone followed on stage by four of his classmates(who knew every word to his song), and they dedicated Carter's original song “I Wonder” to his 4th grade teacher. Without a hitch, the song was complete. The crowd cheered and clapped. The happy ending was ours tonight. Friendship and courage had taken center stage at Cole Elementary’s talent show! And the Mommy tears flowed freely and sweetly and my heart was happy! 

Cole Elementary 4th Grade Chorus

The 4th Grade Cole Eagles Chorus Team

I have voiced, on several occasions, how proud I am of the Davidson County Elementary School that our children attend and this past Saturday was no exception. My husband and I tagged along to chaperon the Cole Elementary Chorus team on a field trip to Beech Bend Amusement park’s 3rd Annual Band and Choral Festival in Bowling Green, KY. The Cole Chorus Eagles performed two songs when they took the stage at 2:20pm on May 12th under the direction of instructor Mr. William Laarz. Mr. Laarz has been teaching music at Cole Elementary for eleven years. As the students began to sing you could see and hear just how special this group of talented 4th graders is. The children held their own, while sporting happy, all smiles stage presence and genuinely looked to be enjoying themselves. There were no shrilling mistakes and the children achieved harmonies and melodies above expectations bringing home a superior scoring trophy. However the surprises where not over for the day as the Cole Chorus also brought home the 1st place trophy for their elementary division. Both of their musical pieces out scored the other schools in their division, and even most schools in the other divisons! Congratulations Cole Chorus Eagles! Your performance and behavior for the day was exceptional. Also, congratulations Mr. Laarz! Without your direction and belief in these students, they could not have achieved such great accomplishments for the school and themselves. Well done team! Well done!!!


Hope you enjoy this little clip of the teams warm up number.

 

Studio Visit

I watch him, my almost ten year old son. I watch him standing in the doorway that leads to the world that captures hold of every fiber of his being. You can tell by the expressions that wash across his face, by the body language that pretends to be a grown up. I wonder in those moments of watching him what he is really thinking about as he stands in that doorway. What thoughts is his little 9 year old mind processing. He begins to tap his foot to the beats of his Dad's music, but his glance never leaves the other musicians as they chart the song or his Uncle Russ who sits tweaking with the sound board in preparation for the next song. He listens intently to his Dad giving instructions and humming the visions he hears in his head for these new songs. He listens as if it's just as important for him to know what is going on.

Carter Standing in the Doorway of The Brown Owl Studio

I am more taken with him than I thought I would be during trip to The Brown Owl Studio. He is consuming the majority of my focus and he is absorbing every second of his first visit. I keep watching him. He is in love with this place, he is in love with this music. Of course this is no surprise, given the child's gene pool. However, I had no idea that it would have taken hold of him this early in his life. The melodies and the lyrics fill the air around us and Carter seems very at home, very happy. I imagine he finds the studio process insightful and maybe somewhat magical to his nine year old brain or maybe he sees glimpses of his future.
Carter sitting and watching his Uncle Russell work

My younger two sons seem to be much like me. It was cool the first five minutes, but after that boredom sets in. I have always found the studio process monotonous and repetitive. Way too tedious a process. No it's not my favorite part of the music making process and I think my younger two, at this stage in their lives, seem to agree with me. That will probably change as the years go by, but for now they are why we make an early exit to our visit so that peace and quit and the stillness that comes with this process can be restored.

This hour in the studio with my son has taught me a little. I knew music was a large part of Carter's life. It's what he spends the majority of his time thinking about. He most always has a guitar in his hand following us around strumming out chords and he has even written his first song, and not a bad one for a nine year old kid. Yet, I still learned today watching my son. As his mother, music allows me to see this child more clearly. It's what he loves, it's what he is good at, it's his blessing and his gift, it's his expression to his world. There is no doubt that this studio world he walked into for the first time today will play a role in his future. Even at his age, he just seems to fit there naturally. As his Mother, I recognized on this day maybe more than any other day just how important this really is to him and how it is shaping him into who he is and the man he will someday become. I will learn to better nurture his talents and his love for music. I will make more time to listen even if I don't understand. I will recognize his excitement over new chords learned, because it really is a beautiful thing what I see music doing to my son.

