tag:donnabeasley.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=10News2021-05-20T15:10:10-05:00Donna Beasleyfalsetag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838522016-07-18T19:00:00-05:002021-05-20T15:06:39-05:00It's me, it's me, it's Donna B!
<p>I have restarted work on my third solo record. In addition, I have a new band and am working on an EP with them. More news to come!!!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838512013-08-20T19:00:00-05:002021-05-20T15:07:15-05:00Final tracking session
<p>Well, we're pretty confident that we finished tracking the record yesterday at The Brown Owl studio in Nashville. We did the 6 remaining songs plus new drums for one song we tracked in the first session a few months back. We had Tom on guitar, Scott Neubert on guitar, dobro, and mandolin, Steve Mackey on bass, and Bryan Owings on drums. Our engineer was Russ Long. We had a truly magical day. Everything, and I mean everything, felt GREAT. It is an enormous load off to have the tracking done, but kinda sad too. That's the good stuff and it all seems to be over so fast. And, in some ways, the real work begins.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/430245/c01428f7b24a2af0145fca3273e9ca921cb2924d/original/photo-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDYwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="photo_resized.jpg" height="600" width="600" /></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838502013-07-23T19:00:00-05:002021-05-20T15:07:39-05:00New release news
<p>We are recording 6 more tracks for my third release on August 20th. Very excited!!!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838492012-11-02T19:00:00-05:002021-05-20T15:07:57-05:00Some familiar gear on "Nashville"
<p>Tom's gear is famous! The new ABC show, "Nashville" had a couple of scenes where Tom's tech work box was prominently featured. They also used an amp of his in another scene. Now, how to get a Donna Beasley SONG featured on the show???</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/430245/215c549c3fa30b9b332161d6f98b0e533b085834/original/nashville-tom-s-gear.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjM5eDUxMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="nashville_tom_s_gear.jpg" height="513" width="639" /></p>
<p> </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838482012-10-05T19:00:00-05:002021-05-20T15:06:01-05:00New video up
<p>Go to the <span style="color:#008080"><em><strong>LINKS</strong></em></span> page and click on <strong><span style="color:#008080">YOUTUBE</span></strong> to check out a new performance video for "Heart Like A Wound." I did this last week. Ole db on the couch playing the 6 string banjo. I don't know that the WHOLE RECORD will be this broken down, but this is certainly the VIBE we're considering for my next record.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838472012-03-10T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:24-06:00Credit where credit's due
<p>Tom is slowly-by-slowly (as my Indian friend used to say) finding his name on a few album credits. He has production and engineering credit on Tim Carroll's "Look Out" released this month and engineering credit on Chelle Rose's "Ghost of Browder Holler" (produced by Ray Wiley Hubbard) out in May. Tom's other engineering and/or production credits include:</p>
<p>Elizabeth Cook's "Welder"</p>
<p>Tim Carroll's "All Kinds of Pain"</p>
<p>Irene Kelley's "Thunderbird"</p>
<p>Gina Butler's "Simple Little Kiss"</p>
<p>Donna Beasley's "Good Samaritan" and "Under The Rushes"</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838462012-02-08T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:24-06:00New video
<p>I added a live performance video to my YouTube channel. Check it out. It's from a church, actually, where we were asked to perform special music. I filmed this for my mom, but thought I'd share. Tom and my mom have been after me to make a gospel record! What do you think???</p>
<p><a title="Consider the Lilies" href="https://www.youtube.com/donnaebeasley1" data-imported="1">https://www.youtube.com/donnaebeasley1</a></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838452012-01-11T18:00:00-06:002021-05-20T15:08:27-05:00Tonight's show
<p>I am so excited to be playing a gig tonight with my friend, Jennifer McCarter! Jennifer and her twin sisters formed a group called The McCarters and had quite a successful music career in the 80's. They had a top 10 record called "The Gift," played the Grand Ole Opry, toured with huge acts like Kenny Rogers, and were on major tv shows like The Tonight Show. All that for 3 little chickens from Sevierville, Tennessee!</p>
<p>The McCarters used to ride my brothers' church bus, back before they got all famous. They were kind enough to sing at my wedding, at which my brother was in attendance. I told the twins, "You HAVE to go up to him and sing the 'Bus Number Two' song we used to sing on the bus!!" They had surprised me with it in rehearsal. My brother got a big kick out of the fact that they remembered it all those years later.</p>
<p>The twins are currently performing as part of a group called Runaway Home. Jennifer tells me she hasn't sung in Nashville in 25 years. Looking forward to tonight! Talented songwriter, Adam Hill, will also be joining us for "Hills 'N' Hollers" night. Hope these snow flurries don't keep people away. We'll have fun, even if we play for each other.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838442011-11-12T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:24-06:00Knoxville Gig
<p>BIG FUN last night at the Preservation Pub's 2nd Floor Speakeasy. It's a cool room, in the heart of downtown Knoxville. Three floors of music, the second being a quieter, laid-back, groovy kind of thang - perfect for Donna Beasley & Appalachian Therapy! Hope this will be the first of many gigs to come there. Thanks to those who came out!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838432011-09-10T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:24-06:00Americana Carnival video
<p>Someone posted a really nicely shot video from WSM's Americana Carnival program I played back in June. I made it one of my "favorites" and you can view it on my YouTube Channel (under <em>links</em>). I was joined by Dave Gleason and Scott Neubert, helping me render the Appalachian Therapy.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838422011-07-08T19:00:00-05:002021-05-20T15:08:57-05:00More love for "Love My Way"
<p>Check out this website. They want to feature my version of "Love My Way" once they get a player on the site. For now it's just video only. Many thanks to Bart Styles! Cool site!</p>
<p><a href="http://sameoldtune.com/" data-imported="1">http://sameoldtune.com/</a></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838412011-06-19T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:24-06:00T-Bone's Prime Cuts
<p>Check out this link for T-Bone's Prime Cuts. We chatted on air and he featured my song "Tying Knots in the Air" on his Father's Day tribute show on The Diamond: WICR in Indianapolis. Cool site and cool show!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tbonesprimecuts.com/" data-imported="1">http://www.tbonesprimecuts.com/</a></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838402011-06-07T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:24-06:00Live Stream this Sunday
<p>I am so excited to be playing WSM's Americana Carnival at the legendary Robert's Western World in Nashville this Sunday - Jun 12 - 6pm. It is broadcast live on WSM 650am as well as <a href="http://www.wsmonline.com/home/" data-imported="1">www.wsmonline.com</a>. AND there's a live stream! Tune in to catch my set, followed by Dave Gleason and James Intveld. A great show held monthly at Robert's with consistently good Americana music!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838392011-04-21T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:24-06:00Gigs
<p>Unfortunately, I had to cancel my Family Wash gig due to illness. I got the never-ending-crud and was sick for two full weeks. Still not in very good voice. But trying to slowly coax it back into singing. Looking forward to my New Faces Night - full band gig - at The Basement here in Nashville on Tuesday, May 10! Hope you will join us!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838382011-03-27T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:24-06:00Tin Pan South & No Depression
<p>Press this week:</p>
<p><a title="Tin Pan South - Show Details" href="http://www.tinpansouth.com/show42.html" data-imported="1">http://www.tinpansouth.com/show42.html</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.nodepression.com/" data-imported="1">http://www.nodepression.com/</a></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838372011-03-20T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:24-06:00House Concert
