Eden’s Edge. One of those bands that reminds you of apple pie & sweet tea. Good ole fashioned Southern style Country. There is a sweet innocence with a sassy presence. They only released an EP & one album before going their separate ways & it’s a damn shame because their sound was amazing. I still listen to their album on repeat, 6 years after it came out.

I’m a Missouri farm girl & I relate to their songs about the country, swimming in the creeks, “cow towns,” hollering, & cherry pie. I love that they are undeniably Country, from their subject matter, to their Southern accents, to their sound, full with guitar, mandolin, banjo, & dobro guitar. There is something about their music that takes me back to the innocence of growing up in rural Missouri & believing that the world was primarily good & that life was easy. Call me idealistic, but sometimes taking it back to the basics is necessary.

This is the music that I listen to when I need to remember that the true Country sound still lives. That there are those who grew up in cow towns with old fashioned families. The music industry is full of greed & manipulation, as the world is. Sometimes we just need to remember where we came from.

Amen
It starts with a song.
This is the foundation of the music industry. This also describes the first song on this album, which was also their most successful single.
This song spoke for itself. A country boy being with a city girl that wasn’t good for him...& the whole town hooping & hollering when they break up. Y’all anyone from a small town can relate to this. Oh, & his mama being right about how they shouldn’t have been together. The words mama, holler, amen are all included. Like what else do you need in a Country song?!


Swingin’ Door
“You’ve got a girl in every cow town”
BLESS. Such good lyrics. Like in case you were unsure, they are from rural Arkansas. They talk the way the live. Hannah’s sweet voice juxtaposes the sassiness so nicely. Southern country girls may be sweet, but we don’t take shit.


​Skinny Dippin’
The best part of living in the middle of nowhere is skinny dipping in the creek privately. Such a cute little tease of a song.


Too Good to Be True
Again, we aren’t fools. Don't mess with us. We listen to our mamas & we stand up for ourselves.


Feels So Real
This one uses the best imagery. Anyone who has lost a loved one can relate to this. I love that this one is really driven by vocals. They use harmonies with such emotion, if you can listen to this without feeling something, you are heartless. Sorry, not sorry.


Who Am I Drinking Tonight
Grab your girls & go two stepping. This makes me miss my crazy college days in the honky tonks. I mean, the song talks about George, Alan, moonshine & Bocehpus. Does it get any more Country than that?! Such a sassy & fun one.


Cherry Pie
Alright y’all...this one means the WORLD to me. Sometimes, not often, I tell personal anecdotes on here.
So here is a little peek into my heart:
Music was a HUGE part of my wedding day. I planned out every song with such care.
As our families were being seated, this song played. It was important to us to not only honor our marriage that day, but also honor the loved ones that shaped who we are & continue to support us. This song felt like a perfect illustration of our thanks.


So here I am, listening to this song for the millionth time while I write this & tearing up as I always do. This song will always hold a very special place in my heart. I am so damn thankful that Dean Berner, Vince Melamed, & Laura Veltz wrote this. I am so damn thankful Hannah, Dean, Cherrill chose to record it. My heart needed this.
Try not to get teary-eyed. I dare you.

Christ Alone
This album ends in the best way. A simple acapella hymn-style song. Words don’t even begin to do this one justice, it is simply stunning. This Hannah, Dean & Cherrill never disappoint with their harmonies, but this one takes the harmonies to a whole new level. Hannah hits the high notes perfectly. This one is done with such stunning effortlessness. I get goosebumps every single time. Taking me to church, y’all.



This album brought something so unique & needed to the table. An innocence, mixed with strong females, mixed with amazing vocal & instumental abilities. It has a reminiscent sound, while being distinctively its own. I don’t think this band got near the recognition they deserved because they were different than the majority of mainstream music at the time. Hidden gems that will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m so thankful that they give us a hell of an album. Lord have mercy. We needed it these harmonies. We needed this sound.

xoxo,
Faith
​

Ada, Oklahoma may be known for being the hometown of Blake Shelton, but he was certainly not the only Country talent bred there. Mitchell Trimmer, lead of Mitchell Trimmer Band, is a Country/Southern Rock songwriter/artist is a different style than Blake, but just as passionate & talented.

Mitchell’s style is Country meets Southern Rock meets Texas Country meets Alternative. The style is very unique, fitting that Red Dirt niche. His band does a great balancing act of preserving traditional roots, while also adding a distinctive spin. It fits the the category of “on the outskirts of ordinary” because it literally sounds different than anything I’ve heard.

The band has been playing for over 10 years. They have focused on playing & building an audience, and just released their first EP last year. Though that is unusual to play for so long without publicly releasing, I commend their hustle. Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, etc is prime gigging territory. Bars in those areas actually could put Nashville to shame, as they get the bands who are grinding, playing, & growing their fan base. It is actually intriguing to see this mentality as it is so different from the way we do it here.

I also will say that there are no fans quite like the Red Dirt ones. They travel, go to festivals, find dive bars, & root for their favorites no matter what. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Nashville way, but I think the we could learn some new concepts from them.

​

This Town
This one’s got a good beat & a strong baseline. The electric guitar has a good riff that just makes you want to drink a beer & dance. Small town love. Nothing like it. This is also recorded in a very raw way which makes it so organic. Less production is such a nice change of pace.

I Got You
I Got You has such a true Classic Southern Rock sound. The feel is a little more intense, as it is a strong love song. The balance of instruments & vocals is on point. Good, clear sound.

Long Way To Tulsa
Something aboutthis one is reminiscent of Gary Allen. I think the style mixed with the rasp. A little more on the Country side than some of his others, but still has a bit of edge.

