The Great Music Lives On In These Artists

The recent deaths of Barry Gibbs of the Bee Gees and Donna Summer has people wandering about the future of true rock and pop music. Many have been complaining with justification about the death of rock and pop music and its replacement with generic bland music that is mediocre.

The trend appears to point in the direction with the music conglomerates cramming such music and their artists down the throats of consumers. It appears that the conglomerates in Hollywood and New York are winning the battle or are they?

If generic bland mediocre artists with their so called music and sponsors from the conglomerates are winning is because the people allow this to happen. The people who love music are masters of their own domain and do not have to take perpetual stupidity from the conglomerates and their make shift artists.

After all, generic bland mediocre artists and their music is a violation of human rights. It is torture to the ear as well as the eye. For starters, rock, pop, jazz , Latin fusion and country music is alive and kicking on many areas of the United States of America as well as the world.

Texas and Oklahoma

The Lone Star State of Texas and the Sooner State of Oklahoma are one of the state’s leading the revival of great music. Oklahoma has one of the greatest artists in the form of Shawna Russell who released a self titled album.

Ms. Russell is leading the way to true music with hits such as “Sounds Like A Party” blasting through the streets of Main Street America. Ms. Russell is a down to earth singer with a thorough recognition of Country and Rock Music.

Christen Sawyer is another rocker who has a grip on the music with her song “Crazy”. Ms. Sawyer and Ms. Russell are the new generation of rock music with an edge that could give Taylor Swift a run for her money. The reason is [personal opinion aside] that Ms. Sawyer and Ms. Russell are better than Ms. Swift.

Karen Chisholm is another artist whose music transcends boundaries of all types. She recorded “A Perfect World” and made a film (and video) based on the music. Ms. Chisholm also recorded “Random Year” which is a reflection based on the realities of life. Ms. Chisholm is proof that rock music is alive and kicking.

Who can forget other artists such as Jessica Shepherd, Deann Rene, John Arthur Martinez, and Mark Allan Atwood? What about Chip Murrey and Texas Underground as well as Vanessa Peters?

Jessica Shepherd does a great job in combining Rock, Country, and Gospel with songs such as “Pray For Peace and Love” and “Get A Ride With God” in the Rockin Gospel Project.

 

Deann Rene has some of the greatest rock music in the 21^st Century. John Arthur Martinez has some great hits from his album “Utopia” as well as a song called “Cajita De Milagros” which is number one on those who loves great music.

Mark Allan Atwood as well as Chip Murrey and Texas Underground have music that can stun even the mediocre artists. Mr. Atwood’s album “How Country” is an example of such power that provides an alternative to the mediocrity of today’s music.

Chip Murrey and Texas Underground delivers a powerful Texas Progressive Rock to those who need it. The concerts given by Chip Murrey and Texas Underground are so popular because of the musical edge. If there is any doubt, their hit album “Pay Dirt” will convince you.

Vanessa Peters is an artist whose fame has reached the world from Texas. Her album titled “Thin Thread” is an example of how fresh and pure music can be. Ms. Peters even recorded a Christmas album with the title: “The Christmas We Hoped For”.

The song “All I Want For Christmas Is You” from the Christmas album is one of the most powerful songs in the album. The message in the song rings loud and clear. It means that no material good can replace true love whether it is a significant other or a family member. I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that the song touched my heart in a profound way.

What about Nicolette Good, Laura Marie, Vanessa Lively, and Chris Taylor? Nicolette Good convinces people with her music and delivers a powerful message of hope with her song “All My Crying”.

Laura Marie with her song “Good Enough” challenges a pair to accept each other for what they are is a great antidote to the banality of mainstream music. Laura Marie also delivers a rendition of “The Cherry Tree Carol” with depth, emotion, and style that leaves people imagining the scene of the Holy Family. Laura Marie’s rendition of “The Cherry Tree Carol” also touches the heart and soul in a personal manner.