<p>Hey, there's this really cool thing, a musical ground swell of sorts, called House Concerts. It is how it sounds. Music patrons have artists come play in their house. They charge a cover and all the money goes to the musicians! I'm playing my second one on Saturday, March 26. It's called Hillbilly Haiku House Concert in Lebanon, TN. You can find information on their website pertaining to attending, which includes participating in a pot luck dinner. Doesn't that sound like fun??? I'm opening for Jefferson Ross. You should also check out his website. Please come join us this Saturday!!!!!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.hillbillyhaiku.net" data-imported="1">www.hillbillyhaiku.net</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.jeffersonross.com" data-imported="1">www.jeffersonross.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838362011-03-12T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:23-06:00Special Show Announcement
<p>First off, I want to say that I am excited about the ALL the shows I have upcoming. March is a special month! Here are the highlights:</p>
<p>Mon. the 14th - taping a radio interview with Steve Hartford of Mixx 105.5 in East TN, to be aired Mar. 20, 6-7pm EST.</p>
<p>Tue. the 22nd - playing WDVX's Blue Plate Special in Knoxville, TN. That is an AWESOME show (aired live) with a long history of top notch performers. So excited!</p>
<p>Sat. the 26th - playing the Hillbilly Haiku House Concert series in Lebanon, TN. Just Google them, if you're in the area, to purchase a ticket. Nice folks!</p>
<p>Tue. the 29th - playing the legendary TIN PAN SOUTH FESTIVAL!!! "Donnaroo: Donna Beasley & Friends of Note." I am honored to share the stage with Jim Lauderdale, Elizabeth Cook, and Tim Carroll. Below you will find a little biographical information on all three. I encourage you to visit their websites, purchase their cds, attend their shows...support these phenomenal artists!</p>
<ul>
</ul>
<p>Jim Lauderdale</p>
<p>Jim is a two time Grammy winning artist and among Nashville's "A" list of songwriters, with songs recorded by artists such as: Patty Loveless, George Jones, The Dixie Chicks, Solomon Burke, Mark Chesnutt, Dave Edmunds, John Mayall, Kathy Mattea, Lee Ann Womack, Gary Allan, Blake Shelton. Vince Gill, George Strait, and Elvis Costello. Jim has toured with Costello as a member of his band, The Sugarcanes, and is currently touring in support of his critically acclaimed 2010 release, "Patchwork River." </p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://jimlauderdale.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://jimlauderdale.com/</a></p>
<p>Elizabeth Cook<br>Elizabeth's latest recording, "Welder" was named the #23 album of the year in Rolling Stone, the #4 country record in Pop Matters, #5 album of the year in the Nashville Scene, #13 album of the year in American Songwriter Magazine, and "All The Time" was named the #9 single of the year in Time Magazine. Elizabeth is a regular on the Grand Old Opry and has her own show, "Apron Strings," on Sirius/XM's Outlaw Country Channel. Elizabeth is currently on tour in support of "Welder." </p>
<p><a href="http://elizabeth-cook.com" data-imported="1">www.elizabeth-cook.com</a></p>
<p>Tim Carroll<br>"Tim Carroll is a songwriter who blends intelligence, humor and aggression into something wholly idiosyncratic and tremendously entertaining," (Peter Cooper, The Tennessean). Tim has had songs recorded by John Prine, Asleep At The Wheel, BR-549, Robbie Fulks, Kasey Chambers, Bobby Bare, Jr., Sunny Sweeney, Sonny Burgess, and Elizabeth Cook. Jersey Beat described Tim's latest release, "All Kinds Of Pain," as " a 'wow' listen...just so good and so full of amazing music...this has to be in my top picks of 2010." Tim is currently on tour with Elizabeth Cook. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.myspace.com/timcarrollmusic" data-imported="1">www.myspace.com/timcarrollmusic</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/430245/2eb1993d6490f1dd3b1611d0f4065321f4c813fb/original/donna-poster-fb-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mzc3eDYwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Donna-poster_FB_resized.jpg" height="600" width="377" /></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838352011-02-04T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:23-06:00WDVX In-Studio - Feb 16
<p>Find Knoxville's WDVX online or on your radio dial on Wednesday February 16th at 10pm to me on hear Karen Reynolds' Writer's Block program. We'll be chatting, playing some tracks from the record, and playing a couple of songs live in the studio. Thanks, in advance, to Karen for having me in the studio and hope everyone within ear shot can tune in. Really looking forward to this!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838342010-12-26T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:23-06:00"Rushes" makes "Best of 2010" list
<p>Bill Frater at Freight Train Boogie has added Under The Rushes to his "Best of 2010 Americana Albums" list. Thanks, Bill!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://fratrain.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/best-of-2010-album-suggestions/" data-imported="1">http://fratrain.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/best-of-2010-album-suggestions/</a></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838332010-11-21T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:23-06:00I'm in a video!
<p>I was invited by Mandy Barnett (of "Always, Patsy Cline" fame) to be an extra in her video. The song is "This Time of the Year" from her new Christmas cd, available through Cracker Barrel. Mandy is a world class singer and this cd is fantastic. You should pick it up!</p>
<p>Meantime, look for me in the seated train scenes in the beginning of the video, about 4 rows back from Mandy. The video was shot at the Tennessee Central Railway Museum and has a 1950's/60's look and feel, much like the cd. I met Mandy through Tom. He used to play guitar for her. Check her out in the musical, "Always, Patsy Cline." If you are a music lover, a Cline fan, whatever - it is not to be missed. Thanks, Mandy, for inviting me to be a small part of this shoot. It was one of the most fun things I've ever done!!</p>
<p>http://www.theboot.com/2010/11/19/mandy-barnett-this-time-of-year-video/</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/430245/61ec5aa54b7bcf038f7e74220f7c7823a50bc514/original/donna-on-red-train-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUweDYwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Donna_on_red_train_resized.jpg" height="600" width="450" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/430245/01e95320a31b42c4e93a881180dfb74071a4f296/original/donna-n-mandy-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUweDYwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Donna_n_Mandy_resized.jpg" height="600" width="450" /></p>
<p> </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838312010-10-22T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:23-06:00New press out of the UK
<p>Check out the <em>Reviews</em> section for new press from Maverick Magazine (4 stars) and Country Music People (3 1/2 stars). Thanks to Alan Cackett and Michael Hingston for all the kind words. Both are appreciated - but I have to say - Cackett's <em>Maverick</em> piece is a DREAM review. Very nice!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838302010-10-04T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:23-06:00New charts to report
<p><em>Under The Rushes</em> is # 15 on the Freeform Americana Roots (FAR) Chart and #18 on the EuroAmericana chart for October!!! Many thanks to those djs playing my record all over the world!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838292010-09-28T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:23-06:00Recommended listening by CMT.com
<p>CMT.com recommended "Under The Rushes" on their Bluegrass Playlist for IBMA Week (happening now) in Nashville. IBMA is the International Bluegrass Music Association and this is their BIG, big week. And we are happy to host it here in Nashville, TN! Thanks to Craig Shelburne over that at CMT.com for giving me a mention.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.cmt.com/news/cmt-blogs/1648649/a-bluegrass-playlist-for-ibmas-big-week-in-nashville.jhtml" data-imported="1">http://www.cmt.com/news/cmt-blogs/1648649/a-bluegrass-playlist-for-ibmas-big-week-in-nashville.jhtml</a></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838282010-09-27T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:23-06:00#2 on Roots Music Radio Charts!!!