Songstress Jennifer Kennard

Photograph By Krista Lee Photography
Meet multi-talented Jennifer Kennard, a Toronto native who now calls Nashville home with her husband Brad and infant son Emerson. She is one of the many talented songwriters my husband has had the honor to write with. I first meet the energetic and radiant songwriter while she was working towards the release of her EP Lonely Girl in 2009. I was moved by the amount of passion and depth that was so seamlessly intertwined in songs like "Angeline" and "Higher Ground". Jennifer's songs are a true fusion of smart, powerful lyrics over well formulated tunes and delivered without straining the aim of her music.

In 2009, Jennifer found one of her collaborations "Virgina Bluebell" on country music sweetheart Miranda Lambert's award winning Revolution album. This year Jennifer began a new chapter in her songwriting career after signing with John and Martina McBride's 'Songs of Black Bird' Publishing Company, a division of Blackbird Studios. In just three short years, Songs of Black Bird boasts an already impressive roster that now includes Kennard. Keep your ears open, ladies and gentlemen, because I am expecting more big things and hits to come from the heart of this strong, young songwriter.
This sweet lady was kind enough to grant me an interview to discuss all things music and the balance of career and motherhood in the music industry.

Interview With Songwriter Jennifer Kennard

Question: What is the first song you can remember falling totally in love with?
Answer: Nothing Compares to You by Sinead O’Connor written by Prince.

Question: How long have you been writing songs?
Answer: Since I was 18 years old.

Question: Do you base any of your songs off personal life experiences?
Answer: Many of them are based on personal experience or the experiences of those I know. But most of them venture off into something more listeners can empathize with.

Question: Currently what indie Artist/Songwriter can you not get enough of?
Answer: Lucinda Williams.

Question: Out of all the songs you have written which one do you relate to the most?
Answer: As Long as the Kids were Alright

Question: Who do you look at for support and encouragement?
Answer: My husband, Bradford.

Question: How did you feel when you got your first cut?
Answer: Validated as a songwriter, accomplished as an artist.

Question: When you think of just the word MUSIC what does it mean to you?
Answer: An inhale for my spirit, an exhale for my soul.

Question: The music industry can be very tough. Are all the struggles worth it just to chase after the dream?
Answer: I think music was just the vehicle of accomplishing the ultimate dream of love and finding my husband. And I go into battle everyday with the industry because if I found him in the struggles imagine what else in waiting in for me in the trenches.

Question: What advice would you give a newcomer coming to Nashville to be a songwriter?
Answer: Persistence and perseverance is key, but always follow your heart.

Question: Has becoming a Mother changed anything when in comes to your songwriting/career?
Answer: It’s changed everything! From when I write to what I write about.
My son is my muse. He’s taught me that if someone puts a wall in front of me, I can climb it. I may fall, suffer some bumps and bruises, but I’ll get over it.

Question: Now that you are a mother what are your opinions of music education in the public school systems?
Answer: An absolute necessity! Children need to be exposed to all aspects of music.
From listening to playing, from learning to composing. Music has been such a positive and inspiring influence in my life, I can’t imagine never being introduced to it at a young age.

Question: Last question how do you balance it all motherhood and career?
Answer: Lots of prayer.

The Bluebird Cafe

Bluebird Cafe in the round brought to you by Music City Unsigned featuring Heather Bond, Robert Kelly, Marie Hines, and I am excited to say my talented husband Stephen Garrett. It is thrilling for us that Stephen was selected to be among this select group of talented songwriters to share his songs at the legendary Bluebird Cafe. On top of such an honor we were astounded to find out the venue's 20 table reserved seating have been sold out a little over a week before the show date. We are expecting a full house and a great show from all of the talent featured Thursday September 15, 2011 at 6:00pm.