Rolling Stone
I love the fact that this song mixes rolling stone with troubadour. I think this is a good representation of the band’s sound. Rocking Cowboy doing his own thing.

The band will be releasing their next project very soon. I got to hear samples of it & I can tell y’all it is a treat. Good ole Country roots with an edge. Excited to hear the finished product...

Huge thanks to Mitchell Trimmer for partnering with me & sharing some exclusives. This guy encompasses what this blog is about. Chasing dreams, following your passion, taking the road less traveled, & keeping it on the outskirts of ordinary.
BLESS.

xoxo,
​Faith

I’m going to bet that y’all are familiar with Lee Ann Womack. I’m sure you have heard I Hope You Dance...you every graduation, funeral, going away party, wedding, etc. Don’t get me wrong, that song is great, an early 2000’s classic for sure. BUT, I think she sometimes gets put in the “one-hit wonder” box for that one. Which couldn’t be farther from the truth.

I’ll never forget the time I went to see one of the greatest shows of my lifetime..King George, Reba, Lee Ann Womack. There were legitimately NO OPENERS. It was a 4 hour revival that my soul needed. The group I was with wanted to slip in a little late because they had no interest seeing “that lady who sings I Hope You Dance” Ummm...EXCUSE ME? No. Unacceptable behavior.

She is one of those that has had hit after hit, but is looked over in the industry, and it blows my mind:
¥A Little Past Little Rock
¥The Fool
¥You’ve Got to Talk to Me
¥I’ll Think of a Reason Later
¥Ashes By Now
¥I May Hate Myself in the Morning
¥He Oughta Know That by Now
¥Twenty Years and Two Husbands Ago

What a list?! This is recaps my adolescence. With the exception of I Hope You Dance that crossed over into pop, Lee Ann has stuck to that beautiful & golden traditional Country sound. Though I wholeheartedly believe she deserves so much more than the industry has given her, I do love that she is that steady, undertone that remains underrated. Wee can always count on Lee Ann to give us something different than everyone else & she does it with such grace. I applaud her professionalism to put it out there, but not show discouragement when the industry stomps on her at times. May we all have that poise, grace, and character.

This week features her album The Way I’m Livin.’ All of her albums are phenomenal, but this one has always stood out to me. She had left a label & taken a couple of years off before this one came out. I think she came into this one ready to give us some damn good music. This album mixes Classic Country, Bluegrass, Americana, & Roots. It tells an important story rather than being put together based on potential singles, as the best albums do.
So here we go!


​

Prelude: Fly
Love that this album starts with a prelude. It really sets the tone for the album. The album really focuses on owning our sins & demons. It is such a simple & preaceful tune, reminds me of a lullaby, with such a deeper meaning. Beautiful use of 2:32 minutes.

All His Saints
Lee Ann isn’t shy about her sins, but she uses this one to show that God’s redemption is bigger than our transgressions. It’s hopeful & upbeat without being cheesy.

Chances Are
Love this reflective glance at past decisions, while wondering about the current & future possibilities. Classic Country sound at its best. The whine of that steel guitar...its doesn’t get better than that. Past backage with hope of new beginnings...what its all about.
​

The Way I’m Livin’
I’m all about a good rhythm while discussing about being bad. My favorite song on this album for sure. Does it really get better than using the word “doggone?” I don’t think so.

Send It On Down
This one is so stripped down. Depression is real. Drinking problems are real. Demons are real. Sometimes we need Jesus to send some hope on down. I love that this song shows the hope, even in our lowest moments that there is something to save us. This one is deep, a most of the album is. Lee Ann’s brilliant voice makes everything sound so sweet, no matter no dark the subject matter is. I am so thankful she chose to address theses ugly truths.
​

Chills.

Nightwind
Some of the best songs are about unresolved heartbreak, & this one is no exception. Sometimes you have to let someone go, not because you don’t love them, but because they deserve better. This one is sad & beautiful; that violin makes the sound exceptional.
​
Sleeping With the Devil
Classic sound, can’t get enough. We all have our vice, may as well be honest about it. Our vices literally take our souls away & we try to hide the pain. This song sounds happy, but it’s dark & real. That steel guitar. BLESS. Good ole’ Country music.

Not Forgotten You
Moving on is difficult. One step forward, two steps back. One step at a time, someday the blues will go away. Or so they say. But forgetting is challenging none the less.

Tomorrow Night in Baltimore
Because what is better than a good ole’ Roger Miller throwback?! Lee Ann does this classic its rightful justice. Bless Classic Country.

Lee Ann took us to church with this one. There was sort of a revival undertone, with the sadness, guilt and depression mixed in. I love that she isn’t afraid to leave the hard stuff unresolved. The raw, honest, and ugly truth. We need that. Always. Thanks for sticking with us, Lee Ann. Your voice, art, talent, & soul are such an important part of this industry. You help keep the classic alive. Bless you.

xoxo,
​Faith

I’m calling it! The Mountain is one of the best albums of 2018. I had very high hopes for this one, as Dierks teased it pre-release as Mountain music. This album tells a fluid, refreshing story of stripping it down to the basics. I am proud to say that I am not disappointed.

Not too long ago, I listened to a Bobbycast that featured Dierks. I will never forget him talking about how he felt a bit of a burnout a few years back. He felt that he had hit the peak and was just focusing on the songs that would chart. He realized he needed to refocus on his art & passion. I remember literally exclaiming AMEN. It is so transparent when an artist is recording to simply have hits and when they are recording to share their heart.

I have noticed a huge change in Dierks since he took this turn. His music reflects his heart & his experiences. BLESS the authentic feels.