<p><em>Under The Rushes</em> is currently #2 on Roots Music Report's True Country Chart and #12 on their Tennessee Roots Radio Airplay Chart. THANKS SO MUCH to those dj's for playing my record!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Check it out!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.rootsmusicreport.com" data-imported="1">http://www.rootsmusicreport.com</a></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838272010-09-13T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:23-06:00UK Review
<p>My first review from the UK for "Under The Rushes" is posted in the Reviews section. Always grateful for a kind word about my music. Thanks to Will Bray at Americana UK. </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838262010-09-04T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:23-06:00Radio
<p>I have spent the past month preparing my radio mail-out. I am hitting the Americana reporting stations, the Euro-Americana reporting stations, the Freeform Americana Radio (FAR) stations and the Euro-FAR stations. It's about 300 total, about 200 U.S. and 100 international stations.</p>
<p>A reporting station/d.j. is one who reports his spins to those who compile the above mentioned charts. Unfortunately, very few (if any) artists "chart" without hiring a radio promoter to "work" the record. The more well-known promoters charge about $4000 to work a record. You still pay postage (mine is running about $800) as well as all other mailing materials, you still do the actual mailing with labels they provide. They provide the labels and then make the calls to the d.j.s who hopefully play your music. I was told that the fact that I'm not touring is a strike against me. D.J.'s want to see the artists they play on the radio playing live shows in their cities. It was a $4000 gamble we were unwilling to make. </p>
<p>So, I'm doing my own research, typing my own labels, mailing my own cds, and I have a part-time d.j./friend who is going to be making calls for me. I will be paying him considerable less than $4000! The d.j.s and stations have "call times" when they accept calls from promoters and artists seeking airplay. I found a partial call-time list online (which is awesome!) and we'll have to research the rest station by station. </p>
<p>It's all veryyyy long and complicated and hairy. But this is what I've been doing the past month and will be doing in the coming weeks to help my call guy. Hopefully we can get a teeny little bit of mileage on our own. Get the music out there. Make some fans. Sell a few cds. Hopefully...</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838252010-07-14T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:23-06:00New review & itunes
<p>Check it out in the reviews section -- Country California -- a very funny blog about country music with a serious turn every now and then. Very nice review from C. M. Wilcox. </p>
<p>Oh...and <em>Under The Rushe</em>s is on itunes!!!!!!!!!!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838242010-07-04T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:23-06:00Availability
<p><em>Under The Rushe</em>s is now available on CD Baby and on Digstation. Follow links under the <span style="text-decoration:underline">Purchase</span> tab. </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838322010-06-30T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:23-06:00Press release - July 2010
<p><em style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color:#333300">press release: donna beasley’s new album, under the rushes, set for August 2010</span></em></p>
<p><strong style="font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</strong></p>
<p>Donna Beasley’s sophomore effort reads like a who’s who of Nashville’s Americana/Alt-Country scene, including Chuck Mead, Elizabeth Cook, Tim Carroll, Phil Madeira, Kenny Vaughan and more.</p>
<p><strong style="font-weight: bold;">NASHVILLE, July 10, 2010</strong></p>
<p><em style="font-style: italic;">Under The Rushes </em>is set for release August 1, 2010. CDs will be available through CD Baby, Amazon, Smart Choice, and www.donnabeasley.com. Downloads will be available through itunes, CD Baby, and Digstation.<em style="font-style: italic;">Rushes</em> is self-released under the Strange Magic Recordings label.</p>
<p><em style="font-style: italic;">Under The Rushes</em> is Donna Beasley’s second collection of Appalachian-infused Americana music, rooted in country but encompassing a wide range of styles and influences. <em style="font-style: italic;">Rushes</em> contains 11 original songs, eight written by Donna and three Donna co-wrote with her producer/guitarist/husband, Tom Spaulding. Like her 2007 “Good Samaritan” release,<em style="font-style: italic;"> Under The Rushes</em> was produced by Spaulding, with Donna sharing co-production credit this time out.</p>
<p>The approach to <em style="font-style: italic;">Rushes</em> was the same: productions that serve the individual songs without being limited by genre considerations. Rely upon the strength of the writing and Donna’s distinct vocal sound as unifying elements. While the writing and production follow a journey around the musical horn, the voice is firmly planted in East Tennessee soil. The pop-tinged “Really That Good” could be considered the furthermost point in that journey. With it’s Aimee Mann feel, it is an ode to grown-up love without blinders: “No soft focus fuzzy candlelight, no superficial uber-thrill, this could be the real deal.”</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color:#333300">“Tom emailed me an mp3 of this happy, pop sounding music. It was so different from anything I had written before. I took it as a challenge. Even though it was a stylistic leap, I still drew upon my own relationship experiences to write the lyric. Tom ended up recording some really inspired, intricate guitar parts. There was never a question of whether or not it would fit some ‘Appalachian image’ or fall outside the Americana realm. Be honest. Try to write a good song. Record it in a way that best delivers the message. Do it 10 or 11 times and you’ve got a record. That’s all I know to do.”</span></p>
<p>At the other end of the spectrum lies “Makin’ Love.” With its twin fiddles, pedal steel, and harmony vocals provided by Chuck Mead, it is straight-forward traditional country fare: “We’re building dreams, we’re drawing plans, we’ll form a life with our own hands; I think we’ve got the right stuff, sure does look like we’re makin’ love.” When it was merely a germ of an idea, Beasley had a clear vision for it.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color:#333300">“I would call ‘Makin’ Love’ the most rewarding track I’ve ever recorded. I was still struggling with the chorus, had no verses - it probably took me a year to write – but I was driven by the sound of the fiddles and steel in my head! There was never a doubt I would finish it. Chuck Mead was Tom’s idea and he came up with a great part. The initial demo we made for it left a lot to the imagination. So, I had my doubts! I call it the little track that could. I’m so proud of what it became!”</span></p>
<p>“Just What I’m Looking For” is a mix of styles melded into one track, with Scott Neubert’s funky banjo, Kenny Vaughan of Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives laying down some slinky electric guitar, and Elizabeth Cook and Tim Carroll doing their best “Monster Mash” impersonations…”aah-ooh” in the background. The song is about the thrill of attraction to someone promising nothing but trouble, it’s all wrong, but it’s alright: “you’re a bad man, just what I’m looking for." </p>
<p>The heavier lyrical themes of <em style="font-style: italic;">Under The Rushes</em> can be found in the title track and the record’s closer, “Mountain On My Back.” “Under The Rushes” spins a tale of small-town romance, pregnancy and betrayal, under a judgmental eye some would call unique to the deep Bible Belt South. </p>
<p>The song’s main character falls for “a boy she met at the social when the summer air’d turned cool.” After sneaking out of a spirited church service, they share one intimate evening. Time passes. The boy never returns. After months of hiding a condition for which she fears she would be ostracized, she returns to the scene of her night of passion, this time with a very different purpose: “she went to the banks alone and brought forth a baby son; she said ‘I’ll call him Moses and leave him here floating for when his deliverance comes.’” A different purpose, but the same end result – she lay down her love.</p>
<p>The final track on the record begins with a short, upbeat bluegrass-y instrumental called “Roaring Fork” which morphs into the foreboding drum, droning fiddle and banjo of “Mountain On My Back.” Beasley counts it among her favorite songs she’s written.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color:#333300">“I had spent the weekend in East Tennessee fixing up my mom’s old double-wide trailer. I was driving home to Nashville, thinking about how you can never really get above your raising. How there are some burdens you cannot leave behind. I was thinking about the commercialization of my hometown and how I sometimes wish I could gather up the beautiful parts and take them with me to a safe place where they could remain untouched. I was getting to that westerly spot where you get your last good look at the mountains before getting into Middle Tennessee. The sun was setting and I started writing ‘Mountain On My Back’ while looking in my rear view mirror for one last glimpse.” </span></p>
<p>The brilliant fiddle of Matt Combs hangs in the air as the final note, punctuating the sentiment of the chorus: “I can’t get out unmolested, I raise my voice to protest it, but secrets deep and ancient settle in the crack; I’m leaving here with a mountain on my back.” She is moving forward - but escaping nothing.</p>
<p>Basic tracks for<em style="font-style: italic;"> Under The Rushes</em> were recorded at the Black River Music Group Studio, dubbed “Ronnie’s Place” after former owner, Ronnie Milsap. Besides the aforementioned talents, <em style="font-style: italic;">Under The Rushes</em> boasts Steve Cox, Michael Webb, and Phil Madeira sharing keyboard credits and Tony Paoletta on pedal steel. “You Wouldn’t Know Love,” has Bob Britt and Marco Giovino on guitar and drums, respectively, and was recorded at Tom’s home studio, dubbed Strange Magic.</p>
<p>Otherwise, the rhythm section consisted of Paul Griffith on drums, Steve Mackey on bass (all tracks), and Scott Neubert providing most of the acoustic guitar tracks, while also fulfilling banjo, dobro, and mandolin duties.</p>
<p>Over the year and a half spent overdubbing and mixing, vocals and various instrumental parts were recorded at Ronnie’s Place, Strange Magic Studio, and Anthony Aquilato’s Choctaw Ridge Studio. Michael Webb’s parts were recorded at a couple of long-forgotten stops on the road while Michael was playing and Tom was tech’ing for Leann Rimes’ band. <em style="font-style: italic;">Under The Rushes</em> was mixed by Tom at Strange Magic and Steve Ledet at Subtrax Studio.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color:#333300">“I was blessed to be surrounded by such talented, loving people committed to making the record I wanted to make. It was a long journey from beginning to end. I can honestly say I feel it was worth the wait.”</span></p>
<p>For more information on Donna Beasley and <em style="font-style: italic;">Under The Rushes</em>, visit www.donnabeasley.com. See website for links to Donna’s MySpace and Facebook pages. </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838232010-06-30T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00First press!
<p>Take a look at the "reviews" section. "Under The Rushes" got a nice little mention by Robert K. Oermann in Music Row Magazine. Mr. Oermann is a respected music critic, author, and historian. I am most appreciative of the kind words!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838222010-05-08T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00Flatrock Flood Benefit Concert 5/15
<p>Donna Beasley & Appalachian Therapy have been included in the following impressive line-up to play a benefit concert for Nashville flood victims. Click on the "calendar dates" tab for details.
