Travis Meadows-Nashville Songwriter

Travis Meadows—“An orphan who turned into a preacher.  A preacher who turned into a songwriter.  A songwriter who turned into a drunk.  A drunk who is learning how to be a human being.”

That is the description Travis provides of himself on his fan page.  Nothing more. 

Travis Meadows is one of the most amazing talents I’ve ever met.  He is also one of the strongest and bravest people I have met. 

I had the pleasure of being introduced to Travis during my last visit to Nashville, where he was playing in a songwriters* circle at Douglas Corner.  Meadows is Nashville’s latest comeback kid in the world of songwriters, where last year he released an album titled, “Killin’ Uncle Buzzy.” 

621 days sober, Travis howled out the songs from this album in the intimate setting of a writers’ circle.  There could not have been more than 30 or 40 people present and he was pouring out the story of the road he traveled to sobriety. 

If that’s not a brave man, I don’t know what is.  Travis Meadows is incredible.

He opened up the night with the first song on the album, Minefield.  Wow.  Here is a clip of him performing the song live.

I have never heard a musician sing with more raw emotion as he did that night.  His raspy vocals completely draw in those around him and one hears nothing else as he holds the room’s attention with the stories he sings.  Out of the blue he will shoot up to a high note that almost comes out like a squeal; it is so real, raw and beautiful.

Music is not about the pretty singing; it’s about moving people.  Telling a story and making a difference with the music that is delivered.  Travis does this better than any musician I have ever met. 

My favorite song that he sang was God Speaks.  It is the song that made the tears start rolling for me.   Travis wrote God Speaks for his rehab counselor.  I so hope that there is an artist out there that will be brave enough to cut this song; it needs to be heard. 

                                             Spotify link: Travis Meadows – God Speaks

I’ve always believed that people can see straight through someone that sings about things they do not know.  Travis throws everything out there for all the world to see with the music he writes.  He accomplishes what I strive for in my music—he invites people in; let’s them see straight to his soul.

I highly encourage everyone to go buy “Killin’ Uncle Buzzy” on iTunes now. 

Listen to the whole thing from start to finish, in order, and expose yourself to some of the best music out there.

The order of the songs on the album follow Travis’ path to sobriety; as he was “Killin’ Uncle Buzzy.” 

Listen to him sing Learning How to Live Alone, a song Travis wrote after loosing custody of his little boy.  

This is the moment where music becomes so much more than just words on a page or cords being strung.  This music transcends any commercially viable music; it moves people…it provides hope.

If you are ever in Nashville I hope you will find the time to visit a circle he is playing.  Travis has written several hits for famous artists, but this album is for him, and this album is the real deal.  It’s what music is all about.

*Picture taken from iTunes and videos taken from YouTube.

Act of Valor

The music that accompanies a movie can make or break a film.  The Act of Valor soundtrack is one the best movie soundtracks I’ve ever heard.

Regardless of whether or not you have seen the movie Act of Valor, be sure to check out its music.  The film was actually brought to my attention while I was listening to Jake Owen on Spotify, his song, “The Best I Can” came on, and I didn’t recognize from his past albums.  I didn’t think much of this and then the next day I heard a new song from Trace Adkins, and soon realized that they were both from the same album.  This prompted me to click on the link to hear the full album.  It was absolutely incredible.

Artists that contributed to the album include Keith Urban, Sugarland, Lady Antebellum, Jake Owen, Trace Adkins, Lori McKenna, Montgomery Gentry, Josh Kelley, Hunter Hayes, and Wynonna Judd.  That’s quite a collection of music row’s finest, three of which I have previously dedicated posts to in this blog. 

There is not a single song on the album that I do not think is excellent, but I do have my three favorites. 

Number one, Trace Adkins – If the Sun Comes Up.  The song starts with Trace hauntingly singing the words, “If the sun comes up without me tomorrow, if I leave this world tonight.  Would you really know how much I care about you, or the way you changed my life?”  The rawness of his voice it what makes this song so beautiful, as he almost speaks those first words.  Then he tells his love, “Go on livin’, please find something you can put your heart into.”

This is my favorite song on the album hands down.  Not just because of the heart breaking vocals, but also because the emotive lyrics.  Trace tells a story better than any artist I know.  He is able to get inside the soldier's head and really feel the pain and honesty in this wish the soldier has.  When listening, you don’t hear a celebrity, you hear a soldier.  He accomplishes with this song what I preach to be the most important part of music –he tells the story.  It’s about the lyrics, not the pretty voice or the biggest note.  One cannot listen to this song without tears steaming down.