One of the beautiful things about Dierks is that he knows how to party, he knows how to write/record/perform to have good time. But he also knows how write/record/perform the songs that are just about life. The struggles, victories, heartache, love, dreams, & journey. Though Dierks has put out some amazing albums, this one really sticks out. The writing is more mature and reflective. I think we have gotten to the really good stuff with Dierks & I am loving it.

This album was literally written in a cabin in the mountains of Colorado. Dierks admitted that they smoked a lot of weed, talked about life, and let the words & music come. That is beautiful. I love the organic feel of self growth & exploration.

If you follow 16th Ave Fringe on Instagram {which you SHOULD}, then you can see the highlights from his album release at the Ryman. One of the coolest parts of CMA week. The Ryman was a perfect place to host his album release, as it reflects on the heart and the “why.” What better place to tell your story than the Mother Church?!

So you may be like, yeah, this is cool, but Dierks seems pretty mainstream to be featured on this blog. Here is why I am featuring this album...It wasn’t written for singles. It was written to tell a story, & there is honestly not one party song on it. Not that I don’t enjoy a good party song, but this album is very different than others he has released & most of what is on radio these days. It is a true Country/Americana album. SO trust me, humor me and stick with me.

Burning Man
This album starts out with a bang. It is upbeat, but not silly. It is an important reflection of the journey we are all on. We try to better ourselves, but we all have our demons. Brothers Osborne is such a natural choice for this collaboration, as this really fits their sound. There is something exceptional about hearing these artists together, and the sound is very unique. Yes, this is a radio single, but it will always be one of my favorites from this album. Passion & excellence go hand in hand in this one.

The Mountain

This title is maybe not the most unique; there are other songs that share it. But this song brings something different to the table. Most of the time, a mountain is looked at & portrayed in music as a huge obstacle & undertaking. I love the way Lucas, Dick, Bentley, Randall, & Hemby took took the narrative in a diffrent way. The approach was more of the one step at a time.

I love that this song illustrates the focus on the journey and the climb. I really feel like this being the title track was a great choice, simply because it sums up the essence of the album, while being simple and understated.

Living
Love this reminder to enjoy every moment, don’t take anything for granted. It is so easy to get caught up in the rat race of life and forget to be thankful for the small and most important things. Strong coffee, love, healh, & a new day. Slow down & enjoy.

Woman, Amen
This song is phenomenal. Simply amazing. It’s the age old story, women are praised & appreciated for how they look and how they serve. I love when songs challenge this view. This song is truly an anthem for female appreciation. In this song, they are praised for being themselves and loving their significant others. Not for being physically attractive, not for doing the dishes, keeping the house clean, raising the children, and sexually pleasing their spouses. What a concept?!
As an empowered female who loves my husband for who he is, not what he does or how he looks, I am thankful for this song. Gratitude for the strong females. We need more of this. We need to be in the narrative more than climbing in pickup trucks, drinking out of Dixie cups. BLESS.

You Can’t Bring Me Down
Take the high road, be a better person. Don’t let the bs get you down. Holding grudges only hurts you. Great message in this simple song.

My Religion
Every album needs a good ol’ love song. This album’s is My Religion. Love the passion in this one. It is a more mature take on the classic. The kind of love that is stronger than being in different places, the kind of love that is so strong it isn’t a choice, it just is. Such a simple and raw song.

Son of The Sun
This one really captures the essence of the mountain man. Unplug from technology & society & just explore the wilderness. I feel like it shows the gypsy soul & the hippie side of us all. We all have to get lost occasionally & find our way back. I love that the lyrics are so well written, you can see the imagery as you listen. Son of the Sun, a brother to the sky...phenomenal phrasing.
​
Stranger to Myself
Love the songs that talk about growth. I think we can agree that true love has a way of making us our best and truest selves. The growth and happiness found with love is unparalleled & so important. May we all realize we were once a stranger to ourselves.

Travelin’ Light
Hands down, my favorite song on this album. Not only is it the perfect mix of Country & Americana, but it features the brilliant Brandi Carlisle {look her up if you don’t know her}. This one is absolute perfection. The light feeling. The upbeat, but relaxed tempo. The harmonies. Let it go all and ease on down the road. The true meaning of good vibes only. BLESS.

This album was needed in so many ways. Not only did the fans need it, the industry needed it, and I think Dierks needed it as well. Dierks has explored and grown immensely as a songwriter/artist over the last nine albums, but he always stays true, authentic, and grateful. He is one of the best the industry has to offer, both personally & professionally. So thankful that he continues to share his passion & art with us.

From What Was I Thinking to Burning Man, we love you Dierks.

xoxo,
Faith

We need more hippie Country. Can I get an amen?! Y’all I CANNOT get enough of Margo Price. She is the real deal. A fellow Midwestern farmgirl, which a classic style. BLESS. She is Bobbie Gentry meets Loretta Lynn meets Tammy Wynette. There is something so perfect about an artist that mixes modern technology with classic style.

​She is based out of Nashville. In case you haven’t turned on a radio lately, this is not the style of music that is played. I rarely hear someone with such a niche style based here in Nashville. Why? Well the industry isn’t the most kind to those that don’t fit the radio mold. BUT Margo is a badass babe who doesn’t care. She is here to do her thing and raise hell in her own way. Obviously she is not alone, which is why this blog/brand was created in the first place.

Her music is special because it does have the classic sound, but she also uses it as a platform to discuss political and economic issues. Beautiful & well written, both of her albums to date are amazing. Her work is difficult, which is refreshing. I would say this is the hardest feature I’ve done. Not because the music quality, but because of the subject content. I’m not sure words do it justice, but I’ll do my best.