Confirmed Line-Up: Mindy Smith, Tommy Womack, Irene Kelley, Robby Hecht, Randy Kohrs, Like Candy Red, Donna Beasley, And Okay, Steve Lee and Sara Jean Kelley</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838212010-04-30T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00Thanks to No Depression!
<p>"Just What I'm Looking For" is a featured track on the No Depression website! Check it out:
http://www.nodepression.com/?xg_source=msg_feat_track#music_player</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838202010-04-30T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00Reviewshine
<p>I have submitted to over 30 blogs for possible review of "Under the Rushes" via a service called Reviewshine. Hopefully, I will have something to post under the "Press" tab before too long.
I have uploaded a couple tracks under the "Music" tab and you may sample additional tracks on my MySpace site. Visit "Links" to hop over to MySpace.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838192010-04-22T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00Giving Up
<p>There's a saying among music makers: "you never really finish a record, you just give up on it." And folks, that time has come. The order for cd duplication was placed Tuesday. We are looking at a possible July 1st release date. Check back for more preview tracks to be added.
CDs will be available through CD Baby, Amazon, and this website. Downloads will be available through iTunes and Digstation. Check back for links!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838182010-03-06T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00Preview song - new link
<p>I've added a preview from my upcoming CD, "Under the Rushes" It is a song called "Mountain On My Back." I hope you like it.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838172010-02-12T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00Love Is Deaf II
<p>A word from The Nashville Scene about tonight's show, which Tom & I are happy to be a part of:
An instant Nashville tradition on arrival last year, this irresistible night of atonal amour is a couples-only affair onstage, as more than two dozen Nashville musicians and their musician-or-not significant others team up to sing duets — which last year meant anything from Laurie George & Dan Baird doing “You Don’t Miss Your Water” to hosts Anna & Michael Webb proving the world hasn’t had enough of “Silly Love Songs.” This year’s songs are still hush-hush — although we understand Helen Stevens & Bill DeMain plan to leave us in XTC — but couples so far include Andrea Barrett & Jason White, Kristi Rose & Fats Kaplin, Jill & Billy Block, Charlotte & Peter Cooper, and Sabine Schlunk & JJ Jones. Best of all, there’s no cover — proof that somebody up there loves ya.
Sat., Feb. 13, 8 p.m., 2010</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838162010-01-30T18:00:00-06:002021-05-20T15:09:26-05:00Even more love for "Love My Way"
<p>Thanks to Steve McIntyre at http://coverfreak.com for posting my song and some complimentary tri-syllabic adjectives to boot! Here's what he had to say:
Donna Beasley “Love My Way” (Psychedelic Furs)
This song never really did much for me, what with the monotonous buzzing of those synthesizers and of the singer’s voice. “Languorous” isn’t a word I often use to describe the music of the Psychedelic Furs, but Donna Beasley infuses the song with an exquisite sense of languor.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838152010-01-19T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00More love for "Love My Way"
<p>Brian Ibbott has added my version of "Love My Way" to his Coverville podcast and he had some very kind things to say about it. Thanks, Brian! Check out his cool show here:
http://coverville.com/archives/2010/01/coverville-644-all-i-want-is-you-and-this-indie-hodgepodge/</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838142010-01-13T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00Love for "Love My Way"
<p>A blog about cover songs called "Cover Me" added my version of "Love My Way" to their weekly post. Thanks, guys!
http://covermesongs.blogspot.com/</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838132010-01-06T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00News vs Blog
<p>My random, meaningless ponderings can now be found under the "blog" tab and we (the "royal we") will keep this tab for music bid'ness news only. Management appreciates your cooperation and patronage.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838122009-12-01T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00Thanksgiving
<p>We shared Thanksgiving with our friends, Bob and Etta Britt. I've talked about Bob before. He has played on both my records. He currently plays for Wynonna and in the past has played for John Fogerty, Dixie Chicks, and on Bob Dylan's "Time Out of Mind" record (just to name a smattering). Etta is a blues singer who fronts her own band and sings with other soul powerhouses in Kentucky Thunder. Bekka Bramlett also shared the day, and a little of her spectacular voice. She has sung with Fleetwood Mac, Faith Hill, Vince Gill and others. She is daughter of the legendary duo, Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. Google those guys...Delaney taught George Harrison how to play slide guitar, for starters. So, we had a great day of music...oh, and food too.
Then, Tom had a call from his friend, Phillip Russell (a really good singer and songwriter) to play a gig with him the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Phillip is married to Patsy Lynn, Loretta's daughter, and won a Grammy for a co-write on Loretta's "Van Lear Rose" record. That song was "Miss Being Mrs." By the way, that is a great record Loretta did with Jack White of the White Stripes. Get it, if you don't have it.
So, anyway, it was a fun gig of mostly covers. Tom played awesome! He and I did a couple songs. However, I did have to follow Patsy singing "You Ain't Woman Enough." That was the only downside. Tom played guitar for Patsy and Peggy's band back in the day. That's how they all hooked up. And now db has crashed the party.
I'm thankful for the great food and even better friends and music this Thanksgiving weekend 2009!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838112009-10-27T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00Lyrics
<p>I've added lyrics to the songs from the new record, called "Under The Rushes." Check the "music" tab and scroll down.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838102009-10-10T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00New look! New photos!
<p>I finally had my photo shoot for the new record with Nashville photographer and graphic designer, Pierrette Abegg. My friend Heather Dryden was on hand to direct the shoot. She directed the shoot for my "Good Samaritan" record and did the artwork design for that CD. I've changed the design for the site, as you might have noticed, and added a couple of the new pics. Pierrette and Heather did a WONDERFUL job at the shoot and Pierrette has done amazing post-shoot work on the pics. I'm very, very pleased with the results!
Tom is finally home for a couple months and his goal is to finish mixing the record during this time. He will be going to Australia for three weeks the first part of December. So, he's using that as his deadline. After mixing is complete, it will be mastered. Depending on how the tracks sound after mastering, a few mix-tweeks may be necessary. Once we're happy with what we hear, there will be final mastering then duplication of the actual CDs and artwork.
I had an artist acquaintance tell me that he is not duplicating any physical CDs -- he's only doing digital downloads. That may be the smart way to go in what is almost 2010. But I am old-fashioned. I want a physical copy of my music, of other people's music I like. I want photos. I want artwork. Lyrics, when I can get them.
I don't want one killer single. I want 11 songs that transport me into the artist's world. "It's a singles market," someone told me. My response was that labels are not signing very many real artists capable of producing a CD full of quality music. And just because that is the case, no one will convince me that the album is dead. No, buy ANY of the Neko Case records I have in my collection. You will see that the album is not dead.
In fact, I've already asked Santa to bring me a copy of Neko's "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood" on vinyl for Christmas. To quote my own lyrics, "I'm a quarter jukebox in a karaoke world."</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837572009-09-16T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:18-06:00Tearing down walls
<p>This is only my second record. But I get the sense that every record has its one or two tracks that you just can't seem to get off the ground. You like the song. You like the performances. You recorded it in the same session as other tracks that seem to shine. So, what is it? Something is missing. Something you can't put your finger on. It just sounds...so-so. Alright. Okay.
We had been battling “that” track for months now and we finally whooped that track. It was kind of a rockin’ little number that wasn’t all it aspired to be. The first thing we decided was that the piano HAD to go. We were definitely taking that out. Yep, ix-nay on the iano-pay. Funny. Now, the piano is probably the most prominent instrument.
There was a lot of good stuff going on instrumentally. But it was like trying to listen to 7 different interesting conversations at the same TIME. So, to put it simply, we simplified. There's something to be said for not being afraid to tear down a wall to redecorate the room. If it doesn't work, rebuild it. But, ya know, it might be just the thing.
Now, we are breathing a sigh of relief. We took the one song on the record that was bringing us down and made it into something that we, or at least I, love. WOW…it’s a whole new track! Love, love it. Now, it’s a Donna Beasley song. And now, by gosh, we nearly got us a record.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837562009-08-05T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:18-06:00Americana extravaganza in my living room
<p>In the past couple weeks we have had so many great players putting down parts for the new record. One particular stand-out track called "Just What I'm Looking For" features Kenny Vaughan (Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives) on guitar, Phil Madeira (Buddy Miller band) on B3 organ and accordion, and Elizabeth Cook and Tim Carroll on backing vocals.