The same can be said about the rendition of “Angels We Have Heard On High” by Chris Taylor. It is these songs that sooth the heart and soul. Vanessa Lively with her rendition of “Alleluia” and “Los Hermanos” is an alternative to the banality of mainstream conglomerate music for its down to earth freshness.

Who cannot forget about Brenda Kay and her music? Her rendition of Red Dirt music is an example for future generation of singers and musicians. We cannot forget Katherine Dawn and her music.

Katherine Dawn has nearly three decades of musical experience under her belt. Ms. Dawn’s rendition of “San Marcos River” is a classic that could compete with greats such as Linda Ronstadt.

I remember hearing Katherine Dawn’s music while living in Venezuela. It was during a visit to a friend’s house and the cassette player was on.

The friend was from Oklahoma but she spent time between Oklahoma and Texas. She told me that the singer was Katherine Dawn. I tried to find the music but lost contact with it until recently.

I now hear Katherine Dawn’s music regularly on the internet and enjoy it. The same applies to the music of Debbie Forrest which has been instrumental in getting people closer to God.

Grupo Fantasma with their mixture of Santana, Fania, and Cumbia are also great. Their latest album called “El Existential” is an album that is great and exciting from the beginning to the end.

The group appeared in Austin City Limits and NPR to wide acclaim. One of Grupo Fantasma’s songs “Mentira” is made in the true Latin Jazz and Cumbia fashion. Another reason why the music is alive.

The Midwest Meets Nashville

Jim Callahan recently recorded an album titled “The Poet” which is becoming popular. The album is an example of folk music mixed with rock and country which gives people an image of simple living.

It is an album that deserves to be on the shelves of music lovers and proof that the music is still alive. Jim Callahan who is originally from Ohio even did his version of “The Night Before Christmas” which was lively and better than the original version.

Jessica Rae is another example of how the Midwest meets Nashville. The Chicago, Illinois native is lively and down to earth in her concerts as well as her music.

I had the honor of meeting Ms. Rae during the 2011 Key West Singer Songwriter Festival. She is a decent and caring human being who is concerned for the welfare of the USA as well as its music.

Jim Callahan and Jessica Rae are also proof that the music is still alive and kicking.

Latin America Meets Tennessee

Johnny Vasquez is a Guatemalan singer who currently lives in Tennessee. The pop and romantic ballads that he interprets harkens to a day when music was sincere.

What can be said about his music comes from his album “Lo Mejor De Mi”. The album is one of the greatest in today’s world with its lyrics and melodies.

Johnny Vasquez sings a romantic tune in a way that today’s singers and musicians do not. He does it with the heart and soul of a true romantic.

Johnny Vasquez is another reason why the music regardless of the language is still alive and kicking.

North Carolina

Amanda Pollard is one of the few artists who managed to capture the essence of true R&B as well as Soul music. It is for this reason that she is also called The American Diva of the 21^st Century.

Ms. Pollard was born in Michigan which was the home of the Motown sound. She moved to North Carolina where she advanced in the music scene. Ms. Pollard has received praise for her style of singing with different vocals such as “Loss For Words”.

Amanda Pollard is the latest in the long line of divas from Ella Fitzgerald, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, and Beyonce. Amanda Pollard is also an expert in presenting great entertaining shows with her dancers while performing.

The music that is interpreted by Ms. Pollard is stunning and refreshing to the point that continents such as Asia and Latin America are taking notice. Amanda Pollard is another example of how the music is still alive.

California

While the conglomerates are with the bland generic brand of music, The Fashion Slaves are heating the airwaves and streets in this state and the world. The Fashion Slaves with Emily Jayne recorded “Psychotic Reaction” and a revolution in music was born.

The Fashion Slaves are another example of fresh rock music that is out of this world. The group can be compared to The Pretenders and Blondie. Emily Jayne is the logical successor to Debbie Harry and Chrissie Hynde in the rock music today.