If anyone is still interested in attending the show, I would encourage you to arrive around 5:30pm to get in line for access to bar, pew, and no show table seating. The bar and pew seats are available on a first come/first serve basis, and you must be at least 21 years old to sit at the bar. There is no cover charge for this show however, there is $7 food and drink minimum at the bar and tables.

I know Stephen is excited to share a few of his latest songs and what better place to do so than at Nashville's Bluebird Cafe surrounded by an array of talented songwriters and a full house of music fans that simply enjoy lending their ears for the simple love of raw, uncut, original lyrics and melodies!

Stay tuned to find out how the show went....

Verdict In

Tonight I found myself in a private family listening party as the boys and I check out the finished mixes on two new songs “Calling Your Name” and “Little Things”. The verdict is in and we love them. I can’t wait for everyone else to hear these songs that combine the song writing talents of Stephen Garrett and Jared Crump. Stay tuned for more excitement surrounding the new songs. Maybe even a few behind the scences stories about the birth of the lyrics and melodies that construct these songs.

Heart of Worship

My family's lives are filled with music on a daily occurrence. Each day a discovery of things like a new melody, a voice that inspires, a lyric that moves us, a song that enkindles our feet to resort to dance. Music is simply put, a significant part of The Garrett family dynamic. It affects all of us.

Our family's Christian faith is no different. Music plays a vital role in our relationships with Christ. Over the past several months I have witnessed my family, along with my church family, grow with a fresh and fruitful connection with the Lord during our praise and worship times.

My husband, who has been obediently stepping into a worship leader role within our church family, joins an array of talented musicians and vocalists serving the Lord and His people with their gifted talents. Their responsibility as God's servants is to lead God's people into a time of celebration, worship and praise. A Holy Spirit called job that they do not take lightly. It has been awe inspiring as the body of Christ has been using worship as a tool to pull away from their carnal nature and rising closer to El Shaddai "God Almighty"(Gen. 17:1).

On a more personal level it has been truly inspiring to watch my husband using his musical talent to bring glory to the Lord. I believe his act of obedience to the Lord was the first step in leading this family to a closer connection to the Lord. My heart is forever grateful to have a spouse that is sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading in his life.

There is absolutely a beauty and a freedom that is being washed over this family now that we have allowed another form of music to deeply take root in our lives and this family. A music that is used to glorify and praise, a music that equips us for spiritual warfare, a music that offers up thanksgivings, a music that feeds our souls, a music that is all about our Heavenly Father. This music is the heart of worship.

Therefore, I urge you brothers in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living scarifies, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but transform by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

Pajama Jam

Inside the walls of my home on any given night this is always a possibility of normal activity for Carter the eldest son in the Garrett clan. A little late night pajama jam. Carter taking a few pointers from his dad, and learning a few chords on his bass. I can only imagine in my son's head he is pretending to be Sir Paul McCartney. However we did recently get him to buy some music that is unrelated to The Beatles or Paul McCartney. Looks like Michael Jackson is joining my young son's music collection.

Late Night Pajama Jam


On The Road Again

Russell Garrett
Today is my favorite brother-in-laws birthday. So I thought that makes this the perfect day to tell you a little bit about the multi-talented little brother of my husband. Oh and a big Happy Birthday to you Russ!

Like I have stated in prior articles, the Garrett family is littered with an array of musical talent and the youngest son of Marty and Lounetta Garrett, and younger brother to my husband, is no exception. Music comes as naturally as breathing for Russell Garrett.  You will often hear the duo of Stephen and Russell referred to as the Garrett Brothers. Both brothers are musically talented and are gifted with singing voices and the ability to strum a guitar. However, Russell has also been gifted with the mechanics of music and the ability to grasp how music should be made. Russell or Russ, as he is known by friends and family, has been as comfortable behind the sound board as he is on stage performing in front of it since a young age.

Russell and Steel Magnolia Ft. Loramie, OH 
After moving to Nashville to study at Belmont University in the Fall of 2001, Russell began digging out his own little niche in the music world behind the scenes by engineering, stage managing, guitar teching, and producing.  Within around two years time after making the move to Nashville, Russell found himself on the road touring with the likes of Chris Tomlin, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Third Day, Barlow Girl, Steel Magnolia, Big Kenny, Steve Earle, and most recently country music rising star Luke Bryan.

