Plug Yourself

It was “Chick Night” at Music City Nights LIVE! this Tuesday, and the lucky attendees were served a buffet of girl-packed musical goodies.

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June 3rd was an exciting night at Music City Nights – not only were attendees treated to the usual abundance of talent and diversity, but Jimmie Van Zant and newcomer Nikki Lee were visiting to kick off CMA Fest Week with individual meet and greets.

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The weather was hot and muggy, the sky was threatening, and the technical difficulties abounded – but it didn’t matter. Music City Nights LIVE!’s chosen talent for Friday night put on such a sweet show that these minor discomforts were easily overlooked. Now that means something!

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It’s a beautiful thing when you walk away from something as simple as a local concert and realize that you got to witness something magical. It’s truly astounding when you can’t sleep that night because the memories of the sounds are still vigorously pounding at the front of your brain. It’s better when the experience was so good, you don’t even care about turning it off.
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It was a quiet Sunday night when we met Sara Nelms. She looked a little tired, but still cute and collected, especially considering she had come right from her “day job”, as she calls it – showing somewhat of a real life manifestation of the frustration behind Clockin’ Out, her relatable and entertaining tune about the “pointless misery” of being somewhere due to obligations rather than desire. Despite this, with Sara around, there were still plenty of giggles and a lot of banter going on at our table.

Before the interview, I listened to all of Sara’s songs on her Myspace several times. As we got to know her throughout the night by means of her answers to our questions and casual conversation, I felt that she aligned perfectly with the character her music created in my mind. This was not only a relief to me, but it also made me realize what a special thing it is when an artist’s personality really shines through their music, rather than only offering somewhat catchy beats and lyrics the general public can relate to. When you feel like a little piece of the artist goes into a song, it attracts you. It’s an even better thing when they can do this on top of said catchy beats and good lyrics.

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“Singing is a passion, that’s what I want to do,” Rachel Farley told us.

You might hear this line a lot, but in some artists there is a certain visible hunger to make music their life. It’s oxygen to them. Any casual observer can see that cutting these types of artists off from their dream simply cannot and will not happen if they have any say in it, and therefore, they will do everything - jump over every hurdle, overcome every fear, tap into every emotion – to make it work.

Rachel Farley is one of these artists. Oh, and she’s twelve years old.

If the fact that someone of such tender years is already aware of what they want to do with their life makes your jaw drop, then just listen to her voice and the words that comes with it for a few minutes - that mandible will be on the floor.
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When Briana Lynn Hardyman opened her mouth to show my family what happens when she sings, a spellbound silence fell over every member. The fact that such a level of passion and authority could come from the gentle young lady she appeared to be while talking thrilled all of us in an unexpected way; perhaps the fact that Hardyman’s voice amplified as well in our living room as the average artist’s does in a recording studio excited us because we were comforted that true talent still exists. Maybe we all felt sort of special in that privy-to- secret-information sort of way since were got the chance to hear a potential voice of the future before general society did. Though we may have been at a loss for explanation and could do nothing but applaud genuinely, Briana had just the right words to say about her impromptu mini-concert - “I’m so lucky, I get such a personal audience tonight.”

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Veronica was just signed by Country Thunder Records same label that has the group Heartland. Veronica is also on the latest cover of the Nashville music guide. Now this is one artist that really knows the power of Plug Yourself with Myspace, and a video that is going viral on myspace.

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Watching Veronica’s video “Whats up with that” I was amazed with the talent she had in her voice. I noticed how well she performed in the video to sell herself as a real star. Noticing how well she seem so natural on the video made we want to watch it many times. I look forward as well as you should seeing more come from this artist.

DR: When did you begin to sing and play and why did you want to start performing?

VB: I’ve been singing since I was 3… I started performing when I was 11, and playing guitar when I was 12… I’ve always loved music, and I always knew I wanted to be a country singer.

DR: Tell me about your music. What makes it special?

VB: My music always has an important message behind it. And it is about real life experiences

DR: Which song is your favorite, or which song are you most proud of?

VB: I really like the song I wrote ‘Destiny’ because I believe alot of people can relate to it. It’s about being You and not changing for anyone. Being determined.

DR: What is the process you go to get your music heard by the public and by the industry?

VB: Myspace has really helped to get my music heard all around the world. It is a great way to pick up new fans and connect with people.

DR: Do you think the industry is paying enough attention to the online public?

VB: The music industry is changing, there never used to be Myspace, and downloads, but it has become to popular.

DR: What online way do you Plug Yourself?

VB: Myspace

DR: What way offline do you Plug Yourself?

VB: Concerts

DR: Do you have, or use, any other instruments?

VB: I play the guitar. I was recently endorsed by Morgan Monroe

DR: What do you think of the insta-fame of some that seem to be nobodies one day and skyrocket the next?