Some of the other great players we've had include Bob Britt on guitar (Bob Dylan, John Fogerty) and Chuck Mead (BR549) on harmony vocals. Of course, there are many other great players putting down great parts...I'm just talking the past TWO WEEKS.
I may not be cool enough for my own record.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838092009-07-29T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00Concerts
<p>I saw two great concerts last week. Wednesday, I was headed out to see Chris Isaak give an in-store acoustic performance at Best Buy. However, I got my wires crossed and showed up on the wrong night - actually, the night he was playing the Ryman. Stupid me.
Since I was all dressed up with no place to go, I thought I'd see if I could get a good last minute ticket to catch his Ryman show, with the Wrights opening. Turns out, for $75 (ouch) I managed to get a front row seat an hour before showtime! A little pricey, but, hey, it's FRONT ROW.
The Wrights were fantastic, as always. They are flawless. I've never seen them hiccup. I dig their laid-back, groovy style. And they write great songs. Check them out, if you're not familiar with them. My favorite recent thing is their cover of the Roger Miller song "In the Summertime." Bea-U-ti-ful. Oh, and their drummer for the evening was my next door neighbor, so that was cool! I love East Nashville!
Chris and band were awesome, as usual. That's my third C.I. show. He never disappoints. Wish I could've seen that in-store, though. Holy cow.
Saturday night it was back to the Ryman for Neko Case -- a concert I've waited a longgg time to see. Ohmygod. Words cannot describe how much I love this woman and her music. I sat there completely mesmerized, knowing every song, and filled with such appreciation for all the people who showed up to hear this music. It seemed it had existed only in my head, until the moment I was hearing it live. Kinda like seeing a ghost in a roomful of people who are seeing the same ghost.
And that roomful of people was certainly varied - in age, sexual orientation, what have you. Quite a diverse group. Very encouraging.
No histrionics or rock and roll moves from the woman herself. She just stood there and delivered those songs in that voice. Great band too. I wish I would've had a better seat. I was about as far back as you could get. The show was not advertised long enough, in my opinion. I checked her website. No mention of any Southern U.S. dates. Then, boom, the tickets had already gone on sale by the time I saw an ad on Facebook. Seating was the only disappointment of an otherwise amazing evening.
I've been debating the importance of, me personally, playing live, given the current state of the economy, the music industry, and trends for youth and/or gimmick. Some of my independent artist friends have said for a couple years that people just aren't turning up for their club shows. Many of the rootsy bands who are enjoying success are young and attract a similarly young audience. And, of course, the mainstream high-level artists always seem to sell tickets despite whatever may be going on in the world.
So, as an unknown artist playing laid-back, heady kinda music in small venues, it's a high mountain to climb in order to try and build a following in that way. As a gigging artist my age put it yesterday, “people our age just don’t come out for shows.” My stubbornness on this issue is that I don't believe, as many music business professionals posit as though it is gospel, that playing live is the ONLY way to build a following. I believe it is ONE way. How much time do people spend surfing the internet, watching t.v., going to movies versus attending gigs? My 20-something niece tells me that if she hears a song she likes in a t.v. program or movie, she writes down the name of the artist and looks them up on the internet. A good song placement can be a tremendous profile raiser.
My point was that, despite my recent musings and misgivings, my experience seeing Neko Case convinced me that it IS important for people who dig your music to see you perform it live. That's all I was really trying to get at. Now, to find people who dig my music...</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838082009-07-04T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00Calling all Nashville heavyweights and hipsters...
<p>I'm R-E-A-L-L-Y excited about the caliber of folks we have had and will have coming to the house to play and/or sing on the record -- just in the past week and next. I will only reveal one name...Kenny Vaughan. He's one of Marty Stuart's "Fabulous Superlatives." He's played guitar on many a record made in this town. And I'm so happy to have him playing on a little track called "Just What I'm Looking For." He really classed it up. Thanks, Kenny!!!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838072009-05-13T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:22-06:00Slowly by slowly
<p>Here's a recap on record # 2. We began pre-production in October. We cut drum, bass, and acoustic guitar tracks in December with Paul Griffith, Steve Mackey, and Scott Neubert. We managed to get a couple of good vocals while we were tracking. And Scott also put down some banjo, mandolin, and dobro. He's handy that way.
We went back in the studio in February, mainly to cut more vocals. However, we were pretty ambitious that day. We ended up getting Steve Cox in there to play piano on a couple tracks, Matt Combs to play fiddle on a couple tracks, and Scott for more acoustic guitar and dobro parts. That didn't leave too much time for singing. But I still got a couple of songs knocked out. Tom was even more ambitious on the road. While he was out teching some dates for LeAnn Rimes, he magically recorded Michael Webb playing some organ and electric piano. Tony Paoletta recorded some steel guitar at the house. Tom's been working on guitars and I've sung more vocals and backing vocals (ooh and ahhs and the like) also at the house.
We've got more steel to record, more guitars to do and re-do, more songs for me to sing, and some guest vocalists . Oh, and acordion! I'm excited about that! (And to hear Tony play steel again!)
I am doing my own artwork design. But will have someone who knows what they're doing lay it all out. I'm in the process of choosing a duplicator. But we're still a few months away from needing those services!
It is SUCH a longgg process. But, to borrow a phrase from a friend from India, "slowly by slowly" it is all coming together.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838062009-02-28T18:00:00-06:002021-05-20T15:02:22-05:00Sunday Morning Hedonism
<p>Work on the new record continues. We had a second day in the studio. We managed to get keeper vocals on 3 songs, fiddle on 2 tracks, dobro on one track, and piano on 2 tracks. It was a good day!! I like how unexpected things come up, like telling that piano playing fool, Steve Cox, "since you came all the way down here, let's find another track for you to play on." And you end up with piano on a song that you hadn't originally planned to have piano on! I think the trick is to plan what you can but leave enough open that you can let talented people do what they do. Have a roadmap, but be willing to say, "hey...let's veer over HERE."
I am looking forward to singing a big 'ole country music male/female duet on this record. That's something new for me. And I have some cool background vocalists lined up. I'm not going to drop any names 'til it all goes down.
I've been getting artwork ideas, looking at photos and drawings, spending hours sampling fonts, that sort of thing. I need to have a photo shoot but want to wait until it's a little warmer. I'll be going with an outdoor theme again, like my last record. The title calls for it. I don't want my mug on the cover this time, though. Maybe a back cover shot, an interior shot, we'll see. Those kinds of decisions are hard to make. But I just don't want to be on the cover. That simple.
It's cold outside and there's snow on the ground. We're hoping to stay in and get lots of work done today. We actually have a deadline for our perceived 5 best tracks. We've got 2 weeks to meet that deadline. Tom's teching on another big tour this year and they're keeping him pretty busy. They're also giving him steady paychecks, so can't complain too much.
I'm already feeling a little sad that this whole thing will be done before we know it. The excitement that comes from giving shape to new music will be replaced with phone calls, mass mailings, and meetings...and lots of nail biting. So, for now, I'm going to enjoy the process. I'm going to enjoy this period of time that bears little criticism and self-doubt and thoughts of what anyone ELSE will think about it. I will revel in my musical hedonism and cups of chai tea and having snow on the ground on a Sunday morning.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838052008-12-11T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00Big excitement today
<p>Today's the day we track for the new record! It's going to be a long one. We have turkey chili, Panera bagels, chocolate pie homemade from Elizabeth Cook, brownies I'm getting ready to make, green tea with honey, some wine, some champagne, some beer for the guys, lots of water, pecans for me (which cost $10 in the store...whatsup with that?? I'm going in the pecan business), probably more stuff Tom will bring 'cause he thinks of everything.
So, gotta run. Gotta go sing some songs.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838042008-12-09T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00Almost Friday
<p>I'm drinking lots of water, doing vocal exercises, massaging the ole' vocal chords, and practicing the new songs in preparation for my big day Friday. (Oh, and transferring all the money out of my savings account. How could I forget that one?) We will be recording bass, drums, and acoustic guitar for, hopefully, 9 tracks for the new record. We recorded a couple already here at the house and we've got one we're going to leave sparse, without bass & drums.
If I had to describe the new record, I would say it is less introspective and more universal. It crosses less of the spectrum than, say," City of Devils" versus "I'm So Glad I Let You Love Me." However, I do have something real pop sounding and something kinda old school yet slightly commercial country sounding. But that's about as broad as we get this time. I wanted to reign this record in a little. It is confusing for the listener, I think, to cover so many styles. It's hard for people to figure out who you are as an artist. Hopefully, that will be communicated a little more effectively this time around. Although, that's still something I'm figuring out myself.
