Hello Everyone!
Hope you are having a wonderful and colorful spring. Everything is in bloom everywhere I look and that always makes me smile, and sometimes sneeze! The past couple of months have been very busy for me and I wanted to let you know what I have been up to!
I recently spent some time in beautiful Nashville, Tennessee where I recorded the vocals for two brand new songs for my soon to be released EP entitled “Let It All Begin.” I’m once again working with Grammy winner Bryan White who is producing this EP. One of the songs I’m doing called, "I Guess That Says it All", was also written by Bryan. (He’s a multi-talented guy!) It's a beautiful, heartbreaking song which I can't wait for you to hear. (It's always more fun to record the "tear your heart out songs.” I don't know why!) I had great fun with Bryan and engineer Jason in Bryan's beautiful studio. I’ll be back in Nashville soon to record a few more song and we should be ready for a late spring release. I’ll keep you posted!
In February I attended the Annual Country Radio Seminar held in Nashville. This event brings Country Radio people from all over the world together for educational meetings, networking, performances and fun. I saw some great performances by Lady A, Darius Rucker, Faith Hill, George Strait, Alan Jackson, I’m Josh Turner, Lee Ann Womack and some American Idol alumni, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. (I met Scotty and he's as sweet and humble as he seemed when he was on the show.)
Scotty McCreery
Josh Turner
During the day I did radio and magazine interviews and met some wonderful people working in the journalism area of the Country Radio industry.
Christian Lamitschka from Germany’s Country Music International
David Pierce from Today’s Country Magazine
Steve Martin from Lexington Broadcasting
I had the opportunity to send a video message of support to our US Marines and I recorded some Public Service Announcements for several great organizations and charities, including World Vision, Save The Music, Inc., and City of Hope. While recording a PSA for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) I had the privilege of meeting two of MDA's young Ambassadors, Sara and Bryson I loved meeting them, they were filled with life and joy and hope. You can see it in the photo below.
CRS after hours was another whole event. As you might imagine, there were lots of bands playing in town, numerous parties and several late nights. My favorite place, however, was the infamous Bridge Bar at the Renaissance Hotel which is the place to be during CRS weekend!
Nashville is truly one of the best cities in the South for “comfort food”, and my favorite comfort food haunt in Nashville is called Rotier's. I went there on my last night and it was fried catfish and grits night. OMG. Heaven! I also indulged in one of their famous milkshakes! The entire meal was pure joy!
It was a wonderful and exciting trip full of people who are absolutely passionate about Country music, from performers, to journalists to fans. I can’t wait to attend next year’s seminar!
Happy Spring,
Joanna