Russell's skills go beyond live sound productions as he brings his keen listening ear into the studio world as well and has a brilliant eye for spotting Nashville youngest and brightest studio musicians.

A Little Teacher Appreciation

Life can throw some pretty incredible people in your path and in this case the path of my oldest son Carter.  My sons, Carter and Wesley, attend Cole Elementary School where you will find music teacher Mr. William Laarz.  As the mother of three boys interested deeply in music and a husband who not only works in the music industry, but also contributes to the indie artist/songwriting end as well, you can only arrive at the conclusion that music education is an important element to the public education of our children.  Both to us and the children themselves.

Mr. Laarz During An After School Music Program

We have been so very pleased with Mr. Laarz's dedication to not only educating our children in music, but also the way he encourages and supports the children. My sons, both Carter and Wesley, react in such a positive way to Mr. Laarz's approach on teaching.  Carter particularly lights up with every complement Mr. Laarz pays him and I believe this causes a chain reaction in my son to work harder to improve his musical abilities. Certainly this could play a vital role in my son’s future, both as a musician and as a person functioning in everyday society.


Mr. Laarz is most certainly part of what makes Cole Elementary a stand out school in our Metro Nashville public school system.  Thank you Mr. Laarz for everything you have done and are doing in my child’s life. Also thank you to the Cole Elementary staff and faculty!   Every single one of you are appreciated and the work you do in the lives of this community's children does not go unnoticed.  I am happy and proud that my children get to be part of such a supporting and active school.  Thank you for caring about my children's education almost as much as I do!!!


Following Footsteps

I originally published this post on "Inside My Head", but thought now that this blog exist it is a much better home for this particular post about my oldest son Carter. He has a lot going on with his music lately, and there are few more post to come about him in the near future, but here is a little preview/back drop on the eldest son in my household.

Watching my oldest son’s passion for music leaves me simply amazed. He is certainly following in the footsteps of his father and his young talent is awe-inspiring. His love for the art of music and his ability to absorb melodies comes to him as naturally as breathing. At a very young age, he realized that the ABC song and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star were the same melody. While most children are marveling with superheroes or fascinated with the newest toy fads, my eight year old son collecting Beatles songs to add to his musical library.During a shopping trip with the family he navigates himself to the CD section, while most children are screaming for the toy aisles. His love for music is something very special indeed.It’s a unique gift that I believe is passed down through the generations, tightly sewn into this family tree like a woven tapestry of music fibers flowing though their very core. To my oldest son music is a way of life. It’s just not an option to go through the day without it. It feels like such an honor to be a witness to the growing talent within my young son. From his very first talent show as a first grader, to whatever adventure this love for music leads him on, I find this talent of his such a beautiful blessing upon this family. I don’t think my heart will ever get tired of hearing him lift his voice in song to share with others. He is truly a very special little boy in my eyes !


Carter singing "I Saw Her Standing There" by The Beatles in his 2nd grade talent show in 2010

MS4MS (Music Show for Multiple Sclerosis)


On April 15th, 2011, Stephen and I traveled back home to Livingston, TN for a weekend of family time and to take part in a special fundraising event for Multiple Sclerosis the night of April 16th.

MS Event April 16th 2011

The event was hosted by Team Trena who has thus far raised over $7,000 dollars in just a few months for MS. Team Trena was formed in honor of Trena Farmer who is living her life with Multiple Sclerosis. The evening consisted of delicious food served in an amazing atmosphere set up in the local dance studio in Overton County.  Stephen Garrett and Adam Ryan provided the musical entertainment in front a hometown crowd. Both singer/songwriters  performed original tunes along with sharing a few cover tunes from artist that have inspired and influenced them.  Ms. Pat Gore (sister of Trena Farmer) made an appearance on stage lending her voice to a few songs in a short set with Stephen consisting of songs like “Stay”, “The House that Built Me”, and  “American Honey”. 