In the end, you will either like it or you won't. Same deal as the other record. People will either think it's good...or they will not. I can't worry about that, though. I just have to focus on making the best record I possibly can and a great deal of that focus is on the session this Friday. So, wish me good luck and good voice!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838032008-11-29T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00Little Drummer Boy
<p>I've added my version of "Little Drummer Boy" to MySpace, if you want to go check it out. It got a little play in the UK last year. We recorded it for a charity project. But due to miscommunication re: press time, it did not make it on their CD. Eventually, I plan to have a whole Christmas CD recorded - or at least a 5 song EP. Someday.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838022008-11-18T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00Plodding along
<p>Work on the new songs for the new record continues. We are set to track bass, drums, and acoustic guitar on Dec. 12th. I have still been writing some of the songs and was finally able, TODAY, to finish the one that had the most holes in it. Yay! I need to rewrite a bridge on one other song. But that one has already been tracked so we can finish that song last, if need be. The pressure has been to get demos made for the drummer and bass player so they can learn the songs we're going to track. I have a little 5 song gig at Family Wash, my favorite place in town to play, on Dec. 2nd. We're going to use that gig for a little practice on some of the new songs. Hopefully, it won't SOUND like practice, to those who come out to the Wash!
There's also the matter of Christmas, about which I have had to be militant this year. I wanted the stress of shopping and spending to be long over by the time I'm needing to fully focus on my studio date. So, most Christmas shopping is done and even wrapped...isn't that insane???
Oh, and as far as the issue of too many songs (the subject of my last blog), I have decided to put no covers on this record -- that would be my version of other people's songs. I'm going with 11 originals, 8 I wrote by myself and 3 I wrote with my left hand man, Tom Spaulding.
At times, I'm excited. At times, I'm panicked. But, as I said on my MySpace blog, its time to put another bullet in the gun and take another shot at this music bid'ness thang.
Ready, aim, fire!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838012008-10-23T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00Too many songs!
<p>We're seriously deliberating on the next record. We'll be in pre-production the next 2 or 3 weeks, which means working out arrangements, tempos, keys, and recording demos that will, hopefully, capture the right feel for all the songs. We've recorded 4 tracks already (bass, drums, some guitar, scratch vocals) and we're shooting 50/50. Two of them we're happy with. Two of them do not have the right feel. Too funky when it should be straight ahead, too heavy when it should be, say, vibey-er...more pensive.
While we're hoping to make great progress in Nov./Dec., getting the right "feel", it seems, cannot be rushed. You have to live with a recording a while. Either you love it right away, or you don't and you have to figure out WHY you don't. The absolute worst thing is when a song you're proud of doesn't get effectively communicated, shall we say. Its such a "missed opportunity" type of feeling.
The problem I certainly was NOT expecting was too many songs! But, here we go again. My personal preference, as a listener, has always been an 11 song limit on a CD. If all the songs are GREAT, I suppose I can handle 12. Its just too much to digest when you start getting longer than that. Well, ahem, "Good Samaritan" has 13 on it. I broke my own rule. But couldn't part with anything we recorded. And the ones I DID want to cut, I was always outvoted on!!
So, for my 2nd record I SWORE I would have no more than 11 songs. Now, including the cover song I picked, I'm up to 13!!! So, I think we'll record them all and just see which ones work and which ones don't.
I'm disappointed that I was not able to work up two song ideas I've had. I really wanted those to be on this CD!!! But, who knows. Those songs may never get written. And, besides, that would give me 15 songs and that's going in the wrong direction!
I think its time to go with what we have. And its almost time call up some of our fabulous musician friends and say "let's make a record"!!!!!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838002008-09-12T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:004 days till...
<p>My AMA showcase. I bought the most expensive pair of shoes I've ever bought in my life! So, I think I'm ready.
Hope to see you there!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837992008-09-04T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00Workin' It
<p>I have invited 800 industry people to my AMA Showcase -- 600 by email and 200 by hand-written postcard. I think I have carpel tunnel.
If you're in town during that week, its a great deal. For $35 you get a wristband which allows you into all the showcases at all the venues. Check out the Americana Music Association's website for the lineup. COME SEE ME!!!
By the way, I will be joined by Tom Spaulding on guitar, Tony Paoletta on steel, Dave Jacques on bass, and Paul Griffith on drums. Have you bought that wristband yet???
www.americanamusic.org</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837982008-08-19T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00Americana Music Assn Conference 2008
<p>If you're planning on being in Nashville next month for the Americana Music Association's annual conference, please come by The Station Inn and catch my showcase on Wed., Sept. 17, 9pm. I will be joined by Tom Spaulding on guitar, Tony Paoletta on pedal steel, Dave Jacques on bass, and Paul Griffith on drums. Promises to be quite an affair and a terrific week of music, discussion panels, award shows, etc. I hope to see you there!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837972008-07-31T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00Steady as she goes
<p>Its not very interesting to report, but I'm still plugging away. Its hard to know when to give up promoting the record you already have and concentrate solely on the next one. And it is a sort of acquiescence, an admittance that you've done all you can do. A cutting of one's losses.
I've had to change my way of thinking. I want things NOW. This kind of career is not built now. This kind of career is built over years.
The first record: we got good press. We played some shows. The second record: we'll get press (hopefully good), we'll play more shows, and we'll try to hit the Americana charts. Nothing is signed at this point, but I should have the opportunity for UK distribution on the next record. I will play shows in the UK, which will be promoted by my distributor. They will also help me get press over there. I have to take this opportunity to thank those in the UK who supported "Good Samaritan". I'm so grateful!
If it sounds like I'm writing my will or something...not the case! But I am -- pretty much -- putting to bed the ole' promo machine on "Good Sam". I am focusing on two things these days: trying to book gigs and working on the next record, which will be released in 2009. Its not that far away!!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837962008-06-06T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00Dwight Yoakam on the Opry
<p>What can I say? Dwight kicked it like only Dwight can. This is the first time I've paid money to see someone perform on the Opry. I've been backstage many times -- couldn't get on the list this time around -- but it was well worth the ticket price. I've heard rumors that he might be getting another guitar player, but Eddie Perez was still with him. He needs to hang onto him. It's a great pairing.
Hearing Joe Nichols (a terrific singer) perform one of those run-of-mill boring, soulless songs written by a bunch of Nashville "hit makers" sitting around a table in some 4pm writing session made me appreciate a REAL artist like Dwight even more. And made me wonder if this town will EVER embrace real artists again? They never embraced Dwight. As a result, no one in "Music City" can ever claim credit for this living legend of country music, Dwight Yoakam.
Rock on, Dwight! You're the best thing the Opry and this town has seen in a longggg time. Keep coming back to remind everyone how exciting and fresh country music can be.
Remember?</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837952008-04-17T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00Made the FAR Chart!!!
<p>In February 2008 "Good Samaritan" was #17 on the Freeform American Roots Chart. Yay!!!!! Thank you to those d.j.s for giving me some spins and getting me on the chart!!!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837942008-04-03T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00What's In a Name
<p>When you are sending out CDs to press and radio, trying to generate attention, it is necessary to Google your name from time to time and scout out any new hits. In my search of Donna Beasley, here are some of the OTHER ones I found:
A Donna Beasley who wrote a book on how to plan your African American family reunion
A realtor
A couple of attorneys
The VP of Operations at Praxis in Brentwood, TN
A minister of music at the First United Methodist Church of Brandon, MS
A teacher at Holy Family Parochial School
Donna Kay Beasley who died on Feb. 22, 2008
The secretary for the Northeast Florida Volleyball Officials Association
The widow of Elvis Dewayne Beasley…"Elvis is survived by his loving wife, Donna Beasley"
A member of the Pacific Northwest Golf Association
Donna Beasley, "a departed senior from North Idaho"
Donna Beasley affiliated with the Center for Social Thinking
Donna Von Beasley
Donna Parnell Beasley
Donna Beasley of Pennsylvania who declares "it’s time for the mudslinging and constant coverage of mudslinging to end"
A body builder
A Donna Beasley who donated computers to the Hallelujah House
Donna Beasley who RAN FOR THE PIES in the open 5k
Keep up the good work, Donna Beasleys of the world. It ain’t easy being Beasley.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837932008-03-19T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00Ready or Not
<p>Work on my next record has begun. Well, technically, "work" began long ago with the writing of new songs. I mean, Good Lord, that is the hardest part of all! I would say the second hardest part is singing good vocals. But I'm still in that first stage and not yet in the second.
