Sam Hunt

Needless to say, I'm obsessed.  I mean just look at him.  

I saw him last week for the first time at a taping, and sadly, no phones were allowed.  But it was also nice to not see cameras or phones blocking my view.  Sometimes I am very sad at the amount of technology we rely on, and I definitely have used it too much at concerts, but I digress.

Last night, Big 98 WSIX held their weekly Free Thursday night showcase at Dave and Buster's.  I absolutely love that this exists and almost every week, a meet and greet is offered.  I knew this was going to be a big show and I wanted to get there early.  I showed up 2 hours early to try to get a table for me and my girlfriends.  They moved the concert outdoors in anticipation of the crowd that was going to show.  When I arrived, all the tables were packed and there were probably about 150 people there.  Luckily I found a chair by a door and that ended up being the best seat in the whole house.  I felt so bad for the waiters and servers who had to work their way through this crowd all night long.  I think the crowd eventually grew to about 700+ people, making the meet and greet impossible.  I was definitely a bit disappointed in this, but it was a free event, and I don't think anyone really expected the crowd to be that large.

  

I don't know how many people I have told "you need to check this guy out," "he is so talented it's ridiculous," and "did you know he wrote [insert song here]?"  Not only does he have an amazing voice and an infectious smile, but he is talented.  I don't think he fits into the whole "bro-country" phase that is happening in the country scene right now, but I'm not sure where he really fits.  He creates the perfect country formula, but he still has some fast-talking in his music.  He definitely is creating a new country mold, but I am so glad he is doing it.  Next time you hear Keith Urban's "Cop Car" or Billy Currington's "We are tonight," just thank Sam Hunt.  And also, download "Leave the Night On" and "Raised on it" - I guarantee you will not regret it.  You may not be able to get either out of your head.  I cannot wait until he releases "Take Your Time."

Here are some videos from last night.  Try not to sing along.

"Leave the Night On"

"Cop Car"

"Dust on the Bottle"

"Chattahoochie"

"We Are Tonight"

"Strawberry Wine"

Summer 2014 Playlist

Sometimes I get asked to list a bunch of my favorite songs for a certain playlist or genre.  Last night I got asked for some of my summer quintessential songs for 2014.  I've been stuck on Miranda Lambert's new album, Platinum, and haven't been listening to much else for the last couple weeks.  But as I looked through some of my music apps on my phone, I realized I had built up a pretty good summer list.  I made this playlist on Spotify as well - unfortunately some songs aren't available on there yet, but hope you enjoy.

"Another Sunday in the South"
This song completely reminds me of some of the best country summer songs from growing up.  Shenandoah was one of my absolute favorite groups and can sing any of their songs without the lyrics.  She also drops "Fishin' in the Dark," which is my absolute favorite song of all time.

"Holding On To You"
Another Miranda song, but it epitomizes love perfectly.  There is nothing better than being with the one you love and how they make you feel.

"Classic" 
MKTO's first release and it just gets me pumped up.  I'm not sure if its the trumpets or stating the best part of every decade of music, but sometimes I wish I had grown up in different decades because of the music.  

"Girls Chase Boys"
I really like Ingrid Michaelson's style in this one.  The video is also a throwback to Robert Palmer and that sealed the deal for me. 

"Sunshine and Whiskey"
Frankie Ballard delivers the essential country summer song, without being part of the "bro-country" trend.  Put this song on and try not to tap your toes or sing along.

"Cool Kids"
I had never heard of Echo Kids before this song, but I ended up shazamming it because I thought it was a new song from Foster The People.  And that same feeling you get when you are listening to the beats on "Pumped Up Kicks" will be felt again.

"Really Don't Care"
Demi.  Lovato.  One of her best songs ever.  I love the message she brings to the video, but it's also an amazing "f**k you" to your last significant other.

"Party in the USA"
I heard this song non-stop on the 4th of July, but no matter what time of the year I hear it, I'll jam to it.  Turn up the radio, roll down the window and start singing it and you will feel better instantly.

"God Bless the USA"
This was also played non-stop on the 4th of July, but it might be one of the most patriotic songs out there.  Every word courses through my veins and makes me "proud to be an american."  Did you see what I did there?

"Earthquake"
David Ray is one of my favorite singers that I have found here in Nashville.  He's got an amazing smile and he's very talented.  I try to catch him playing at a bar anytime possible.

