Author Archives: Alyssa Hazen

by | November 14, 2014 · 8:00 am

Welcome to Nashville

11226There’s a new twist on country music in television. Early on, country music was represented by shows that centered on showcasing country musicians like The Porter Wagoner Show and The Johnny Cash Show. Many years and changes later, the television world has created a  new show based on the insider world of country music. Although completely fictional, the show does manage to stay relevant to today’s perception of country with guest appearances and original songs.

Nashville , which aired on ABC in early 2012, gives viewers a glimpse inside the glitz and glamour of being in the country music industry.The show centers around two female country vocalists , played by Connie Britton and Hayden Panettierre, vying for the title “Queen” of country music. Callie Khouri created the show not only for the storylines and drama, but mostly to showcase country music in a new way. In one interview, she even states how the show revolves around the music.

The music on this show is really incredible. Most of the songs are original specifically made for the show. Almost all of the actors sing their parts, including Connie and Hayden. Songs off the show have been so popular they even make albums of all the songs for a specific season. You can even buy the songs on iTunes right after an episode airs. I think what makes these songs so great is the variation and style each one has. From catchy to somber, there is a song for your every mood. Although they’ve showcased over 30 songs now, my favorite is “Fade Into You” sung by Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio on the show. Their voices harmonize really well and I love the instrumentation.

Connie-Britton-Brad-Paisley-Nashville

Grand Ole Opry Performance

Though there are always the critics and skeptics of authenticity, especially when it comes to music, it seems like the country world has embraced Nashville with open arms.  Country artists like Kellie Pickler and crossover Kelly Clarkson have even appeared on the show. However, the most notable guest appearance was country superstar Brad Paisley, who even performed alongside actress Connie Britton on the show.

I have been with the show since the beginning. Yes, there have been moments when I find myself questioning my judgment and wondering why I’m still watching, but something always pulls me back in. Nashville really helped me get a better feel for country music. If you ever find yourself with a free night or possibly dying of boredom, which I know is not possible in college, I suggest watching an episode of Nashville. Who knows, you may have just found your new guilty pleasure.

8 Comments

Filed under Movies and TV

by | October 26, 2014 · 8:00 am

Country Music and Me

My relationship with country music is complicated to say the least. We’ve always recognized each other, acknowledged the other existed, but we were never friends.

Unlike my friends, I grew up in a non-country household. My first concert was KC and the Sunshine Band, so basically disco, not exactly something to brag about to your friends. I remember riding to volleyball practices with my friend and her mom and they would blast George Straight and sing along. When I would innocently ask “Who’s that?” their jaws would drop to the floor, big eyes staring at me in disbelief, questioning,”How do you not know the King of Country?” All I could think to myself was I have no idea…

Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert firing up the crowd at Rodeo Houston.

I went to my first country concert at the age of 14. My friend took me to see Miranda Lambert at the rodeo before she was a mega star. I remember listening to those firecracker songs like “Kerosene” and “Gunpowder and Lead” and being in total awe, kind of shocked by the whole ordeal.

After that day, I began a very long distance relationship with country music. I stopped complaining as much when my friends would turn the radio stations over to 93Q and 100.3 The Bull. I started watching more country award shows and watching those made for television concerts. I was paying attention but I wasn’t interested… yet.

301

Waiting for Joe Nichols to perform at Day in the Country.

The summer after my freshman year of college was when country wouldn’t stop knocking on my door. My friends desperately wanted to go to a Day in the Country in the Woodlands, which is basically a big country music fest with lots of acts playing all day. I dragged my heels a little bit, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t like it.

I listened to acts like Joe Nichols, Easton Corbin and the Eli Young Band. At the time, I had no idea who any of them were but I still enjoyed it. Slowly, I was finding myself looking up songs on my own and my friends stopped asking me who sang every country song that played on the radio, which was a little unfortunate since they’d give me a quarter every time I got one right. I guess it was happening a little too often for these poor college kids. Anyways, a few weeks later I got to see Lee Brice, Chris Young and Brad Paisley perform on Brad’s summer tour. That got me hooked. From Lee’s beautiful “Love Like Crazy” to Young’s crazy deep voice and Paisley’s incredible guitar skills, my mind was blown. I gained a new appreciation for this music I spent most of my life trying to avoid.

064

Watching Josh Abbott Band perform last October in San Marcos.

Now, I can proudly say I’ve been to many country concerts from big venues to small county fairs, and I’ve enjoyed every single one of them. It’s true when they say it’ll grow on you; it finally caught up to me. Country music and I spent a long time avoid each other, figuring the other out and eventually becoming friends. Thanks to this class and my country enthusiast friends, I hope this relationship continues to grow.

Thanks for listening to me rant and if you’ve had any similar instances with country or maybe just became a fan like myself, I would love to hear about it!

3 Comments

Filed under Reflection

by | October 10, 2014 · 8:00 am

Southern Hospitality

Texas has a strong stereotype. For some reason people think we all ride horses to school, live on ranches and wear cowboy boots. However, out of all the myths and falsehoods floating around one that I can proudly say rings true is the term southern hospitality. I never really thought much of it until I went to a Keith Urban concert in Boston this summer.

The calm before the storm

The calm before the storm

In July, I visited one of my roommates here at UT in her hometown of Boston. We thought it would be interesting to experience a country concert outside of the Texas atmosphere. Right away I was pointing out differences. There were hot dog vendors and popcorn stands scattered throughout the parking lot with people eating in lawn chairs and having a good time. Unlike my usual country venue, the Cynthia Woods Pavilion, which is strategically placed near a highly urbanized area of town, this venue was in the woods with beautiful trees filling out out the landscape.  We found an area in the lawn, set out our blanket and waited for opening act Brett Edredge to start. Slowly, our area was infested with swarms of young people in fake cowboy boots. The buzz was so loud I couldn’t hear Brett at all. People were standing and yelling throughout his entire set, something I was not familiar with at the Cynthia Woods. My personal bubble was popped within a matter of minutes with people stumbling all around me.

Keith Urban front and center singing one of his latest hits "Cop Car"When Keith Urban came on the place exploded with excitement while he sang a few classics like “Days Go By” and “Kiss a Girl.” Before the show they had set up a stage in the lawn, so we sat near the rail knowing Keith would walk out to the stage to sing a few songs. As he walked up to the stage, I was tossed around like a rag doll, pushed and shoved and squeezed up against the railing. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t worth it just so I could see him perform “Cop Car” up close and personal. When he got off stage several people decided it would be fun to jump around the stage, dance around and flash the audience. Fifteen minutes and a few security guards later, the scene was thankfully over. Apparently, I did not get the memo that class and country do not co- exist in Boston.

Even though the atmosphere was unlike any in Texas, Keith Urban was worth the price of admission. His guitar skills and swoon worthy Australian accent make him a must see.

Sometimes we take things for granted. We have no idea how good we actually have it until it’s gone. Texas may have many stereotypes, but no one can deny that sweet southern hospitality. When it comes to country music concerts, I think I’ll stick with my Cavender’s boots and take my chances!

3 Comments

Filed under Live Music, New Country, Reflection, Texas