It started out that I wanted to demo a few new songs for a publisher. But given the caliber of talented, caring people I am fortunate enough to call my friends (and my husband), no one would HEAR of doing "demos". In the current world of recording, so much can be done in one's home with the right equipment and knowledgeable people (which we either have, and are, or know people who have and are). What's the point in doing anything less than album quality recordings? That was the general consensus. So, instead of doing a few little demos, as I had planned, I had amazing, world-class musicians playing bass (Steve Mackey) and drums (Marco Giovino) in my living room while I sang scratch vocals in the bedroom. As it turns out, drums sound AMAZING in our living room!!! Who knew? It's all about space and sound bouncing around and what not. It also helps to have Anthony Aquilato as engineer bring his talents and his microphones TO YOUR HOUSE! (So many Italians in such a small space...)
Yesterday, we had Bob Britt put down an amazing guitar part (we didn’t make him, that’s just how he does it), also in the living room.
So, it appears that the second record is in the works. It's very strange. There's SO much more promotion that needs to be done on "Good Samaritan". But I've done almost all I can do on my own...with my own funds. I need help!!!!!
Which brings me to the next phase of promoting the record I already have and that is knocking on doors in Nashville. It may be surprising, but I have not done much of that. I thought it best to see what press and airplay I could get on my own before I shopped my product around to see who might be interested in marketing and distributing it. Or shopping any of the songs to try and get cuts by established artists.
It takes a certain readiness of spirit to enter this phase, because there will be rejection. Hopes will be risen. Then hopes will be dashed. Sometimes immediately, before I leave the office. Sometimes, it will come in the form of "yeah, we love this and want to do something with it and will get right back to you on that" only to never contact me again, never to return my emails or phone calls. Undoubtedly, there will be other forms of rejection which I have not yet imagined at this point.
But much like a romantic relationship that either must move forward or resolve, I have reached my own critical mass. I'm ready for somebody to show me some love.
Bring it on. I can take it.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837922008-03-18T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00What'll We Do Till Then
<p>My friend, Tim Carroll, has a terrific song called "What'll We Do Till Then". We know we're going to find our pot of gold someday, but can we hang on? I have several friends who are singing that song, figuratively, these days. It's very difficult to watch talented people sitting home waiting for the phone call that doesn't seem to come, while they are unable to pay their bills. And the sub-par caliber of musicians/singers/writers who too often ARE getting that phone call these days rubs salt in the wound. God help us all hang on.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837912008-03-06T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:21-06:00FAR Rocks!!!
<p>Thanks to all those d.j.s reporting to the Freeform American Roots (FAR) charts who are emailing me telling me they're playing my songs. You people make the world go 'round. I mean that. D.J.s and stations like you and yours are the LAST great hope for independent musicians and music lovers.
Hats off, can't thank you enough.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837902008-02-21T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00Why I Cut My Hair
<p>I finally did it. All that fabulous hair on my CD cover...I cut it. It barely touches my collar now. This was shorter than I intended, but I'm not the first woman to leave the hairdresser with that thought! So, why did I do it?
A few years back I did the same thing, and that time it had to do with dating, or actually, not dating. I hadn't had a steady boyfriend in a long time and was caught up in this obsessive thought pattern of "what's wrong with me - why don't I have a boyfriend"? I had to let go of those destructive thoughts. Our popular culture images like to tell us that women are sexiest with long hair. So, that was my statement that "I'm no longer caught up in what may or may not be attractive to a potential mate". I cut it. My first morning at my day job a guy in the elevator declared "YOU CUT YOUR HAIR"!! Yes, I did.
This time it had to do with the music business, oversaturation of pop culture images again and the idea that in order to make music worth hearing you must be under a certain weight, under a certain age, and your hair over a certain length. I had to let go of it, people. So, I cut my hair.
I'm still a little panicked about it. But I think we'll be alright. Here's to letting go of obsession and self doubt, one inch at a time.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837892008-02-14T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00Busy February
<p>February finds me submitting my second round of CDs to radio. This time I focused on the FAR Chart reporters. This is a chart for free-form radio stations -- the d.j.s can play whatever they want and their top spins are reported.
The plan was to submit to the Americana reporting stations for the Americana charts in March. This consists of about 400 stations. However, I have a little problem which is the fact that I will have to reorder CDs before I can do that. So, that's my big dilemma at this point.
And to think that we breathed a sigh of relief when we placed our initial order for CDs -- the BIG project expenses were out of the way (we thought)!! Not so fast. If you're an independent artist, you've only begun to raid your wallet at that point. Promotion, promotion, promotion -- the name of the game -- and it costs money, money, money.
Anyway, hope these FAR reporters give me a little play!!!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837882008-02-04T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00Thanks to James Soars and Maverick Magazine!
<p>Can't thank these guys enough for the oh-so-kind review published in February's Maverick Magazine in the UK. Check your local bookstore (start with Borders or Barnes & Noble) to find a copy of this fabulous magazine in the U.S. These guys are music lovers through and through. They write about what they love and do their best to expose country and roots music lovers in the UK to some independent artists who otherwise might not be heard. Support Alan Cackett and Maverick Magazine -- purchase a copy! If you can't find it, ASK for it. You may order online here:
www.maverick-country.com/</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837872008-01-14T18:00:00-06:002020-12-06T04:32:04-06:00Thanks, guys!
<p>I wanted to say thanks to a couple of people for showing love recently.
First, a very cool blog called Lonesome Music gave me a nice review and posted a couple of my songs. Thanks to Beth!!
Second, Smart Choice Music (out of the UK) is carrying my CD. They put up a page with a short bio and review. Thanks to Ian and James!!
And also thanks to James for giving me a night at the Family Wash coming up this Thursday the 17th at 8pm (ish). I'll be joined by Tom Spaulding and Bob Britt on guitar, Steve Mackey on bass, and Marco Giovino on drums. I've taken to calling them "The Quasi-Pseudos", though they are thoroughly legit.
Check out these cool people.
http://lonesomemusic.blogspot.com/
http://www.smartchoicemusic.com/
http://www.familywash.com/</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837862007-12-29T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00Happy 2008!
<p>2007 brought me my first full-length record. So, I'd call that a good year. I submitted to press months back, so I think I've received most of the reviews I'll be getting -- except for one I'm VERY excited about! I'll post that when the magazine comes out.
2008 will find me submitting to radio. I've already done a first pass. But an intensive effort will be made within the next couple of months.
Thanks to everyone who has bought the CD, who has reviewed it, and who has played it on their radio or internet station!
Happy 2008 to your and yours!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837852007-12-22T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00IMA Winners Announced
<p>Congratulations to Hannah Blaylock & Eden's Edge on winning the Independent Music Award in the category in which I was a finalist, Americana Album, for their CD "Lights Of Home". Best of luck to all the winners! Keep making good music!
Voters can still "rock the jukebox" by voting for their favorites in the IMA Populi Jukebox. VOTE FOR ME!!! (Thanks to those who already have!)
Thanks!
http://www.musiciansatlas.com/pages/IMAFinalist/AlbumFinalist.aspx?yr=2008</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837842007-12-21T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00Merry Christmas
<p>Merry Christmas, and all that, to everyone. I've got a couple of things to update you on, as soon as all the hustle and bustle is over.
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the two Christmas songs we recorded this year. Maybe by next Christmas we can have some kind of EP put together. Don't know what I'll do with it, other than give it away. It will be a just-for-fun project, I suppose. Happy to report that my "Little Drummer Boy" is getting a little play in the UK by Tom Fahey on Americana OK. He's awesome!!!
Happy Holidays, y'all!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837832007-12-06T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00Tom Petty and Two Nights of Heartbreaking at the Family Wash in East Nashville
<p>Just back from an awesome time at the Family Wash tonight at their campaign to raise money to buy back their beer license, or some such wheeling and dealing. No better way to pack the folks in than a fabulous night of Tom Petty covers. The backing band "The Sons of Zevon", featuring guys like Audley Freed (Black Crowes) and Reeves Gabriels (David Bowie), was joined by numerous vocalists including Chuck Mead and Jesse Alexander. (Two glasses of wine hinder me from remembering the names of the many other fine singers who took the stage.) Classic, killer song after classic, killer song that Tom Petty guy has written and sung. AMAZING body of work. FUN, FUN night. Packed house. Tom and I did acoustic versions of "Damaged by Love" and "Saving Grace" from the "Highway Companion" record.