Hands of Time
Such a great way to start an album. Discussing the difficulty that blue collar families face. Working jobs just to get by. Losing the family farm. Wishing she could fight the “hands of time.” You won’t catch this on the Top 40 {damn shame}, but it sure tells an important story.

About to Find Out
Does money fix everything? Not according to Margo. Class, character, and success have nothing to do with wealth. If you lucked into your status, you haven’t earned a dime in your life. Stay humble.

Tennessee Song
One of my personal favorites. Take it back to the beginning. To the simple. To the heart. The words are simple and offer a bit of interpretation. Which is incredibly beautiful, as if Margo and Jeremy knew that we all needing to find our own meaning.
To me: it means taking it back to the my 5 year old farm girl self with big ole Nashville dreams.
This world is crazy, don’t lose yourself in it.

Since You Put Me Down
What a good ole Classic Country style song. Bars & broken hearts. Amen & Amen.

This Town Gets Around
Lord, have mercy. This is gold. Anyone in the music industry will scream amen at this one. Nashville is full of dreamers & schemers. And unfortunately opportunists who are shady assholes. Everyone wants to make it big, some will trade their character to do so. This song perfectly describes how Margo has chosen to deal with this shit— she simply dones’t play the game.
Spirit animal for sure.

Weekender
When you go out galavanting and you are from a blue collar family that can’t afford to bail you out, you are a “weekender” in jail. This song is one that you think is lighthearted, but when you listen closer, you realize it discusses somewhat heavy subject matter. Drugs, domestic violence, and other sins. It’ s a hard cycle to break, especially when you can’t afford proper treatment. These are ugly truths that society doesn’t like to talk about.

World’s Greatest Loser
A bit of a melancholy short tune about losing everything but love. It’s interesting and unique. Possibly written when under the influence. Interesting nonetheless.

Desperate & Despressed
There is this large misconception that being a songwriter/artist is glamorous. Touring...so fun, right? Creating art all the time...living the dream? Recording...this will make you rich & famous, of course!
Very little of this is true. Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t always suck.
BUT, it is HARD work and you make little to no money for a very long time. Artists/songwriters split whatever they make with a publisher, manager, record label, etc. They have to play sucky shows, spend crazy amounts of time on a tour bus, be away from their home and families often, and record songs they don’t always love...essentially play the game. It can be depressing. Is this song dramatic? Maybe. But it is meant to show the side of the biz that isn’t talked about and needs to be discussed.

Don’t Say It
This gem starts her sophomore album out with some girl power sass. It is brilliant. Men simply have to be put in their place once in awhile. Good Country sound with much needed female power.

Weakness
We all have our sins. Love the honest lyrics: “Sometimes my weakness is stronger than me” ??‍♀️ Let’s also talk about that fiddle. Classic Country lives, y’all.

Learning to Lose
Here is how I know that I’m going to love someone: if they collaborate with good ole Willie. Goodness this one is gold. It’s a little sad. But honest. And beautiful. And perfect.

Pay Gap
This album is one of those that literally gets better with each song. My Lord. This should be the anthem of American Women. It’s no secret that I am a feminist and I’m so proud to have another passionate gal calling society out with me. Thank you Margo, this is such an important thing that NEEDS to be talked about...in music, in conversations, in media, in LIFE.

Cocaine Cowboys
My farm girl self laughed out loud when I first heard this song. The most accurate depiction of “city slickers.” There is something irreplaceable about a true rural cowboy. This is a cute little jab against the pretty city boy pretending to be Country. Life’s not that serious, let’s enjoy the humor of this one.

Wild Women
Remember Mindy McCreedy’s “Guys Do it All the Time?” Or “Martina’s God Fearing Women​?” This is Margo’s take on it. Men get to ramble, women should get their turn as well. We are all wild women at heart.

Heart of America
The forgotten blue collar Americans. The ones that work their asses off to get by. I love how the songs talks about it being hard to better yourself and your life with no money and no opportunities. More specifically, the local farmers suffer. The government controls things they don’t take time to understand, & so many suffer because of this. The true heart of America.

All American Made
This song is cynical. And pessimistic. And brutally honest. This is true art. Calling out all the corruption and confusion the government causes. The layer of Presidential speeches that play is brilliant. It shows that we keep getting empty promises. The crime, corruption, poverty, hunger, injustice, etc continues. What’s the answer? Not sure. But first we have to come to terms with the problem.

The brilliance of Margo’s music is that it isn’t wrapped up with a pretty little bow. It’s raw, it’s honest, it’s intelligent, it’s complex. It leans into the uncomfortable.
The dissonance is perfectly imperfect.
Her albums leave you laughing at the silliness and contemplating the real issues.
This. Is. Art.

Keep this shit coming, Margo

xoxo,
Faith

This post is exciting for two reasons: I am talking about fellow Belmont University alumni {shoutout} and I am discussing two albums, rather than just one. I know, y’all are blessed.


Brothers Osborne are those guys that I’m sure never got carded. They have deep voices and beards and the works. They also seem like old souls, which shows in their music. Of course, I love them. Because I’m a bit of an old soul-hippie-cowgirl. Their music is so unique, there is something remarkably beautiful about sibling harmonies. TJ has that amazing baritone voice and John literally dominates the guitar. Natural talent at its finest. They have gotten some radio play, but because it is not pop or bro style, I believe it has not gotten the attention it deserves.

So they are a mix between Eric Church, Willie Nelson, and Allman Brothers. They are true hippie rockers with a little groove & soul at times. Their sound is truly unique; so different than anything else in the Country platform. Vibey, earthy Country/Southern rock.

