Monthly Archives: April 2015

by | April 27, 2015 · 9:00 am

Abby’s Experience in Country Music

This semester, as a part of the Country Music Project, I had the chance to engage in the country music community in a whole new light. I learned all about Willie Nelson, became abolsutely hooked on the show “Nashville,” watched the ACM’s, and read the Texas Music Magazine.  Through these activities, I was able to connect with country music more than I ever thought I could, and learned a new appreciation for the music genre’s history and very promising future.

 

This semester, as a part of the Country Music Project, I had the chance to engage in the country music community in a whole new light. I learned all about Willie Nelson, became abolsutely hooked on the show “Nashville,” watched the ACM’s, and read the Texas Music Magazine.

https://storify.com/shamis_abby/abby-s-experience-in-country-music

This spring, I really immersed myself in country music.  It has been something I have always dabbled in, but never fully immersed myself in before.  Taking this class was a huge step for me to begin with.  I did not know much about country music and its rich history, but I quickly found out how much I would come to learn and then fall in love with it.  I started out hesitant, by bringing my parents to visit Willie in statue form in downtown Austin.  He piqued my curiosity about Nashville, which made me look at the hit show in a whole new way.  I could relate to how business-y the city is, and how different that is from Austin.  I realized the creativity and freedom that Austin holds and how in Nashville the musical freedom does not always come so easily.  I saw the way country music stars such as Tim McGraw were portrayed at the Oscars versus how country music stars were at the American Country Music Awards.  And lastly, I read the Texas Music Magazine which provided me with a new group, Whisky Myers, that I happen to really like.

 

While doing all of these things, I became proud of myself for diving in to something that I haven’t always been the comfortable and familiar with.  My pride quickly turned to hunger as I strove understand why country music is the way it is today.  The broad category of country music and all of the subgenres that fit within this title can be confusing sometimes, but by taking the knowledge I had learned and applying it to real experiences made the knowledge more tangible.  The subgenres project taught me the most about country music, and because of that I feel like I understand the genre so much better.  Because I was able to apply my knowledge, I could understand the differences and similarities between Austin and Nashville.  I could see how Nashville turned Willie to come to Austin.  I could appreciate the way the artists were celebrated and revered for their creativity at the awards show.  And I could open myself up to a new band, and be surprised at how much I like one of their songs, which quickly turned into exploring more of their music.  When I look at my Storify, I see my semester in country music. But what stands out the most is how artist-oriented my semester has been.  I came in knowing a couple of Dixie Chicks songs and a little bit of Kenny Chesney (thanks to my parents’ tastes), but am leaving the semester with a wealth of new artists to listen to.

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by | · 8:55 am

Courtney’s Country Journey

https://storify.com/cmarcelleg/courtney-s-country-journey

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by | · 8:12 am

Dancing Past Midnight

This past Saturday I went dancing with some friends from my campus ministry, The Navigators. It was this time, in particular that was the most fun for me even though I’ve been to Midnight Rodeo many times. I was trying to figure out why this time was so special compared to other times that I’ve been. This is roughly how my night went…

My friend, Bethany, picked me up around 10:15 and we were at Midnight Rodeo by 10:35 or so. Once there, I and Bethany’s two other passengers went to the under 21 line to get those big, black T’s on our hands. Bethany went to the 21 and up line to get her indestructible “I can drink” bracelet. Once inside we saw UT Navigator alumni, Abby. We caught up with each other while we waited for the guys to arrive. It was not long before the whole group was there.

I had never danced with Trenton (2nd guy from the right in the second row) before. He sang along to the music and was so encouraging when we completed just about every turn.

I danced with all of the gentlemen in our group, who varied in two-stepping skills and willingness to talk while dancing. Cody (3rd from the left in the second row) even taught me a new move. I probably will not be able to do that move with him again, because he is graduating; however I really appreciate that he took the time to help me improve in my two-stepping skills. I didn’t get to dance to “Copperhead Road”, because I was due to watch the drinks. Nonetheless, I was able to dance to “Footloose” after I remembered the steps as well as “Cupid Shuffle” and “The Cha-Cha Slide”. While I re-hydrated, I entertained the table of friends with funny faces and interpretive dancing to various songs.