It is hoped that one day they can perform in Florida since they are a blast.

Florida

Nil Lara is a Cuban-American singer songwriter who has combined the music of Cuba, Venezuela [where he lived], and South Florida to form his own style. Mr. Lara has come a long way from his birthplace in New Jersey.

His best songs are “Vida Mas Simple” and “My First Child” which reflect a yearning for a simpler time. The concerts of Nil Lara are also great to attend with the artist making the public feel great.

Heather Leigh is a great example of how rock and country music can mix with the word of God. She was once nominated for an Emmy for her song “Paradise Lost” which dealt with the BP Oil Spill on the Coast of Mexico.

Ms. Leigh also has a jazz band and is an example of resilience in front of adversity.

Conclusion

The music has not died; it is still present if people were to reject the mediocre music around them. One way is to listen to the old hits but another way is to listen to the above mentioned artists whose name have been highlighted bold.

The reasons the names of the artists are highlighted bold is so that the public can Google their names and buy the albums as well as go to the concerts. The above mentioned artists are also on You Tube.

Christen Sawyer: AG Award for Female Texas Music Sensation

For being the newest sensation of Texas Music [Feminine], we have decided by unanimous vote to award Christen Sawyer with the AG Award for Female Texas Music Sensation.

The Daily Bell On Hollywood

http://www.thedailybell.com/1370/What-Has-Happened-to-US-Movies.html

Influential Women Of 21st Century Country Music

The examples of women who influence country music in the twenty first century are numerous. The reason has been the rise of alternative stations such as Radio Free Texas and Dewberry Jam Radio.

Jessica Shepherd is one of the artists whose music that is influencing Country Music in the 21^st Century. Her music has reached the people of Australia. Her latest album “You’re Country Now” has resonated with people who want to hear about God, Country, and Work.

It appears that her effort in her latest album has paid off. She has even written music for a movie which is being released in different parts of the country. The people have also bought her records when they found about her foundation to help senior citizens.

Katherine Dawn is another example of the women who influence Country and Americana Music in the 20^th and 21^st Century. She recorded a two CD album of sons from her career which spans three decades. Her songs have been heard in places such as Venezuela because of her combination of Southern Rock Country of the 1970’s to form a sound that is unbeatable.

Katherine Dawn formed the Texas Lady Bugs with other singers from Texas in th beginning of 2010. The debut album from this newly formed group called “First Rodeo” received hits as people went to buy it and has reinforced the influence of this venerable artist.

Brenda Kay is another singer who has recorded the album “Dirt’s Still Red”. Her song “How You Get To Me” has received numerous plays in stations around the country.

She has become an inspiration to those who want to start a career in singing country music with her interpretation of another form of country music called Dirt.

Christen Sawyer with her hit song “Crazy” captured the market around the world as well. She was even interviewed in ESPN Radio for a sports event.

Laura Marie is another influential singer of Texas Rock Country for the 21^st Century. The reason has been the promotion of positive messages that exist in her music.

The latest album called “Last Of The Ones” have served as an inspiration for more artists who hear it. Many people have talked about the true gritty music that comes from this venerable artist.

The music of Laura Marie has touched so many people as she converts into another female country music influencing her genre in the 21^st century.

It is with this reason that the above mentioned female artists are the most influential ones in their genre for the 21^st century.

 

http://www.helium.com/items/1941742-jessica-shepherd-katherine-dawn-brenda-kay-christen-sawyer-laura-marie-2st-century-country

Texas And Americana Music Alternatives To Nashville and Hollywood

While there are rumors that the popularization of country music has lead to a drop in its popularity, the opposite is occurring as people are going to alternative sites in the internet to find the real country music or as it is also called Americana Music.

It is a phenomenon that will continue while Hollywood, Nashville, and New York continue their course in stagnation, personality cult, and mediocrity.