Their concerts are energy filled and they provide a true performance with all the guitar riffs you could ask for. You better be ready to jam & drink some whiskey. BLESS.

Their albums are simply phenomenal Each tell a great story without being repetitive. So here we go, here are my tops picks:

Dirt Rich
Y’all, being Country ain’t pretty. Blue collar life is full of imperfections. Us Country folk love our old shit. And we are happy to be “dirt rich.” Perfect little groove to this one.

21 Summer
Every good album has a classic reminiscent song. The young fleeting love. This concept is not new, but the way they do it is refreshing. So simple, so bittersweet.

Stay a Little Longer
This single was actually given proper attention. So, so good. Good rhythm, great lyrics, solid vocals, production on point. It peaked at #2 on Billboard??. I mean, we all know it was really #1 material, but #2 is still damn good. Let’s just talk about all those riffs. YAAASS.

Loving Me Back
Y’all this might be my personal favorite. I mean, Lee Ann Womack is legendary. These harmonies are life. The simplicity of this is perfection. We needed this collaboration.

Ain’t My Fault
If you need to get amped up, this is your song. Damn good, fast paced and upbeat jam with a clapping part. What else do you need? Also, the lyrics are what we all feel after a crazy night out.

See the YouTube video below for more insight into how epic this song is. Like seriously one of the best music videos in years.

Slow Your Roll
There is something great about old hippie marijuana innuendos. Slow your roll...smoke your weed & relax. Literally. “Calm your Country ass down.”
Enjoy life. Don’t take it too seriously.

Shoot Me Straight
“Pour it on like a shot of whiskey & shoot me straight”
Not only is this just a badass song, but it also has a little arrogant sexiness. Those “I can handle it, I’m a badass” vibes are strong. I’m a sucker for these type of guys & when TJ simply states “shoot me straight” in that low baritone, I’m sold. It’s also a good groovy jam with those riffs. Alright, you two, calm it down.


I Don’t Remember Me
Timeless love song. Rambling man calms down & becomes his best self when falling in love. I have heard that Shane McAnally wrote this about himself after meeting his husband, Michael. Not sure if this is true, but if it is, I love it even more. If you don’t know about Shane, look him up. He is one of the most brilliant people in the business. But either way, phenomenal song.

Weed, Whiskey, & Willie
Life’s a bitch sometimes. Thank goodness for good music & relaxation. Weed, whiskey, and Willie will heal any heartbreak.

Tequila Again
You had me at tequilla, boys. It is my kind of poison. Sometimes we are all a glutton for punishment. Life’s short, enjoy the tequila.

A Couple Wrongs Makin’ It Alright
Bless that groovy vibes. Life is funny, just go with it.

Drank Like Hank
You just have to be a rambling man sometimes. It keeps us sane. Any tribute to Hank is solid in my opinion.

A Little Bit Trouble
This is vibey and fun. Chill little love song with a reminiscent feel. Amazing production.

While You Still Can
Cherish every moment. Life is short. I think this song is perfectly timed. Tragedy is all around us; love deeply, take nothing for granted.



​Bless those two for giving us amazing music. The kind that is timeless and classic and doesn’t conform to the norms of the industry.​

If you haven’t already, do see them in concert, trust me.

xoxo,
Faith

If this gem sounds familiar, it’s because she is the daughter of the one & only Lee Ann Womack. She shares her natural talent with her mom & her dad, Jason Sellers, also a singer/songwriter. Not to mention Frank Liddell, a huge producer, is her step father. Bottom line: the girl has connections.


BUT. Aubrie doesn’t care about following in anyone’s footsteps, she is paving her own way. Coining the sub genre of “garage country,” her sound is unique & unapologetic. Though her freshman album wa first released independently, & later got picked up by a major label & rereleased, she never relied on her parents’ ties to the industry to help her. The album spoke for itself. Major respect.


Her freshman album is moody, raw, & real. Bold. Unapologetic. She says what everyone I thinking, but scared to say. BLESS. And, you guessed it, not adopted by mainstream radio. It really is a damn shame because it is phenomenal. Vocals, production, feel, lyrics...it is all amazing.


Here are my top picks:


Light of Day
Bold way to start an album. You sort of feel like you are listening to Lee Ann, simply because of the gorgeous voice, but soon you realize this girl has her own personality & isn’t shy about it. Dark and brilliant.

Sit Here & Cry
Traditional Country meets Garage Country. I love the tongue in cheek approach at the broken hearted woman. Clearly strong women don’t have time to mope & she illustrates that the stereotype is bs.

Paper Doll
Society is a bitch, y’all. We, as women, are told how we should look, act, be, etc. We have celebrities that put on all the glitz & glam & we believe we should change ourselves to “fit in” and mimic how they look. But Aubrie doesn’t take that shit, as none of us should. Bless her fearlessness.

Losing Ground
Depression is real. I love this honest depiction of of dealing with the high & lows. There also was a bit of a stab at antidepressants, and our society’s obessession with medicating. Sometimes you just have to ride the waves & find your balance. Also love that this was a little more traditional sounding, with the steel guitar and the stripped down feeling.

Magazines
See Paper Doll. Society/media sucks.

Liar Liar
Sometimes people are assholes & need to be called out.

People Talking
The reverb, though. I love a good solid echo. I want to feel like I’m in the studio. People talk, that’s what they are best at. Especially when you are the “new kid in town.” That new city blues.

Something Special
Aubrie’s version of a love song. After all the sass, I suppose I can appreciate one love song. What I love is that it’s not a fairy tale, just two people who like to enjoy the simple things together.