I would rate the evening as a complete success and I believe that all those involved in the Team Trena fight for a Multiple Sclerosis cure deserve recognition for planning such a classy and successful night. A job very well done, indeed!
Everyone is welcome to attended the next MS event April 30th at Cane Creek at 9:00am.

Radio Star...

A little bit of excitement in the world of my husband’s (Stephen Garrett) musical adventures a few months ago another radio station, WGCS 91.1 FM in Goshen, IN, to be exact, added one of my husband’s songs, “Living Dead” to the rotation. Yep that’s right folks my husband is radio star. Okay maybe star is a little bit of stretch at this point in the journey, but never the less this was some fun news to receive.  It's great to have had local play from the likes of Lightning 100 and WRVU, but it's always great to hear of spins outside of our area in places like St. Louis and Goshen, IN.  Not to mention, it was a bit of a bonus for me as the song writers wife since “Living Dead” just happens to be my favorite song of the 10 songs from his Four Letter Word album!

Now Showing

If you live in the Nashville area, now is your chance to come out and lend your listening ear.  So, you can find out first hand what this blog talks so much about. I am talking about MUSIC and at the heart of music are the songwriters. They are the talent that captures our dreams, love, hope, admirations, and they turn all of the emotions and moments of our lives into beautiful lyrics and melodies without ever stepping foot into our lives.  When you're married to a songwriter, often times your life is the music, but that's a whole different story all together. For now, you should checkout for yourself the songwriting gifts of Jared Crump, Elliot Collett, Stephen Garrett, and Adam Ryan at Belcourt Taps & Tapas tomorrow Saturday, March 26th the show starts at 8pm.......Don't be late!!!
 
Make Reservations & Bring Your Friends Along
 

Behind the Scenes

Here is a little sneak behind the scenes of what my brother-in-law, Russell Garrett, has been up to the past several months. Back in January, Russell was privileged to begin work as a stage manager with songwriter and country music rising star, Luke Bryan. Luke Bryan has belonged to the country music family since 2001, but made his debut as an artist in 2007 with his first single "All My Friends Say". Luke now has several number one hits under his belt both as an artist and a songwriter. Russell has enjoyed his new gig with Luke Bryan and the experiences it has given him in his career.

Sound check at Qwest Center in Omaha, NE "Nothing Like This" tour in which Luke Bryan opened for Rascal Flatts.


Past Interwined With Present

Traveling back to about 11 years ago, I was just shy of turning sixteen, super excited and very nervous to be interviewing for a entry level position at the Overton County News. You know, "the sweep the floor, deliver the papers, and take in the world of writing going on around me" kind of position. Never the less, I was excited. So there I was sitting across from Carson Oliver(Chief as we called him) owner and operator of the award winning weekly publication in Livingston, TN. By the end of the interview I was smiling with the knowledge that in a couple of weeks, when the paper settled into their shiny, and much roomer new building located on West Main Street, I would be employed by the Overton County News. I am sure that working for the newspaper only fueled my desire to overcome dyslexia and write to the best of my ability. I have to say that my first job was by far the coolest first job, I mean it sure beat flipping burgers for gas money. I continued to work at the paper for the next 3 years up until I married and moved away to Nashville in May of 2000. It was a sad day telling Carson I was leaving…I actually loved my job and all the people that I worked with, but I was off to Nashville to chase after a dream with my husband.
So you may be asking what does working at a paper in my past intertwine with here and now and the theme of this blog mostly being music??…Well besides the Overton County News giving me so many of the skills I use to blog,  while I was employed there I met Darren Oliver whom  has become a huge supporter of my husband’s music career. Often times he and his ever so beautiful fiancee, Pat Gore, make trips to come out and support the music. Whether that’s  a late night trip to Nashvegas or bringing us in to Livingston for a little home town support!
Most recently Darren put together this amazing 40th birthday party bash for Pat at a local dance studio located on the square in Livingston, TN, which included  food, cake, candle light, good friends, and music. Stephen and I where both so honored when Darren approached Stephen about performing at the the party which would include the Birthday girl living a dream and performing  for a live audience.  I have to say the party was wildly successful and so very much fun to be apart of. Pat’s performance was priceless.  In other words, she did an amazing job!!!
Photo Credit Darren Oilver
So all that to really just say that I have been blown away by the support we have received from my old co-worker, and I just want to say thank you for all of it. All the support is so appreciated, and it’s always so good to see a familiar face in the crowd when Stephen performs. A face that reminds me of the best job I ever had, and a face that reminds me that people really do get excited and they really do connect with the music. So thank you for being such a loyal and supportive fan and friend Darren!