I think what I enjoyed the most about this particular visit to Midnight Rodeo was that it was a nice break from working at night (I’m a night supervisor for the dorms here on campus), and overall I was really relaxed. The fact that it would probably be the last time I could dance with my favorite partner Demyan (1st from the right on the second row) was ringing in my head a majority of the night, but I did not let that get me down. Side note: Demyan is my favorite two-step partner, because he is the closest to my height, closest friend-wise, isn’t afraid to laugh at himself, and is so reassuring when I suck at following. Using that as an excuse, I think I danced more than I ever have.

This is Elizabeth. She’s a Tim McGraw fan and liked to sing along with me when neither of us were on the dance floor.

For the first time ever I actually danced with a stranger, two of them as a matter of fact. One guy was decent at leading. The other, well let’s just say I had to lead the whole time because he did not know how to lead. I will give him props though. He approached a group of at least five girls to ask for a dance, even if it was a cheesy “my friends have a bet going” spiel. My night ended when my friend dropped me off at my dorm around 2:30 AM or so. One of my coworkers was working at the front desk and was surprised I was not working that night. If that doesn’t say anything about how much I work, I don’t know what does.

Overall, I would have to say that I enjoyed this trip to Midnight More than any other one even though I didn’t see a guy dancing with a chair (a common thing I’ve witnessed before). Was it because of the seniors and the large group? Maybe. Could it be that I just really needed the break? Quite possibly. Regardless of the reason, I enjoyed myself and I encourage others to go to Midnight Rodeo. What fun memories do you have of two-stepping? Do you enjoy going with a large group or just a few people? Let me know about your two-stepping experiences in the comments.

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Filed under Austin, Dancing, Texas

by | · 8:00 am

Feminism In Country Music

Country music doesn’t have much of a reputation for speaking out about gender equality and women’s rights. Songs like Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” definitely does not help this reputation.  For years women in the country music industry have written songs about men breaking their hearts, getting cheated on, and loving a man who isn’t kind or thankful. However, many female country music artists in the past as well as today are boldly speaking out about these issues.  Women have enhanced country music and have developed the genre into what it is today, so I believe that these women deserve some recognition.  I have developed a random list of a few country songs that I believe have made a significant contribution to spreading the idea of feminism in country music.

Maddie & Tae – “Girl In a Country Song”

This song was released in July, 2014 as their debut single.  It has been played over and over again on country music radio since its release.  These two girls wrote this song as a response to their frustration with Bro Country.  They were tired of girls being portrayed as sexual objects for many famous male performers.  Maddie & Tae use a sarcastic song to make fun of Bro Country and show the ridiculousness of many famous songs in this beloved sub-genre.  These girls express their feminist views with lyrics such as these: “We used to get a little respect / now we’re lucky if we even get / to climb in your truck, keep our mouth shut and ride along / and be the girl in a country song.”

Dolly Parton – “Just Because I’m a Woman”

“Just Because I’m a Woman” is apparently Dolly Parton’s response to a conversation with her husband about how many lovers they’d had in the past. It has a simple message, yet a powerful one.  Dolly says that just because she is a woman, her mistakes are no worse than her husband’s.  Released in 1968, this song made a splash and spoke about women’s rights long before people were ready to accept the message.

Shania Twain – “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”

Shania Twain is one of my favorite artists because her songs are easy to understand and enjoyable to listen to, but usually have a hidden message.  In this song, Shania is expressing her pride in being a woman.  Shania stands up for women’s right to have a good time without a man by saying, “No inhibitions, make no conditions / get a little outta line / I ain’t gonna act politically correct / I only want to have a good time.”  Songs like these paved the way for artists like Britney Spears and Carrie Underwood to be accepted into the music world as sassy, strong women.  Some people even believe that this song is also speaking about gays rights, which makes the song even more incredible.

Wanda Jackson – “My Big Iron Skillet”

“My Big Iron Skillet” is about a woman fed up with her husband’s philandering and mistreatment of her. Not that we condone beating your spouse with a skillet, obviously, but it shows a woman standing up for herself, and that’s a thing we can support.  Wanda says “And you think here at home is where I ought to be / There’s gonna be some changes made when you get in tonight / Cause I’m gonna teach you wrong from right.”  Wanda really knew how to assert herself as an independent woman back in a time when most women did not do this.