Living is Killing Me
Would we expect any other ending to this album? Life’s a bitch. Thank goodness we have good music.

Bless Aubrie for saying all the things that need to be said, especially in the Country platform. It’s not all sunshine & rainbows. I appreciate her will to be herself, even if it doesn’t get her #1’s.

Also, I know that contained a few choice words. Sorry, not sorry.

Remember the days when Pandora was our main option for streaming? Before iHeart got big, before Spotify, before Amazon Music, before Apple Music?
I remember honestly being annoyed with Pandora because I just wanted to listen to specific things. Like excuse me, just because I chose Miranda Lambert does not mean I want to listen to Carrie Underwood. But, thank God for Pandora, because back in 2012, it helped me find one of my favorite artists.

Kyle Park. An Austin, Texas singer, songwriter, musician, & producer. I first discovered his single Somebody’s Trying to Steal My Heart. Loved the classic sound. Loved the rasp & twang. So I dug deeper. Kyle is a classic Country sound with a unique tone. George Strait, meets Clint Black, meets Dwight Yoakam.

His first album, Big Time, was self released in 2005. One of the best things about Kyle is that he knows he is the underdog. Let’s face it, all Austin Country artists are underdogs in the scheme of mainstream Country. But he didn’t let that stop him. His title track literally sums up his dreams.

It is really easy to dream big in this industry, but the cream of the crop work their asses off to make it happen. He founded his own record label only 2 years after his freshman album. He also tours All. The. Time….literally just look as his Instagram, he is always playing somewhere. I applaud his grind. I also applaud that he is one of the most authentic artists out there. I have chosen not to highlight personal interactions with artists on this blog because that is simply not what it is about. It is first and foremost about the songs. BUT, Kyle is a sweetheart & as genuine as they come.
As my husband would say, “he’s just another good ol’ boy.”


It’s one thing to talk a big game. But quite another when you live out your lyrics & dreams. The first time I listened to Big Time, I knew this guy was going to do big things. It is raw, but so good at the same time. No bells & whistles, just good ol’ fashioned Country music. Here are my top picks off of his debut album:


Somebody’s Trying to Steal My Heart
The first song I ever heard of his. Such a cute & classic style.


Holdin’ Onto Nothin’
Who doesn’t love a good old fashioned heartbreak song? The beauty with this song, and so muc of this album is the simplicity. Honest lyrics & a fiddle. What else do you need?


I’ll Do It Every Time
Cute song about swooning over a woman. An old fashioned gentleman who doesn’t want to spend more time with his date. Notice this doesn’t say anything about climbing in a truck and drinking from a Dixie cup, which is refreshing.

Look My Way
This one takes a turn from the classic Country sound and goe into a bit of rock. The combination is nice & the subject matter is still very much classic Country.

Lousiana Boy
Bless that fiddle & steel guitar. Perfect twangy & fun song.

One Before I Go
The ‘One More Dance’ song. Though the concept is not original, it is still a sweet & well done take on a classic love song.

Big Time
The title track. Love that this is the second to last on the album. It sums up that ‘here is my work, here is my potential, let’s do this’ vibe. I also love that he starts this song by talking about the heartbreak of this industry. My Lord, preach. This industry is full of disappointment, heartbreak, let downs, and at times, very little money. But with perseverance, patience, and a faithful heart, you “make it.” I also love that Kyle isn’t asking for all the money or fame, he is simply asking for one one to believe in him & invest. I love the raw honesty. Because it’s not all sunshine & rainbows, but it is beautiful. Hard work pays off, & it definitely has for Kyle. Ill never forget eyeing him play at CMA Fest & seeing so many fans know all the words. God bless Texas Country.

CMA Fest Week: Part 2. Forgive me that it is Tuesday & I am just now getting this out! Six days of solid shows & events in 95°+ heat wore me out, I was a shell of a person after that. Literally, I looked I looked & felt rough. I needed Monday just to recoup & Netflix. But I am back, rejuvenated & ready to share highlights.

Tracy Lawrence & Friends
We started our day at the Forever Country stage which features bands from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. It is my personal favorite, especially since most of these bands are still making new music, but it is rarely played on the radio.
I was super excited to see Tracy, & was a tad annoyed when it became apparent that it was him & friends, rather than just him as the schedule had
​shown. BUT then I realized who his friends were & what we got was pure gold.

Adam Sanders
Adam is a known Nashville songwriter, with hits such as Ain’t Worth the Whiskey (recorded by Cole Swindell) & Hell of a Night (recorded by Dustin Lynch), as well as an up & coming artist. He started with some 90 covers...which is never a bad idea. He then sang his new single “Over Did It.” Such a great Southern voice & with a true Country sound. Excited to keep hearing about him!

Linda Davis
Oh my soul. The Legendary Linda Davis.
Some Things are Meant to Be. Does He Love You. Love Story in the Making.
Simply amazing. Also, if you are wondering who Hillary Scott takes after, you could say it is her mother, Linda Davis.

Joe Stampley
A classic artist that has been around since the 70s. His energy was amazing, he did a couple of his hits, and had so much engagement with the crowd. Such a cool thing to experience.

& finally...Tracy Lawrence
He got up & did one song with Joe, followed by a few himself.
Time Marches On. Paint Me a Birmingham. Find Out Who Your Friends Are.
My childhood/teenage dreams came true. He also sounds the exact same as he did 20 years ago. Bless.

William Michael Morgan
Chris Young meet George Strait.
The true cowboy lives. Thank God.​
He is known the best for I Met a Girl, but my top pick is Missing.
Let’s also point out that it was 95°+ & he wore a long sleeved pearl snap, jeans with a big belt buckle, cowboy boots & of course a big cowboy hat.
BLESS.
Great performance, he even added a little Drops of Jupiter cover in there & I’m convinced it was meant to be a Country song.

