Posted in Music, Uncategorized

Take The Risk

So I technically worked my first food festival. I have to say, I like the food a lot, I like the people I worked with a lot,  so I enjoyed the festival a lot. It was a first year festival in Nashville. Yes, we should make improvements and we will. But for a first-year festival, I say it was a great success.

I’m a strong believer in people who want to be their own boss. People who want to do something different and unique with their lives. People who want to create a positive influence on society. So don’t hate on their dreams or anyone’s dreams for that matter. It takes time.

I strongly believe what these guys believed in this past weekend. Nashville Taco Fest will become something. Maybe not next year or the following year, but if there is enough love and hope to go around, things will certainly go a long way. It’s just a matter of taking the first risk of saying, “Yes, I want to do this!”

Hell, if Miley can take a risk from teeny bopper to pop star… I think you can too.

 

Posted in Music, Uncategorized

“Sweet Dreams”

I’ll tell you this right now, don’t expect to make a ton of money when you make it in the industry. If you hear of it, they are probably lying to you.

I’m not trying to pessimistic, but it’s true. You don’t enter this industry thinking you are going to make a lot of money. Because EVERYONE wants to work in the industry, so employers can offer you less than nothing to work in the industry.

Do I call bullsh*t, yes it is! But it’s the fact of life. Supply and demand my friends.

So if you enter this industry, I hope you have a lot of money to start or I hope you other forms of income.

A ton of us has side gigs. I work at the City Winery because I can. I have a lot of friends who bartend on the side. I even have a good friend who works full-time for a well-known country artist and she sells real estate on the side.

I’m trying to find other ways of income as we speak. I’m not hurting because I started my savings account about six years ago after I got stuck in New Zealand. But I’m always on the look out.

So just a heads up- “Sweet Dreams to You” if you think you’re going to make bank right away.

 

Posted in Music

“I Never Want To Close My Eyes”

I’m the comeback queen myself and I root for a good comeback from anyone. I’m all about people taking a break, breaking down or whatever, and they come back strong. Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen to all people (Sorry Lindsay).  But I’m very excited to see Michelle Branch is coming to one of my festivals this year!

Michelle Branch is known for her upbeat, pop sound; pretty much perfect for any romantic comedy. We all know her songs like “Everywhere” and “All You Wanted”, and if you don’t what the hell I’m talking about, just go to YouTube and look it up, I promise you know those songs unless you live under a rock.

I have to admit, her sound is a little more modern and a little more like something you would hear on the pop radio.

It’s not a bad thing, but I have to admit, I like her original music or the music she was known before. It was her sound.

I still want to see her show because I’m curious. But check out her new music video. You be the judge.

 

Posted in entertainment, Music, Uncategorized

Go the Distance

So I worked on my very first music video. Like legit music video with a very well known country artist. And I’m not going to lie, it was a lot of work, but I really like it and what film entails.

However, as much of an animal I am when it comes to working, I will say I really, really do enjoy working my live events.

I guess the thrill of getting it right on the first time is just an adrenaline rush. When you work with film, you have to get the shot from three to five different angles. Which is fine, but that means you have multiple opportunities to get it right. When you do events live, you either get it right or you don’t.

But I’m very happy I’m getting more film work. Because now I can officially say I have experience on tour, festivals, corporate events, venues, reality TV and music videos. Which for me is a big deal because lets be honest, everyone wants a piece of the pie. I’m lucky to get a slice.

Posted in entertainment, LA, Music, Uncategorized

If You Don’t Believe Me, Believe Him

Most people who follow me, actually let me rephrase that. Most people who know me don’t know I’ve worked on a couple of documentaries and film work. My most recent work was a commercial for CMT Music Awards. So if you enjoy your show Nashville, I’m sure you will see Opie Williams on the commercials.

It’s not that I’m not interested in it, I guess I never got introduced to it until later in life. Strange because most of the time people are introduced through reading the school news or making their own music videos in middle school and high school. I was more interested in being the cool kid and a rock star.

My friend Kyle Olson and I didn’t really become good friends until after college. We went to high school together, but I was in the band, choir, and sports. He was the AV, smart  guy. Our worlds collided, but I guess our paths didn’t cross.

Long story short, he works out in LA on a ton of different shows. He made his break with America’s Next Top Model and his most recent project is The Twins: Happily Ever After. After being beaten up in high school, and breaking all the “typical rules”. Dropping out of college and leaving his hometown for his dream. I finally asked him the question that most people who want to work in entertainment want to know.

I said, “If you were someone that wanted to break into the film industry, what would you tell people and how to prepare for it?” Because let’s be honest, that’s what we are all here for. To make it.

His answer was spot on and I couldn’t agree me:

“Preparation, Patience, Persistence, Perseverance, Practice, and Pro-activity

You have to do the hard things. The things that no one else is doing. The things that scare you. The things that make you wonder how much longer you can hold on.  Those are the things that define you. Those are the things that make the difference between living a life of mediocrity or outrageous success.  The hard things are the easiest things to avoid. To excuse away. To pretend like they don’t apply to you.  The simple truth about how ordinary people accomplish outrageous feats of success is that they do the hard things that smarter, wealthier, more qualified people don’t have the courage — or desperation — to do.  Do the hard things. You might be surprised at how amazing you really are.”