The Carter Family – “Single Girl, Married Girl”

The Carter Family probably wasn’t the first to sing this song, but it echoes the roots of feminism in country and folk music.  This song is a tale that warns women to savor their independence.  The single girl gets to flaunt her nice clothes while the married woman is left rocking a cradle and crying.  It’s definitely not a bad thing to be married, but the Carter Family just wants women to make something of themselves instead of depending on a man. This is one of the earliest feminist songs, making the Carter Family even more legendary.

Kacey Musgraves – “Follow Your Arrow”

Kacey Musgraves has a made a huge splash in the country music world by sharing her liberal views in a primarily conservative genre.  This song, “Follow Your Arrow” pushes people to do whatever makes them happy and not try to please others.  Although this song is a comment on gay rights and acceptance, I believe that it is also a very feminist song.  Kacey tells us to make lots of noise and kiss lots of boys, which was not an acceptable way for women to act in the past.

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Filed under Lists, Politics, Song Analysis, Women

by | April 24, 2015 · 8:00 am

How to Get a Record Deal These Days

Over spring break I went to Nashville with my mom, who used to work as a back up singer for Barbara Mandrell in the 80’s. The little boy my mom would babysit before she began working with Barbara in Nashville is now a Writer-Publisher relations director at Broadcast Music, Inc, better known as BMI. Over spring break I had the pleasure of meeting him and his father, Tom Collins, who produced Barbara’s albums for years. Tom’s favorite saying about the country music industry, “Nothing stays the same but change” is evident in music’s sound, top artists style, lyrics and in many other ways. I wanted to know how becoming an artist had changed.

Did aspiring country music stars still go door to door on music row with a guitar in hand hoping to land a record deal? Or did scouts from music companies do most of the work, finding artists performing live at small open mic venues? So I asked the Collins men, “What does it take to get a record deal these days?” Bradley was quick to answer with a reply that surprised me. Many artists BMI signs today come in with an already produced album of quality original songs. By this point the artist has released and promoted these songs, and preferably already gained a following. Bradley said the company was holding back on signing new artists and keeping them for two or more years waiting for their big break. The days of empty handed but talented artists are virtually over. Singers have to walk in with material to show, a fan base to prove the music’s potential and a lot of leg work already done. Artists like Sam Hunt used this approach and have seen amazing success.

At this point I was wondering how I would ever go about this on my own. Do I have the resources to record a demo? How would I promote my music on my own? Do I have the talent to write original songs? I decided to ask about how to find songs to sing on a demo. He asked who my favorite writer is and I told him Kacey Muskgraves. He advised me to look up Shane McAnally, who writes a lot of Kacey’s songs with her and look through his catalog, or list of all the songs he has written. Then read through these and find one that I like that hasn’t been released as a single or hasn’t been played often over the radio. This is a great way to find a song to put down on a demo to show record labels, but cannot be sold because of copyrights. 

Shane and Kacey with Kenny Chesney at the ACM awards

Another option is to write your own music. The first step to writing is to listen to the radio, find songs you like, look up the writers and look at other songs in their catalog. This way it is easy to find patterns in song structure, lyrics, and music that you find appealing. Start by copying the patterns you like and eventually, once you’re comfortable, come up with original material. He said playing an instrument is not vital, there are many successful lyricists who can only write the lyrics to their songs. I loved hearing that since I don’t play any instruments! After you have an original song, you have to find a recording studio with good studio musicians and an idea of how you want to produce your song. Once your song is recorded with the right instruments and arranged the way you want it, it’s up to you to get it out there. With the internet it is so much easier these days to promote new music, but without any fan base, it is a difficult task to get a song out to the world. Through social media and word of mouth it is possible for a hit song from an unknown artist to reach millions of ears.

The key is to be as prepared as possible when walking into a record label, even if that means doing a lot of work on your own. A few talented singers, like Lennon and Maisy have been found from a simple video on Youtube, that is rare and takes a lot of luck. I believe quality is the best policy when promoting music. Another tip is to make connections. The best way into the music scene is if you already know someone involved. Go to that person for guidance and advice. Some advice Tom gave me that I will never forget is “Don’t be intimidated by competition, there might be someone out there who is better than you. There will always be someone better. The successful person is the one who wants it the most.” This advice definitely applies to the new style of getting a record deal. The artist who works the hardest to promote their music will come out on top.

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