"Texas"
Justin Adams is also another favorite gem I have found in Nashville.  I caught him at the CMA Fan Fair and haven't been able to get him out of my brain.  I cannot wait to buy this song to listen to non-stop, but unfortunately its not on Spotify yet.  I put a different song of his on the list though, because he's soooo good.

"Fancy"
Iggy Azalea channeled my 90s fangirl by releasing this video straight out of Clueless.  No other words need to be said.  This song is definitely NSFW, but the edited version is.

"Not a Bad Thing"
I can't seem to make any playlist without Justin Timberlake on it.  This was my absolute favorite song on The 20/20 Experience, Part 2.  He has definitely mastered his voice and talent.  I've seen him before and he's an amazing entertainer.  

"Ready, Set, Roll"
This is a huge hit for Chase Rice as a singer, as he has already taken songwriting in Nashville by storm.  This song always reminds me of Country Jam and there is nothing more summer than that.

"Young to See"
Charlie Worsham is an artist I will see time and time again.  He's so friendly with his fans and even though he is traditional country, he still wears a t-shirt, jeans and orange Chuck Taylors.  He is a bit of a rebel, but is so talented.  This song has one of the most profound lyrics that has ever hit me in my chest - "Whatever it is, you wanna do, or think or be.  Don't put it off too many years, because some of the best of disappears."  This lyric is one of the reasons I moved to Nashville because he is saying don't live with regrets because one day you may wake up and realize you can't do it any more.  

"American Kids"
If anyone knows me, Kenny Chesney is my favorite country singer of all time.  I even have a Corona Light tour poster of his that has traveled with me from his Houston show to Austin and now proudly displayed in my Nashville apartment.  This song has such a hippie, boho flavor to it and I have ever slightly gotten that feeling in my bones.  

"Timber"
Ke$ha.  Pre-normal Kesha.  Pitbull.  There is no better combo on a summer song than these two.  I can't help but start dancing when I hear this bad boy come through my speakers.  

"Wake Me Up"
Aloe Blacc has put out some amazing anthemic songs.  This one has some great beats behind his voice.  "I can't tell where the journey will end, but I know where to start."  Don't let life pass you by.  There won't be a better time than now to have a dream and chase it.

"Small Town Love"
Casey Donahew Band is another artist I will continue spending my hard earned dollars on. This song is such a sweet love song.  I want a porch one day where I can spend my life with my husband and just take in the glory of the day.  Nothing better in this world than slowing it down and taking it day by day.

"Lego House"
Ed Sheeran came out of nowhere and I am so glad he is here to stay.  This is such a sweet and romantic song.  This is the kind of love where you will support your partner or spouse no matter how rough it gets.  You can always tear it down and start over - life is a journey and never stops, but you can always build it the way you want.  Yes, this is a slow song, but its a good song to lay out in the backyard and just look up at the stars and know that life is amazing.  And the lego version of the video is AMAZING.

"Down This Road" 
Cam is super adorable and spoke to my soul with this song.

"Leave the Night On"
Sam Hunt.  I'm obsessed - seriously.  Check out my post on his show at Dave and Buster's.  He's super dreamy and a former college quarterback.  Anyways, this song is a definite summer anthem.  This song makes me wish some of my nights out with friends never had to end.  

"Who I Am With You"
This song will from here on out make me hold a man to a higher standard.  "A better man is who I am with you."  I don't know a single girl who would not want to hear this.  This song will be added to my wedding dance playlist.  

"Sing"
The beat from the first drop makes me dance.  I always end up shazamming this song because I never believe its Ed Sheeran.  It is so different than his other radio releases and that guitar - makes me drum my dashboard every time.

"Day Drinking"
I'm a huge Little Big Town fan and have been since day one.  This song is such a summer vibe, I want to join in.

"Come Get it Bae"
This is another killer song from Pharell.  I love the "my motorcycle" part and enjoy the beat.  

"Dirt Road Diary"
I really wish my imaginary husband, Luke Bryan, would make this his next release.  It is my favorite song off his latest album and I often find myself putting it on repeat.  Any time any one can play with memories of growing up and simpler times, I will eat it up.  

I hope you enjoy this playlist and hopefully if you haven't heard some of these songs, you'll fall in love with them as well.  Music is my heart and I love to share it with everyone.