Jamie O’Neal
Powerhouse vocalist. Great energy, amazing songs.
Her classics:
When I Think About Angels. Trying to Find Atlantis. There Is No Arizona.
Then one of the classics she wrote:
How Far which was recorded by Martina McBride.
Which let me tell you...I am a HUGE fan of Martina. BUT Jamie gives her a run for her money on this one.
She also sang a couple of new singles. She never disappoints.

Hasting & Co
Up & Coming duo. They performed a ton of covers, but their originals are amazing.
Great energy, great harmonies. Kept the audience engaged, even in the heat.
Excited to hear more from them.

Morgan Evans
This was maybe one of the most surprising shows of the week.
He played all parts himself, by recording them & playing in a loop. He built his set himself. No actual band.
Crazy talent. Here is the best part, he showed the audience how he did it & was doing it live the entire time.
He is the next Keith Urban...he is even Australian.
I love how he was excited to play a free show while his wife played the stadium.
Work hard, stay humble. Incredibly impressed by him.

RANDY TRAVIS
Hands down, BEST part of last week was when Randy Travis came on stage at Ascend to receive the first Cracker Barrel Country Legend Award. Y’all better believe I was tearing up. His wife spoke on his behalf & announced that this was the first time Randy had worn cowboy boots & jeans since his stroke. Lucchese made a pair of double zip boot to support his legs. Then came the bawling. He then thanked the crowd, which was amazing, as speaking isn’t easy for him. More bawling.
I am tearing up just typing.
Randy Travis is one of the most influential artists in Country music.
I can’t imagine this platform without On the Other Hand. Diggin’ Up Bones. I Told You So. Deeper Than the Holler. He Walked on Water.
& of course, Forever and Ever, Amen.
Thank you, Mr. Travis. We love you.

Also, a shoutout to Michael Ray for singing this following the award presentation as a tribute.

LAST DAY.

Mark Wills
His shows never disappoint.
19 Somethin’. Wish You Were Here. Jacob’s Ladder.
Don’t Laugh at Me.
Before this song, Mark said one of the best things:
​

Best part of the show right there. You better believe the crowd knew every word. Thank God for that Forever Country stage.
Thanks to Steve Seskin & Allen Shamblin for writing this & thanks to Mark for recording it back in 1998.
Timeless.
Perfect start to the last day.

Sarah Darling
Amazing voice, a Lee Ann Womack sound. Love the acoustic stage at CMA Fest. The simplicity is beautiful.
Wasted is my top pick from her, which is her current single.

​Meghan Patrick
Great to see another up & comer out there. Her debut album was titled Grit & Grace, I mean, I think we just became best friends.
Amazing performance. Still Loving You with Joe Nichols & Country Made Me Do It are my tops picks.
Keep the sass & energy, Meghan, we love it.

Scotty McCreery
I have very rarely seen it happen, but Scotty completely filled Riverfront to capacity.
To the point where they were turning people away.
His shows never disappoint, that big Country voice is simply one of a kind.

Joe Diffie
The OG of rowdy & fun Country.
Third Rock From the Sun. Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox. John Deere Green.
Does it get any better than this?
The entire crowd was engaged, like it was 12am in a rural bar with the drunk locals, not 2:45pm & hot as hell.
Amazing.
Joe is as authentic as they come. The first time I met him when he came into the publishing company I was working for, he was as down to Earth & silly as could be.
Thankful to have such a legend still coming out, playing & having a big party with us.

Then the rain came...
Easton Corbin & Craig Campbell were rained out & my heart broke a little, but better safe than sorry. The stadium shows went on that night & Dwight Yoakam made a guest appearance. He & Luke Bryan sang Fast As You & I am heartbroken I missed it.
I was even offered free box tickets...yes I kicked myself for turning them down after I heard about this guest appearance.

But, I am so thankful to have seen Randy Travis’ appearance & will cherish it for a lifetime.
His music will always hold a special place in Country Music History.
Forever And Ever, Amen.

xoxo,
​Faith

Playlist inspired by CMA Fest Week. Check out Instagram Highlights for pictures/videos of shows & events.

Hi Friends! I realize that it’s Friday evening...& I am just now starting to write a blog post. This week has been CRAZY. So forgive me that I didn’t get a Woman Empowerment post or my weekly Friday morning post out this week. If you pay attention to my Instagram stories, you have seen all the things I’ve been up this week. Long days in the sun followed by busy evenings. BUT, it is time to give Part 1 of my CMA Week overview.
Check out the highlights on Instagram for pictures & videos.

So we all know that there is a huge pop presence in current mainstream Country music. Some love it, some hate it. The amazing thing that I have seen this week is even though there is a pop influence, there is also still a very strong traditional Country backbone.
​
Storytelling. Fiddles. Fiddles. Steel Guitars. (Authentic) Cowboy Boots. Cowboy hats. Broken Hearts. Beer.

It is all still very much present. BLESS.

As I was thinking about writing my overview, Heidi’s quote from today stuck in head. We may be the underdogs, but we are still here. Kicking ass & raising hell. And how awesome is it that the first part of my week can 100% be summed up by this truth.

Here is my shoutout to the outcasts, rebels, underdogs, outsiders of mainstream Country for joining us for this crazy week. We need y’all.