VB: I think its great, when your music really touches someone, and you have enough fans and supporters, it can happen just like that

DR: Would you want to be on Nashville Star and explain why?

VB: No, I don’t like competitions, only because its just a couple peoples opinions. Just because 5 judges do not like your music or voice, doesn’t mean the rest of the world will too.

DR: What has been your favorite part of your career so far?

VB: I love meeting new people, and performing in front of large numbers of people. It’s amazing.

DR: Do you think you’ll like life on the road?

VB: Definitely.

DR: If you could give one piece of advice to somebody trying to make it in the music business, what would you say?

VB: Don’t hold back anything. Give it your all.

DR: How much time have you spent around Nashville and what has music row been like for you?

VB: I went down to Nashville for the first time in October, 2006. I started recording in February 2007. It has been such an awesome experience and I look forward to my many years on Music Row.

DR: What artist do you respect and pay attention to the most?

VB: Keith Urban. He is such an amazing artist and songwriter. He has been such a big influence. I began playing the guitar, because I remember watching him and saying “Wow, that’s awesome, I want to do that”.

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Nashville has a new star on the horizon, and she sings from her soul. Her passion for singing starting “in the womb”, this young lady was truly born to sing. Violet’s only been around Nashville for a year, but she’s managed to cut her first demo and is pushing it to all the major labels. Watch for her next showcase and I’m sure you will see how much her music will touch your soul.

DR: When did you begin to sing and play and why did you want to start performing? I have been ‘performing’ since I was turning somersaults in my mothers womb!!!J I have always sang growing up, wherever I could: church, school, fairs. It is very fulfilling to perform and I love it more than anything!

DR: Tell me about your music. What makes it special?

VS: I have always got that my sound is different. I believe I am special because I know that God blessed me with the gift to sing and I don’t plan on wasting it! I sing from the soul and I have a lot of fun doing it! I hear I sound a lot like jewel and have a unique sound so I guess thats good!:)

DR: Who wrote the song from the question above?

VS: I co-wrote one of the songs called “Cant Tell My Heart” with Buck Moore & Darby Ledbetter. The others are from other songwriters and Buck Moore.

DR: Which song is your favorite, or which song are you most proud of?

VS: My favorite is “Is there Anybody out There”, and my most proud of song is, “Cant Tell My Heart” because it was my ‘first’ real song that I wrote, and because It is about my husband and I.

DR: What is the process you go to get your music heard by the public and by the industry?

VS: These days, Myspace is a great tool, the internet is taking over the music industry! You get your demo recorded like I have and then you send a press packet to the top record labels, you then go from there! For the public, going out and having ‘showcase’ nights are great to showcase your songs and music!

DR: Do you think the industry is paying enough attention to the online public?

VS: I don’t think they really want to at this point. They are use to the traditional way of selling records and internet is really taking over the music scene.

DR: What online way do you Plug Yourself?

VS: Myspace, blogs, bulletins, emails.

DR: What way offline do you Plug Yourself?

VS: Networking, talking to people, modeling jobs, Singing @ ‘Showcase’ Nights.

DR: Do you have, or use, any other instruments?

VS: I played the piano for ten years but when I turned 15 I guess I get tired of it and focused on singing, I play a little here and there, though.

DR: What do you think of the insta-fame of some that seem to be nobodies one day and skyrocket the next?

VS: I am not going to lie, I get envious of that!!! The ‘American Idol’ singers that have made it large have put their work in for sure, but it has gone a lot faster for them and they are blessed! I hope to have something like that happen for me as well!

DR: Would you want to be on Nashville Star and explain why?

VS: I definitely would, well, I am here in Nashville and the show is great, so Yes!

DR: Is Nashville what you thought it would be?

VS: NOPE!

DR: What was your first thoughts of Music Row?

VS: Exciting, Fun!J

DR: What has been your favorite part of your career so far?

VS: Recording my songs, being in the studio is a blast!!!

DR: Do you think you’ll like life on the road?

VS: I know that will be the toughest part for sure. I have a son and a husband to think about first, so I know it will be hard, but I know it will be a season in my life and I will seize the opportunity!

DR: If you could give one piece of advice to somebody trying to make it in the music business, what would you say?

VS: Stay true to YOU, your faith and heart. Be determined and don’t stop at “NO”.

DR: How much time have you spent around Nashville and what has music row been like for you?

VS: I have lived here for almost a year now and I truly love it. My time hasn’t been a ton on music row, but more in the studio and other places in Nashville.

DR: What artist do you respect and pay attention to the most?

VS: I have always loved Mariah Carey & Paula Abdul growing up. But now I love, Faith & Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Jewel, Jessica Simpson and Shania Twain. These artists all are hard workers and truly put their heart & soul into their work and performances.

Thanks for taking the time to listen to the music of Violet Santo on Myspace.

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