And truly, I have to agree with him. I’ve been through some tough times in this industry and he has personally seen that. So if you don’t believe me, believe him.

Follow Kyle Olson to know his adventures in Hollywood:

Twitter: @HollywoodTinman

Instagram: @hollywoodtinman

 

Posted in Music, Work

Worth It

Whether we are fighting for the next position, the next #1, the next move, the next dude, or the next war, we are constantly fighting for something.

The artist I was on tour with, she will more than likely hit #1 on the country charts within the next couple of weeks.

I was watching the ACMs tonight and I saw my friend playing drums for one of the bands on stage.

This stuff does not happen overnight, it takes a long time.

My friend who plays drums has been playing for the past ten years in Nashville.

The artist who I used to work with has been on stage since she was 16.

So whether you like them, hate them, or don’t care for them, I hope everyone can appreciate the dedication, the time, the money, the effort it takes to get there.

While life may be great and glamorous from the outside, on the inside it can be rough and dirty.

I want to take this time to say in my blog to say congrats to everyone who is making strides in their career. To those who are making leaps and bounds in life. And most importantly, staying true to who they are. You deserve it.

Posted in Music

Find Your Spot

I understand for a lot of people, it’s hard to pick up your life and move for something you want. Whether it’s nice weather or a job, it’s hard if you are close to your family and friends. Because what beats something that has been there for your whole life.But one of the best things I did for myself, is moving away. I learned a lot about myself and I pushed myself to a lot of limits… A lot of limits.

It started when I moved to Australia, I had to learn to be extremely independent and aware of my surroundings. Unfortunately, in Nashville, I’ve had a lot of mishaps happen while I was here. And it’s made me learn how to grow, adapt, and change to imperfect scenarios.

So if you are reading my blog and find myself somewhat helpful, read the link below and pick the best city for you in the music industry. The only thing I find “wrong” with this article is they forgot New Orleans and Miami. While they aren’t necessarily conventional music cities, you shouldn’t discredit them. I have a handful of friends that live in New Orleans.

 

http://substreammagazine.com/2017/03/living-working-music-cities/

 

Posted in Music

PopSound: Nashville, TN

So, I put on my very first event with Brick&Ivy, Do615, G7 Marketing and The Back Corner in Nashville, TN. Needless to say, we need to work out some kinks, but I have to say, I was very happy with the outcome.

All the artists were wanting and willing to play… Did I mention they were all on time!

On top of everyone being awesome and super cooperative, when the crowd started to show up, the place was out of this world.

The Back Corner is a new venue in Nashville, but it’s more like a lounge meets music venue meets a club I’ve never go to. I have to say though, I really do like the layout. It’s different.

We put on an event called PopSound: With Drawing North, Daphne Willis, The Foxies and The Nightly. Overall, I thought the music was great and everyone enjoyed themselves.

I’m not going to lie, I never thought a day like this would come, where I’d be able to say “I’m an event producer” but I’m truly believe I’m getting there.

 

 

Posted in LA, Music

LA isn’t Bad

So I just got back from LA. Most of the time, I’ve spent there, it’s been for layovers and hangovers. But I never really spent a good amount of time over there. Because everyone pretty much told me how awful LA was. Traffic, people, traffic, how expensive everything is, people, traffic… You get the picture.

I have to admit, the time I spent over there, was pretty awesome. I didn’t spend that much time in West Hollywood, but I also really don’t want to either. I want to see what tourists don’t see when I travel. I want to see the reasons why people actually live in big cities like that.

It just so happens, I have a lot of friends over there, so it’s great to have people you already know. And it doesn’t hurt to have cute guy friends over there.

Here’s what I know about LA and entertainment:

Everyone has some sort of affiliation to it.

There are a ton of festivals, studios, and venues for people to play.

I truly believe that you can make it in LA, you just have to be smart about it.

 

As much as I love Nashville, if someone offered me a job in LA, I would move.

 

Posted in Music

“Don’t Fu*k With Me”

I think in this day in age, forever ago and most importantly the future, it is so imperative that women band together.

No, this is not a political rant. This is about women and music. Literally, band together. I’m so happy that so many women are embracing each other and starting to support each other. Whether it’s celebrities vocally speaking about it or girls just playing together.

Think about how many all girl bands there are back when and now. If you really think about it, not many. Charli XCX had a all girl band at SXSW in 2014 and I think she still does to this day. There’s also The Dead Deads, but I think it’s important that people realize there should be way more all girl bands. But off the top of my head, not many. But as time goes on, I think there will be way more.

My friend at the City Winery told me about Tacocat. She said, “They have the best period music.” And I absolutely love it! A punk rock all girl band that talks about lady parts and bad moods. What more could I ask for at a time like this!

 

…#perfect