Brown & Gray
Up & Comers. Great harmonies. Good mixture of instruments. Great energy. They did an acoustic set that was phenomenal. Their first EP, Salt in the Coffee, came out 6/9

Abby Anderson
This girl is a powerhouse vocalist with soul and rasp. She sat and played the keyboard for the first part of her set, but that did not hinder her ability to fill the room with her powerful voice. I’m always amazed when vocalists do well without standing because it is hard to breathe correctly & project while sitting. We also were given meet & greets for Abby. She is a doll. She is so young, but knows how to engaged well with her audience. In addition to her originals, she covered RESPECT, which was simply amazing.

Radio Romance
Talented band with a good, full sound. Mixed contemporary sound with the classic steel guitar. Love that these guys covered John Michael Montgomery, Brooks & Dunn, and Alabama. Great at reading the audience and working the crowd.

Midland
Did. Not. Disappoint.
Smoke machines. Hats. Seventies style clothes. Amazing harmonies. Perfection.
The Gator Boys were even better live than recorded. The Cannery was the perfect venue for the smoky old bar vibe.

​I forgot for a minute that we were in Nashville, during CMA Fest, with millions of people in town, in 2018. That night I treaveled back to my hometown of less than 500 people, to the late 70’s, to a smoky bar with Classic Country playing. Well done, boys.

TBH: WE had every intention of going to the awards show...got dressed up & everything. But we stayed at my friend’s high rise to drink rosé and eat pizza while watching. My favorite performances were Dierks Bentley & Brothers Osborne “Burning Man” and Kelly Clarkson “American Woman.” My absolute favorite moment of the night was when Carly Pearce won Breakthrough Video of the Year with Every Little Thing. Her emtion & excitement even got me a little emotional. The gratitude, appreciation, shock, pride, and joy she shared with her happy tears said it all. Hard work pays off. May we all taste that feeling, cherish it, then stay humble & kind. Thanks for reminding us what this dream is about, Carly.

Charlie Worsham
Great performance, classic sound mixed with a little rock mixed in. He even covered Waylon Jennings. He played at the Breakout Stage, which was odd because he has been around for a few years and opened for some big names, but I love to see his humble performance & appreciate his willingness to play.

Delta Rae
Little Big Town, meets Loretta Lynn, meets Fleetwood Mac.
AMAZING harmonies, bold subject matter, female power, 60’s rock, mixed with folk. So unique.
Such a high energy performance in 90+ temperatures. Impressive.
They stopped mid-opening song for a pre planned proposal that they were in on. Might be the first time in CMA Fest history a girl proposed to her girlfriend. It was beautiful.
Their performance of Bottom of the River was stunning.
They break the rules of mainstream music, while making magic. We need that.

Little Texas
Oh the beauty of the “Forever Country” stage. Country from the 80s, 90s & 2000s. I literally could live at this stage.
30 years later & Little Texas is still rocking. God Bless Texas, Amy’s Back in Austin, Kick a Little, all of the classics.
I was also lucky enough to have Dwayne O’Brien as a professor while attending Belmont & I love to go see him any time I get the chance.
God Bless Texas.

Lonestar
Another blessing from the “Forever Country” stage.
Come Crying to Me, No News, Amazed, What About Now still sound amazing after all this time.

Such a special album release show held at the Ryman. It was set up like a writer’s round; Dierks told stories about the writing process at he went through the album top to bottom. Informal & at the historic Ryman. Because of my publishing heart, this show was so special to me. Stripping it down to the songs, storytelling, and sharing art. This album was written more from Dierks’ roots. Less party music, more mountain music. A western spin. At midnight, Dierks did the homer of signing his track listing, & ‘releasing’ the album. Album officially came out 6/9 & does not disappoint. Thanks for sharing your album release with us Dierks, it was truly a exceptional night.

Mason Ramsey
Surprise performance at the riverfront stage by the “Walmart Yodeling Kid.” Y’all he is ELEVEN & blew me away. He voice, his stage presence, his pearl snap, his big belt buckle, his cowboy hat, his guitar skills. Phenomenal. Love that he is so young & has an appreciation for the classic sound.

Cam
This gem never disappoints. She is hands down one of the BEST vocalists in Country & rarely gets recognized for that. Her first album was amazing, but the single Diane is perfection. It was written as an answer to Dolly’s Jolene & is timeless. Cam worked the crowd as she always does with great energy. Also, she was wearing pink metallic cowboy boots. Bless. Cam, let’s be friends, ok?!

Dozzi
We stumbled upon this sister trio while grabbing lunch. They are Australian & are up & coming in Country. There is something so special & beautiful about sibling harmonies. Excited to hear more about this group.

Aaron Watson
God bless TEXAS Country. Love seeing them come to Nashville & bless us. Aaron started with my personal favorite, “These Boots Have Roots.” He also took it to a more serious note & talked about losing a child & heartbreak. I love that he never says away from important topics just to keep the energy up. He spoke about understanding pain & took us to church for a moment talking about hope. He never lost the audience through it all. Aaron, you are truly one of a kind.
PS- that fiddle 👌🏼


Eric Paslay
Eric is sometimes viewed as a newcomer, but he is far from it. He has been writing hits for years and also has released a few hits as a singer/songwriter. Eric always puts on a great performance, yesterday was no exception. Even if it Breaks Your Heart & Barefoot Blue Jean Night were fun & showcased his cuts by other artists. The best moment probably was when he performed She Don’t Love you, his biggest hit to date. Such a great vocalist. Such a great writer.

Heidi Newfield
God bless this powerhouse sassy soul. Always loved her in Trick Pony, love her solo career even more. She isn’t scared to talk about real Country Music. She let her hair down & kicked her heels off at one point. Bless.
Pour Me. Johnny & June. Just What I Need.
A few new releases.
​So damn good.


More to come!
xoxo,
Faith