Number two is Sugarland – Guide You Home.  I found this song such a treat because it was something completely different from what we normally see from Sugarland.  I feel as though they never release any music where Kristian Bush (the guy of the duo) sings anything other than background vocals.  Jennifer Nettles is usually the one that takes the spotlight.  In “Guide You Home,” Kristian starts the song off with a solo verse, and brings a kind of classic rock element to the song.  The end result is a beautiful, burning, rock and country duet. 

Third would have to be Montgomery Gentry – What It Takes.  The lyric, “I was born more of a number and less of a name.  I only tell my secrets when it’s time to pray,” is haunting to me.  This song honors our heroes, speaking openly about their dedication and how they give up every last piece of themselves to protect their families and our nation.

Here is the trailer of the film if you are interested.  It implements a very neat concept; all the navy seals in the movie are not actors, but rather real US Navy Seals, doing all their own stunt work and using their own weapons and stories.  The music ties in perfectly with the idea behind the film.  I personally have not seen the movie yet, but this soundtrack has motivated me to go buy a ticket.  Enjoy.

Act of Valor movie trailer taken from YouTube

*Picture of album at top of page taken from Spotify.

New Rascal Flatts’ Singles Hot on the Charts

Rascal Flatts’ new album, Changed, is set to release next month on April 3.  Promoting the release, the band has given fans a sneak peak of what to expect, making the title single from the album, “Changed,” available on March 13, and “Hot in Here,” which hit the charts yesterday.

“Hot in Here” is your typical sexy country song about a beautiful girl and summer lovin’.  Releasing right in the midst of spring break season was brilliant.  Casual, just plain fun summer songs are always perfect go-to tunes for the sunny season and road trips.

“Changed” is a completely different type of song.  An inspirational ballad about a man turning his life around; of course me being the sucker I am for moving ballads, this was my favorite of the two singles. 

The band’s lead singer, Gary LeVox, has a voice that cuts through the noise and holds people in with the honesty of the words he delivers. 

The first verse talks about a man on the pathway towards redemption.  He immerges from the waters of being baptized and says, “Didn’t matter where I’d been, I’m not the same man I was then.”

“Changed,” tells the tale of a man who’s lost himself, and how prayer brought him back from his darkest place…a changed man.  A better man.  These lyrics form the chorus the ones that impacted me the most….

I hit my knees, now here I stand

There I was, now here I am

Here I am

Changed.

What I love so much about this song is that it is not blatantly a song about Christianity.  It holds the power to touch people in a way they might not even notice.  It does not discriminate religions; it solely delivers a message of humility, and a story of hope.

I always look forward to new music from Rascal Flatts because in an industry where so much of the music is so commercialized, they always seem to find the perfect balance on their albums of music that will sell and music that matters; music that can make a difference.  Ever listened to their song “Why”?  If not go give it a listen below and you will understand exactly what I am talking about.

Rascal Flatts--"Why"

(Taken from YouTube).

Click here to buy "Changed" and here to buy "Hot in Here"!   I wouldn’t be too surprised if another single was released next Tuesday.

Enjoy!

*Picture taken from itunes.

"I Will Remember This" Now Available on iTunes!

Several months ago I briefly mentioned in a post about Lady Antebellum, a song that my brother, Patrick Thomas, and Cherie Oakley had just recently written, and as of yesterday the powerful studio version was released for sale on iTunes!

Patrick Thomas met Cherie Oakley on the set of season one The Voice last summer, with Patrick appearing on Blake Shelton’s team and Cherie on Christina Aguilera.  After completion of the show Nashville’s 2011 songwriter of the year, Brett James, offered Patrick a publishing deal with Cornman Music, and Cherie, co-writer of Reba McEntire’s number one hit, “Turn on the Radio,” decided to sit down and write a song together.  This beauty was the result.

The song carries an upbeat and groovy instrumental backing, mixing perfectly with forever lasting memories of a past romance.  One specific line cut through the song and really grabbed a hold of me…

“Seeing you I remember

What I’ve been missing for years.”

I love this line because I think everyone can seriously relate in some way to the message it holds.  So many of us blindly walk though life searching for something that we can never quite put a finger on, and then suddenly one glance can bring a rushing realization.  In this song, it’s former lover, but one’s missing piece can really be anything, we just have to be smart enough to see it when it’s there.

Hit the dance floor or sit and let the lyrics sink in; either way it is an incredible song that you are sure to love! 

Although this is Patrick’s first song of his released on iTunes, don’t expect it to be his last.  Patrick is just getting started and I cannot wait to watch his career grow and explode! 

Click here Cherie Oakley – I Will Remember This (feat. Patrick Thomas) to listen now

Purchase it on iTunes by clicking here, and show your support! 

Here are the lyrics to the song…

Verse 1 (Patrick):

A hometown celebration, a dance under the stars

I see some of my old friends, wondering where you are

Like a prayer being answered, suddenly you appear

Seeing you I remember, what I’ve been missing for year.