CMA Fest 2014

Little did I know that my move to Nashville would coincide perfectly with the CMA Festival. Here's a little background on the festival.  

CMA (Country Music Association) started over 40 years ago, in 1972 as Fan Fair.  Many artists ranging from Dolly to Willie to Taylor to Tim and Faith have all performed there.  CMA is now a 4 day music festival that literally takes OVER Nashville.  LP Field is home to the evening shows, and downtown is home to concerts happening from early morning until late into the night.  This is an event where the artists give back to their fans and participate in meet and greets and private performances.

I started my first CMA festival early in the week at Whiskey Jam, which was a great experience.  I hadn't heard of a lot of the performers, but I was pleasantly surprised at the talent.  I was introduced to Ingram Hill, The Brothers Osborne and the Tennessee Kings.  Stoney LaRue was there too - which made my Texas roots happy. 

Tuesday night brought power to my soul.  Chris Janson, Charlie Worsham, Blake Shelton and Lady Antebellum.  My mind was blown, and the festival hadn't even started yet.

Wednesday brought the Tracy Lawrence fan club party, which included some Trent Tomlinson and Joe Diffie as well.  Thursday, I rested because I had been going non-stop and my body was screaming at me and I have learned I have to listen or there can be dire consequences.  Friday started out with another Charlie Worsham performance - I cannot wait until he makes it more mainstream.  I experienced the Bud Light Stage, the HGTV house, the Chevy tent - it is amazing how much they have taken care of the country fans.  I got a lot of free swag that day, including hair and makeup for free.  I met a couple of awesome people that night as well.  Saturday started off with a volunteer shift at the U-Verse Fan Fair, which was an experience in and of itself.  Once again, I scored free swag and also got to see one of my absolute favorite new artists, Justin Adams.  Even though he's an Okie, I'll give him a free pass.  He wrote an amazing song about Texas and heartbreak that us girls cause.

I also went to a Fan Appreciation party held by Tyler Farr, where he treated his fans to free drinks, food and meet and greets.

After this, there was a HUGE rainstorm that came through with a bunch of tornado warnings, but I got home before it all came crashing down.

Sunday was a laid back day, with another volunteer shift at the fan fair.  I also caught Jamie Lynn Spears, David Ray, Laura Bell Bundy, The Brothers Osborne (again), Wanda the Wanderer (Miranda Lambert's airstream trailer) complete with a Platinum tattoo, Cam, and some free Blue Bell Ice Cream.

Overall, I'd say this was a very successful first attempt at CMA Fest.  I never made it to the Riverfront series or LP field for the night shows, but for having no plan as to where to go or what to see, I smashed it out of the park.  

Let me introduce myself, my name is...

My name is Alison.  I know, you're probably thinking, well this is a boring introduction.  But I am far from boring.  I live a pretty crazy life and have started a new chapter.  I grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado, home of the Colorado National Monument.  I was a Falcon, a Tiger and a Maverick.  Once I graduated college, I set my sights on the country and picked a place on the map to move.  I eventually had to decide between Austin, Texas, or Nashville, Tennessee.  I visited Austin on a relatively normal weekend, or so I thought, to check it out and see if I could see myself living there.  It ended up being the weekend before Halloween, but in Austin, that is a week long celebration.  I ended up making friends with a guy down there and he ended up being one of my best friends.  Four months later, my car was packed up, mom and I were on the road, and I was a resident of Austin on 01/12/2007.  I spent over 7.5 years as a resident there - I lost count of all the shows I went to, whether they were country, pop, rock, classics, or across the country.  I went to ACL once, SXSW multiple times, College Station, Waxahachie, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Galveston, and Amarillo.  My tires have travelled many miles across the Great State of Texas.  On May 23, 2014, a 14' Uhaul was packed to the brim with my vehicle up on a tow trailer, and I was off on another adventure of a lifetime.  Nashville, TN, has now become my home and it has only taken me 2 weeks to fall in love. I've already lost count of how many shows I've attended and I love the vibrant energy of this town.  I've never felt so sexy or received so many compliments on my smile.  Nashville will be home for a while - who knows how long, but I'm the happiest I've been in years.  

This blog will be to keep track of all the fun I'm having with music and traveling.  I can't wait to add some other milestones along the way as well.  Let's see what this next decade has to offer!

6/8/2014: The hippie boho bug has bit me...