The radio stations that have the real country and rock music exist in Texas and are numerous. The internet is full of stations and websites such as Radio Free Texas, My Texas Music.com, and Dewberry Jam Radio. The above mentioned sites are more popular than the mainstream country music from Nashville.

The people whose records are played in these stations are those who have real talent but are never appreciated by a conglomerate that churns out fast food music which leaves people wanting the real thing.

The unsung heroes of the real country music are also people who down to earth and write [as well as sing] about the reality of life in the USA. It is a reality of life that is different from the fantasy world of Hollywood and Nashville.

The examples are numerous.

Jessica Shepherd is one of the artists whose music has reached the people of Australia. Her latest album “You’re Country Now” has a song dedicated to God and challenges people to do their work instead of pretending to work at work.

Jessica Shepherd has even written music for a movie which is being released in different parts of the country.  She still finds time to have a Gospel Concert with other musicians in her town of Austin Texas.

Katherine Dawn is another example of Country and Americana Music. She has been singing true country and Americana Music since the 1970’s. Katherine Dawn has combined the style of rock and country music of the 1970’s to form a sound that is unbeatable.

One of her songs was heard in Venezuela in the 1970’s at a house of one of my fellow classmates from high school. I remember the song was called “Carrousel” and it was beautiful. Katherine Dawn has even formed the Texas Lady Bugs with other singers from Texas.

The latest album from this newly formed group called “First Rodeo” received hits as people went to buy it. The reason is her natural way [as well as the rest of the Lady Bugs] in interpreting true country music.

Brenda Kay is another singer who has recorded the album “Dirt’s Still Red”. Her song “How You Get To Me” has received numerous plays in stations around the country.

Christen Sawyer with her hit song “Crazy” captured the market around the world as well. She was even interviewed in ESPN Radio for a sports event.

The people have also been stomping and dancing to Chip Murrey and Texas Underground. Chip Murrey and Texas Underground are a very popular group with their fusion of Southern Rock and Country in the style of Lynard Skynard without copying.

The latest CD from Chip Murrey and Texas Underground called “Pay Dirt” is an example of what music from the USA should sound like. The concerts I have been told are examples of the musical contact that exists between the artists and the public.

John Arthur Martinez and Mark Allan Atwood are artists whose music are examples of why country music has not decreased in popularity. Both artists have contributed to recovering the body and soul of country music.

The music of these two great artists have even been heard in Europe much more than the Nashville and Hollywood sounds. What can be said about country music declining as a result of its increasing popularity is false. It just simply woke up people who wanted true country music.

http://www.helium.com/items/1941725-true-country-music-jessica-shepherd-katherine-dawn-brenda-kay-chip-murrey-mark-allan-atwood

Christen Sawyer: Country Rock and Roll Angel From Texas

In the Lone Star State of Texas, the people of that noble state and the world awoke to the sound of a country and rock and roll angel interpreting a song titled “Crazy”. The country rock and roll angel that started a fire with that song is none other than Christen Sawyer.

She has managed to surprise the people of Texas and neighbouring states such as Oklahoma with the song and a concert. Christen Sawyer also managed to give interviews in the radio stations in her state as well as in the other states.

The beauty of the song “Crazy” inspired people to ask for more and the song “One Too Many [Saturday Nights]” started to hit the charts in Texas. The rest of the hits followed such as “Picture Unperfect”, “I’m Already Gone”, and “Better Off Broken”.

The demand for Christen Sawyer was big that she represented the radio station 93 Q Country of Houston, Texas in the 2009 Colgate Country Showdown.  She was also a finalist for the Best Country Music Singer Competition in Houston, Texas for the program Next Rising Star LA.

The career of Christen Sawyer took off with thunder and lightning as she was nominated and won the 2010 Texas Music Awards for Best Female Vocalist. She has been recently seen diving into the Dirt Music scene and has received support from Red Dirt Hurricane.