Chorus:

Memories surroundin’ me, some just a blur, some clear as day

It won’t be long before this night is gone

But here in this moment I’ll stay

With my hands on your hips, moonlight on your lips

The taste of your kiss, I will remember this.

Verse 2 (Cherie):

That Friday night down in Jackson, at the sunset café

When you first told me you loved me, we planned on running away

We didn’t quite last forever, like we promised we would

But now that we’re here to together, maybe this time we could

Repeat Chorus

Woahhohoh I will remember this

Woahohohh a love I can’t forget

Memories surroundin’ me, some just a blur some clear as day

It won’t be long before this night is gone

And here in this moment I’ll stay

My hands on your hips, the moonlight on your lips

The taste of your kiss, I will remember this

The taste of your kiss, I will remember this.

*Picture taken by Cassie Chapman.

David Nail!

I am incredibly impressed by David Nail! Most have likely heard his first single Let It Rain on the radio constantly lately, and I really enjoyed the song but I still just kind of let it pass on by.  When his CD, The Sound of a Million Dreams, hit the charts though I immediately started receiving tons of calls asking if I had listened to it yet.  I allowed it to play as background music and then the actual song “Sound of a Million Dreams” came on and one line caught my attention amongst everything else around me…

“Maybe me voice will cut through the noise

and stir up an old memory.”

For me personally this song explains word for word how I feel about my crazy dreams, and his song “Songs to Sell” explained my stubbornness in my pursuit of a music career.  My favorite song on the album is actually “Catch You While I Can.”  My guess is this will be the next single released for the album because this song is a hit! 

The reason why I’m so obsessed with David Nail at the moment is because he has managed to find the perfect balance of music with commercial value and songs that are too good to not make room for on your album.  What he has done is a brave move but I believe it will pay off.  I’m hoping he can be a savior for music row and will explode in Nashville. 

I say buy the whole album, but if you don’t want to do that at least give these four songs a listen!

1).David Nail – Catch You While I Can

2). David Nail – Desiree

3).David Nail – Half Mile Hill

4).David Nail – The Sound Of A Million Dreams

Now that's some damn good stuff.

IT'S DECEMBER!!!...

Don’t forget to tune into ‘CMA Country Christmas 2011’ tonight at 8 (9central) on ABC!  Hosted by Sugarland’s main gal, Jennifer Nettles, it is sure to be a great show with performances from Little Big Town, Kellie Pickler, Brad Paisley, Amy Grant, American idol runner-up Lauren Alaina, Martina McBride.  I personally am most excited for performances by Faith Hill.  When it comes to Christmas music, Faith pretty much has it on lock.

:)

Just for kicks, here is a hilarious hick-country, Christmas song brought to you by Montgomery Gentry.  With the staring line, “Mom got drunk and dad got drunk, at our Christmas party,” it is too great not to share.  I recommend randomly slipped it into the mix between ‘Silent Night’ and ‘White Christmas’ at your Christmas party this year and watch as people slowly begin to notice.  Here is “Merry Christmas From the Family.”  Enjoy.

Listen Here ==> Montgomery Gentry – Merry Christmas From The Family

Lyrics:

Mom got drunk and Dad got drunk

At our Christmas party

We were drinkin' champagne punch

And homemade eggnog

Little sister brought her new boyfriend

He was a Mexican

We didn't know what to think of him

Til he sang Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad

Brother Ken brought his kids with him

The three from his first wife Lynn

And the two identical twins

From his second wife Mary Nell

Of course he brought his new wife Kaye

Who talks all about AA

Chain smokin' while the stereo plays

Noel, Noel, The first Noel

Carve the turkey turn the ball game on

Mix Margaritas when the eggnog's gone

Send somebody to the Quik-Pak store

We need some ice and an extension cord

A can of bean dip and some Diet Rite

A box of pampers , some Marlboro Lights

Hallelujah everybody say cheese

Merry Christmas from the family

Fran and Rita drove from Harlingen

I can't remember how I'm kin to them

But when they tried to plug their motor home in

They blew our christmas lights

Cousin David knew just what went wrong

So we all waited on our front lawn

He threw the breaker and the lights came on

And we sang Silent Night

Oh Silent Night o' holy night

Carve the turkey turn the ballgame on

Mix Bloody Marys cause we all want one

Send somebody to the Stop 'n Go

We need some celery and a can of fake snow

A bag of lemons and some Diet Sprite

A box of midol, some Salem Lights

Hallelujah everybody say cheese

Merry Christmas from the family

How Bad Do You Want It?

This video doesn't have anything to do with country music, but it is a great motivational video that I came across that I wanted to share with all of yall.  It really makes you think and is definitely worth 6minutes of your time.  For me, this is exactly how I feel about music...