House Show

It’s a house show, Stephen Garrett style! You might be asking, What is a house show? Well, a house show is about bringing an acoustic concert to you. These types of concerts have been more popular on the European music scene, but they are gaining popularity, mostly among indie songwriters, in the American music community. So, here is the explanation of a Stephen Garrett House Show, in a nut shell. We provide the music via Stephen Garrett, and his trusty acoustic guitar, and you provide the party space, and friends. The effect has been a more intimate coffee house style concert right in your very own living-room. Giving listeners a chance to ask questions, and hear the stories behind the songs.

So far we have done a few of these concerts, all them a smashing success with yummy food, good friends, and, in my biased opinion, splendid music. It has been an inspiring journey getting to meet with new and old fans in such unconventional way organizing and executing concerts. We have been pleasantly surprised at the encouragement and support we have received when bouncing around and trying out this new method of performing. I admit, on a personal level, I have loved hearing the opinions and interruptions of the songs from the people we have performed in front of. All around, it has been an enjoyable part of this musical journey we are on.

The first of the house shows turned out a little bigger than expected and morphed into more of a bonfire party at a private boat club in Knoxville, TN, which was hosted by the ever so sweet couple of Josh and Abby Copeland. This concert featured a guest appearance by Stephen’s, also multi-talented younger brother, Russell. I always love when the two of them get the chance to perform together. There is just something about the way that brothers sing together. Maybe it’s because these two have been doing it their entire lives or perhaps, as many have suggested, it's something in their DNA that allows them to harmonize so well, but whatever it may be it just adds a whole new tone to the shows. One I personally enjoy!

Knoxville, TN

For the second house show we stayed local, and turned this show into a celebration of Russell becoming a home owner here in Nashville, TN. Doesn’t everyone celebrate by having concerts in there living rooms? This party featured a couple of other uber talented songwriters/musicians which included Jeremy Yurek and Marc Scibilia. A good majority of the friends surrounding Stephen at this party were very familiar with the record, some of the guests even contributed to the work put into making “Four Letter Word”. This helped turn this house show into a sing-a-long with people calling out requests and Stephen obliged! How fun is that, when people know the songs well enough to request their favorites and contribute by singing along!

Most recently, we found ourselves in Chattanooga, TN for a house show in the cozy and very welcoming home of Kathlina and Lee Alford. The party took place right before Christmas and the spirit of Christmas was in the air, including all the decorations which made for such a fun setting. Kathlina also cooked up some amazing food to treat all the guests with yum! My favorite part of the show had to be 2 ½ year old little Lucy, a niece of the host family. Little Lucy chiming in with some of her fabulous dance moves and her own special request  including “Old McDonald Had A Farm” and “It’s A Grand Old Flag”. I am pretty sure she stole the show right out from under Stephen, leaving a super sweet and personal touch on this house party experience!

Chattanooga, TN starring Little Lucy

I would like to give a big thank you to all the hosts so far. Thank you for lending us your home and your friends and thanks for supporting this crazy new little adventure of ours. Thank you for sharing in the music and the dream with us! All these could not be possible without people like you! Cheers to you, each and every one.

Side note, if you would be interested in hosting a Stephen Garrett House Show, feel free to contact me or checkout the Stephen Garrett{music} website for information about the music. There is also a contact form on his website to contact him directly.