The concert of this country rock and roll angel at the Red Dirt Hurricane Stage, Texas Music Hall Of Fame, Texas Reds Festival, Lone Star Saloon, and the Schotzis Bar have been sold out with the public demanding more and more.

Christen Sawyer once confessed in her webpage that she wanted her music to conquer the world. It appears that she has been successful since people in Florida, Europe, as well as Asia and the rest of the American Continent have heard her music and liked it.

The beauty of Christen Sawyer is that her reputation for having an angelic voice for country and rock music has an electrical power of toughness as characterized in Texas. She is one of the few artists that have been true to form at a time when the world appears to be lost in mainstream music that became predictable.

The other reason for the appeal of Christen Sawyer is that this young and talented singer is down to earth. She feels comfortable in a college setting as well as on stage. It is people like Christen Sawyer who make a difference in the world with her music.

The world will be hearing more from the Country Rock and Roll Angel with an Electric Charge in the years and decades to come.

http://www.helium.com/items/1885569-christen-sawyer-texas-country-rock-angel

Christen Sawyer: 2010 TMA Female Vocalist Of The Year

Christen Sawyer received the 2010 TMA for Female Vocalist Of The Year. She took time off of her busy schedule to talk about life after receiving this coveted award. Here is the result of our second interview with this rising star.

1. What were your initial feelings when you heard that you won Female Vocalist Of The Year for 2010?

I was thrilled! I’d already met a lot of the other musicians at the TMA’s and they were amazing, so I really felt honored to be there with them. Honestly I was a little nervous too… I can sing in front of crowds all day, but giving a thank you speech scares me to death!

2. What do you think were the reasons for being selected Female Vocalist Of The Year for 2010?

I think that the fans played a huge role in my receiving the award. I really believe that I have the greatest fans in the world, and a lot of them have been supporters since I was a fifteen-year-old posting karaoke videos on YouTube! (If you’re still around after that, you’re a trooper.) When I let everyone know about the nomination they were incredible about voting.

3. What will be your future plans after winning the award?

Next week will be the first time I meet with my VERY OWN full band. That’s what I am so ready to begin focusing on: live shows. It’s been great playing acoustic gigs around Texas but I can’t wait for everyone to see the real deal! I’ve also been focused whole heartedly on writing new material. I want to make the Academy of Texas Music feel like they made the right choice this year.

4. Do you have anyone to thank for after receiving the awards?

Yes! God, Mommy & Daddy (my two biggest fans), and everyone who has taken the time to listen to my music and shown their support. It means the world to me. Lucky & Jinelle for putting the whole show on, and all the volunteers I had the pleasure of meeting at the TMA’s–what great people! Last but definitely not least: Jeannie Bryant, who has been my voice coach since I was twelve… She has shaped me so much as a vocalist and she is always pushing me to do better. I know she is very proud of this award as well.

I would like to thank you Christen for taking the time for this interview. My best wishes for you.

Christen Sawyer: A Rising Star In Texas Music

In the days leading to the Texas Music Awards for 2010, Christen Sawyer took time off from her busy schedule to be interviewed. She is one of the recent arrivals to the Texas Music Scene and has recorded “The Sampler” and “Picture Unperfect”.

Her latest release “Crazy” has ignited a storm in Texas and the result was a nomination for the Texas Music Award Best Female Vocalist Award for 2010. The rest is history.

1. How did you start in the music scene?

To be honest, I did it completely backwards! After we went up to Nashville to record a demo CD I was fortunate enough to team up with Gerrie McDowell, a radio promoter in Texas. The most I knew how to do with a guitar was strum a few chords to help out with my songwriting and I wasn’t playing live yet. I’d been singing since I was a little kid and doing competitions with background music, but the live Texas scene is a completely different story.

