Interview with Alexis Taylor

 Posted by at 6:08 pm on February 4, 2021
Feb 042021
 

Artist Name: Alexis Taylor
Hometown: Huntsville, Ontario, Canada
 
What project(s) are you currently working on?

I am currently working on finishing up some songs in the studio with award winning session player and producer John Willis. Once those songs are finished I will be putting together a 5 song EP album, which will hopefully be released in May or April of this year!!

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know? 

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to pursue music. Growing up I had two parents who were and still are extremely musical.  They would always be playing guitar or piano around the house, and I always looked up to them. With my Mom being involved in the Christian music scene, and my Dad being involved in country music, there was never any question that music would always be a part of my life. But it wasn’t until I moved to Nashville that I realized that doing music was what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life!!

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

I originally went to university to be an elementary education teacher. So if I was not doing music, I would probably be teaching! I was lucky enough to have a few teachers growing up that really impacted my life, and I think that if I wasn’t doing music I would want to help kids, and try to impact their lives in a positive way.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

One of my favorite downtime activities would have to be exploring. There’s nothing quite like going on an adventure and finding cool new places. Whether or not it’s heading out to find a new trail to hike, finding a new beach at the lake that’s off the beaten path, or even finding a new restaurant to go to, I always love going on a drive and seeing where the road takes me!!

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

I think my biggest celebrity crush would have to be Matthew Mcconaughey.  I think he is a brilliant actor, and not only that but he seems very genuine and humble. I am a huge fan of any of the movies that he stars in!!

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

My favorite sports team would have to be the Nashville Predators (hockey). Growing up in Canada, hockey was the highlight of many winters when you’re stuck inside due to a snowstorm. So anytime I get to go to a Preds game, I feel like I’m right at home!!

What is the last movie that you watched?

The last movie I watched was “The Next Three Days” with Liam Neeson. It came out almost 10 years ago, but I had never seen it. I thought it was a really great movie! But then again what movie with Liam Neeson isn’t a good one!?  I definitely recommend watching it!

What is the last album you listened to? 

I think the last album that I listen to was “The Breaker” (2017) by Little Big Town.  It’s a really great album with a lot of really great songs on it. In fact I think it is my favorite album from them that they have released! It has “Better Man” on it, along with some other favorites of mine!!

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

That’s a tough one.  If I had to listen to one album for the rest of my life it would probably be Shania Twain’s album “Up!” That album was one of the first albums that I ever bought as a kid, and has so many great songs on it! Mutt Lange did such a great job producing that album too. It is definitely still one of my favorites!

What is the greatest country song of all time? 

I think one of the greatest country songs of all time would be “Jesus Take The Wheel” by Carrie Underwood. It is such a beautifully written song and a song that has personally helped me out in hard times.  Not only is the song delivered perfectly, but is full of emotion and passion. Such an incredible song!!

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

It’s hard to just pick a city or a town – so I am going to pick a country instead! I loved getting to open up for Doug Seegers in Sweden, and every single place we went there was more amazing than the last. All of the people that we met there, and all of the shows that we got to play there were so cool. I didn’t realize there were so many country music fans there. It was such a great experience. I really hope I get to go back sometime in the near future!

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal would have to be sushi in any shape or form. I absolutely love it and would eat it for every meal if I could! SO good!

Who is your dream duet partner?

My dream duet partner would likely be any member of Lady A. They have such an amazing sound, and such beautiful harmonies. It would truly be an honor to share the stage with any of them!!

Who would you like to go on tour with?

I think it would be really cool to go on tour with Carrie Underwood. She is such a talented musician and she seems very genuine. I feel like we could be friends! It would also really be cool to learn some things from her and take some notes so I can improve my own shows and sound!

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

One of my ultimate career goals is to have a number one song on the country radio charts! I just think it would be such a milestone to reach, and a pivotal point in my career.

Feb 042021
 

Photo Courtesy of the USO

As an avid supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces, Kellie Pickler will help lead the effort for Americans to give more than thanks to the military community as a USO Global Ambassador, in honor of the 80th anniversary of the United Service Organizations.

“I am honored to join the USO as a Global Ambassador for their 80th anniversary of supporting America’s military and especially this campaign encouraging all Americans to give more than thanks,” shares Pickler. “The USO has allowed me so many opportunities to serve those who serve us, and this is another way I can help shine a light on something that matters…supporting our servicemen, servicewomen, their families and letting them know we don’t take what they do for granted.”

Pickler, alongside USO Global Ambassador Wilmer Valderrama, will support the organization’s Give More Than Thanks initiative – a campaign encouraging all Americans to find actionable ways to express their gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our troops and their families. Throughout the year, Pickler and Valderrama will participate in events and entertainment engagements for service members, raise awareness of our military’s needs, and share ways Americans can help the USO give more than thanks.

“We are honored to have these two longtime advocates come on board as USO Global Ambassadors,” said J.D. Crouch II, USO CEO and president. “Kellie and Wilmer have seen, firsthand, the importance of the USO mission and the impact it can have when we express the nation’s gratitude to our Armed Forces. We hope their continued support will invite more Americans to join them to honor the sacrifice and service of service members and their families.”

Pickler performed on her first USO Tour in 2007 to Iraq and has since completed 12 total tours, visiting 13 international locations including Afghanistan, Germany, Iraq, Kosovo, United Kingdom, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Norway; a ship at sea; and three domestic locations. Of her 12 tours, Pickler has participated in five annual USO Holiday Tours with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Additionally, Pickler has participated in a USO Military Virtual Programming (MVP) session with husband Kyle Jacobs, which was broadcast to 34 locations in the United States, Qatar, Guam and Japan, and she is a recipient of the Department of Defense Spirit of Hope Award, Operation Troop Aid Chris Kyle Patriot Award and USO of North Carolina’s Heart for the Warrior Award.

 Kellie Pickler  Comments Off on Kellie Pickler Named USO Global Ambassador for “Give More Than Thanks” Initiative

Top 10 Songs of the Month – January 2021

 Posted by at 1:48 pm on January 31, 2021
Jan 312021
 
Rodney Atkins

Rodney Atkins

Here’s this month’s Top 10 list of our favorite current songs!  Songs are pulled from the list of current singles on the airplay charts and other lessor known current releases.  Each song is linked to a video that you can watch/listen to.  Check out our list below and let us know what you think!

Find these songs and more in our 2021’s Best New Country Music Spotify Playlist!

*Songs are listed in alphabetical order.

See previous month’s list

Lady A Invited to Join the Grand Ole Opry

 Posted by at 9:46 pm on January 21, 2021
Jan 212021
 
Lady A

Lady A

The Grand Ole Opry family grew today with the invitation of Lady A by Darius Rucker.  Check out what they had to say about it, and watch the video below!

“This is the best surprise we could ever ask for!! Today while filming for an upcoming Opry special, Darius Rucker invited us to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. To say we are honored is an understatement. We are so truly grateful to officially be a part of this amazing family.”