When “Crazy” started moving up the charts I literally spent six or more hours a day teaching myself guitar so I could play on-air for radio. It was the best thing that could have happened. I’m still learning something new on guitar every day, but it was that initial push that got me playing around the state. Most people do it the other way around: playing live first, then radio promotion…

2. Who were your idols and how were you able to form your own musical style independent of or including your idols as a source of inspiration?

I grew up listening to my dad’s rock and my mom’s country, so my style is very eclectic! I’m a huge Fleetwood Mac fan but I also loved the power-vocals of country artists like Clay Walker and Faith Hill. I remember listening to music with Dad when I was younger and hearing him say, “Listen to that guitar lick!!” It took me a while to figure out what a “lick” was, but now I find myself incorporating them into my songwriting. Having such a wide range of musical influences has helped as I’m establishing my own style, I think. If you throw enough random ingredients in a pot, eventually you’re going to create something that no one else has made before!

3. You recorded two albums “The Sampler” and “Picture Unperfect”. How long did it take you to record these two gems?

Recording was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. My producer brought in these amazing studio musicians the first time around and we knocked it out in about five days. Working with professionals like that it just came together layer by layer effortlessly.  The second time around I asked him to hire the exact same musicians—they were so wonderful! We were originally set to record three more songs in three days, but added another song at the last minute… Four songs in three days was QUITE tricky and I had to work overtime, but a twelve-hour day in a studio making music is something I’d never complain about!

4. What is the inspiration that you receive when writing or recording a song?

Every song I write is a personal story, and that makes it easy for me to record or play the song with emotion. Sometimes it is about someone or some event in my own life; other times it’s something I have seen another person go through. I can credit almost the entire album of “Picture Un-Perfect” to an ex-boyfriend or two!

5. Your webpage states “Country With A Heart With A Little Edge” and your music is that. What sets your music apart from what is released in Nashville and other areas of the USA? In other words, what sets your music apart from the mainstream corporate music?

Well thank you for that! Not that there’s anything wrong with mainstream music—I would love to reach that many people with my songs someday. I think my songs are different because I’m a big fan of doing what you believe in, not what other people want you to do. Allowing artists to be creative and think outside the box definitely changes the product up a bit, and I thrive on that.

6. You are currently doing the “One Too Many” Radio Tour in Texas and Oklahoma. How many radio stations have you visited?

Oh god I can’t even count how many stations there have been! I know this past tour put around 20,000 miles on the car though. It was crazy, especially because the majority of the tour happens in the first 3 weeks.

7. Besides Texas and Oklahoma, are there other states in the USA or outside the country that you have performed or would like to perform?

I’d love to perform in Nashville. So cliché for a country singer, but I fell in love with that city when I stepped off the plane & I sure would like to sing there.

8. What was your reaction when you heard that you were nominated for the Texas Music Award as Female Vocalist Of The Year?

I was confused! It was something I honestly didn’t expect at all… My mom talked to Lucky first because I was out of town and she was being all secretive about it when I got home. When I found out what it was all about I was very surprised! I’m so excited and grateful for the nomination, especially being so new in the Texas scene.

9. What are your plans after the TMA’s? Will you be releasing a new album?

My latest album was just “officially” released, so I’m going to hold off on a new album (unless I win the lottery)! After the TMA’s I’ll be focusing on the band. We’ve finally assembled my own band and I can’t wait for us all to get together and play some shows! I’m also planning on writing a lot more. It’s time to finish some new songs

10. What is the advice that you give to those who are young who want to pursue a career in singing or entertainment?

I’m going to give the advice my parents gave me, even though I didn’t listen to it: FINISH COLLEGE FIRST! A lot of the classes I took helped me with the business aspect of music. Aside from that, there’s a lot to be said for someone who can write their own songs—that’s something I’ve learned along the way. A lot of industry professionals look for that nowadays, so the younger you get started the better. And have fun

I would like to thank you for accepting my invitation to be interviewed. It was a pleasure and an honor to have this interview. It is hoped that it can be repeated in the future.