I will just say that if you are going to play in a room like that in front of musicians like that, you'd better bring it. And that's just to hang. Mike Farris (Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies, Steve Ray Vaughn) stopped the room with his acoustic version of "Southern Accents".
Thanks to Jamie for having us, for hosting such a night, and for admirably fronting such a band. Family Wash is the best hang in East Nashville. I'll fight any man who says differently.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837822007-11-22T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00Happy Thanksgiving
<p>I'm in Wisconsin for a few days, the land of cheese, cold weather, and Packers football. Yes to a little cheese, rah-rah to Favre, no thanks to crazy-cold weather. It was 65 degrees when we left Nashville and 25 degrees when we got to WI.
Great thanksgiving with no work whatsoever on my part. I feel a little guilty but mainly just wondering how I got so lucky to have my life.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837812007-11-09T18:00:00-06:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00Link for Independent Music Awards Jukebox Vote
<p>Please follow the link below to vote for Good Samaritan in the Independent Music Awards' Americana Album of the Year category. Thanks!!!
http://www.musiciansatlas.com/pages/IMAFinalist/AlbumFinalist.aspx?yr=2008</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837802007-11-02T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00Americana Music Week Showcase
<p>I was happy to be part of Elizabeth Cook's Showcase tonight at the legendary Station Inn. It was a packed house and a truly CRAZY scene! I would say it was standing room only, but there was barely room to do that. Jim Lauderdale followed Elizabeth's performance. I got to catch a few of his songs as well. LOVE Jim and was quite pleased to get a hug and compliment from the man who is such a great singer and songwriter. Did I mention I got a hug? **This is me, blushing.**</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837792007-11-01T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00Americana Music Awards
<p>Got a ticket to the Americana Awards at the Ryman last night, thanks to Chelle Rose. We turned up to show a little love to Elizabeth Cook who was up for song of the year for "Sometimes It Takes Balls to be a Woman", co-written with Melinda Schneider. Darrell Scott took home the award for "Hank Williams' Ghost". Scott is an amazing songwriter who often makes you want to put down your pen in your feeble attempts at songwriting. He's had cuts by the Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, and others. So, EC's competition was formidible (not to mention Patty Griffin and Lucinda Williams also nominated in the same category). Nonetheless, she is a TOTAL WINNER for being nominated. And despite nominations and/or awards and what not, she's a winner period.
Among the other performers were Lyle Lovett, Emmy Lou Harris, Patty Griffin, Buddy Milller, Avett Brothers, Ricky Scaggs, and Bruce Hornsby -- several of whom took home awards. All in all, some terrific music was made. Many of the performers took the stage for a closing tribute to Porter Wagoner in his recent passing by doing a BEAUTIFUL version of "Satisfied Mind". The show was hosted by Jim Lauderdale who did a great job...and who ROCKS!!
Great night. If you're in Nashville, come on out to the Station Inn Sat. night 11/3 at 9:30 to see Elizabeth Cook (yours truly adding a few backing vocals) and to confirm my earlier statement about Jim Lauderdale rocking as he plays at 10:30.
Hope to see you there!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837782007-10-25T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00Independent Music Awards
<p>I am a finalist for a 2008 Independent Music Award for Americana Album of the Year. Please log onto www.independentmusicawards.com, follow the "jukeboxes" link, "hear and rate the finalists", then "view album finalists" (left side of page) to rate my CD and help me win the Jukebox vote!
This contest is sponsored by the Music Resource Group who publishes the Musician's Atlas. Artists who receive their awards are promoted to radio, journalists, performance venues, etc. through print, the internet, and compilation CDs. This is WAY more valuable than simply winning a cash prize which would, no doubt, be spent by the artist on promoting their product!
The fan rating/voting system is a separate contest where the winners of the popular vote receive similar promotion as the winners of the actual contest who are chosen by their panel of judges. So, if you have a minute, visit their site and give me a good rating!
Thanks so much for your support!
Donna</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837772007-10-15T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00Time for Radio
<p>I've started my "official" submission to radio, about 100 stations or so, in the U.S. and abroad. I've unofficially (whatever that means - nothing in my case) submitted to a few stations already and received a little play. But I have been waiting on press to make the blanket submission. I'm going with what I've got, press-wise, and getting this CD out there! Wish me luck!
If anyone is aware of any play I'm getting in the next few months, send me an email to the address under "contact". Thanks, friend!!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837762007-09-08T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00The Ultimate OMG Moment of My Life
<p>Well, if seeing Loretta Lynn sing "Coal Miner's Daughter" in a flaming red dress on the Opry while standing on the side of the stage...or seeing Crystal Gale sing "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" on the stage I just walked off of wasn't enough to make my head spin of late, I had the ULTIMATE thrill of a lifetime this past Thursday. I FINALLY, FINALLY got to meet my all-time idol, Pat Benatar, and see her perform. Believe it or not, I had never seen her in concert.
I had bought 2 of Gaylord's vastly overpriced tickets for the Wildhorse Saloon months earlier. ($65 for an unreserved folding chair). Good thing though, because it sold out. My husband was there on official business (I could tell you but I'd have to kill you) so that's how we got backstage. SUCKA's!!! No...we were legit. He did conduct bid'ness. And, yes, believe it or not, I DID behave myself and did NOT salivate all over Ms. Benatar/Mrs. Giraldo.
She and Neil were GREAT, very nice, very approachable. I asked her if she "signs things" to which she replied "yes, I do". So, I am now the proud owner of a signed (Pat and Neil) LP album cover of "Precious Time".
The concert was AWESOME!!! Neil is an amazing guitar player, lots of fun to watch too. Pat sounds great! My fantasy concert would be one of mostly album cuts. She has so many great songs that were not singles. But she mainly did her biggest hits. I enjoyed hearing some of those live more than I expected. I mean, I really don't need to hear "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" AGAIN. But hearing it and seeing it live is, well, a moment. Neil played the solo almost note for note, which is cool, I think. That solo, and so many of his others, are integral parts of those songs. If he strayed, it'd be like Pat not singing the melody. So, while I'm sure he'd like to play something else, it's cool that he doesn't. Give the people what they want!!! Give the little buggers "Hit Me With Your Best Shot"!!!
I did get one sublime album cut moment when they did one of my all-time faves, "Painted Desert" from the "Tropico" record. WOW, of all the album cuts to do...that song has always knocked me out.
They did a CMT Crossroads in Nashville a couple years back. It was Pat and Martina McBride. So, as anticipated, Martina came out towards the end of the show and sang on "Promises in the Dark".
As y'all may or may not know, I cover one of Pat's songs, written by Neil, "We Live For Love". That was from her first record, "In the Heat of the Night" and I wanted it on my first record. I had planned to give them a copy, but the timing didn't seem right. So, I'll still work on getting that to them. Maybe they'll give it a listen, and maybe like it. Or not.
What an amazing night I had. I can't even tell ya. I wouldn't be singing if I hadn't seen that woman on tv, and hadn't bought every one of those records, devoured and digested them. I often get compliments on my vocal range. What can I say? It comes from singing to all those Pat Benatar records over and over and over. Sure, there were many other female singers before and during that time period. But she's the one that struck a nerve in me.
I just love that woman.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837752007-08-27T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:20-06:00Beasley's Pinching Herself Again
<p>I've been fortunate to either witness or be part of a couple of REALLY cool shows lately.
The first was an Elizabeth Cook Opry performance on a Saturday night show which featured Loretta Lynn. It was a privilege and an honor to stand on the side of the stage and watch Ms. Lynn perform "Coal Miner's Daughter" on the Grand Ole' Opry in a flaming red dress!!! Especially since I had just watched the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter" for about the hundredth time on the very same day.
I had also watched "Walk the Line" for about the 20th time the same week and was a little awe-struck to see John Carter Cash hanging out backstage as well. I'm smart enough to know that a Hollywood version of someone's life is only a shallow representation of the real thing. But I'm still goofy enough to be impressed by it all.
I was fortunate to meet the famous Lynn twins, Patsy and Peggy, who had their own band called The Lynns for which my husband played guitar. Very nice ladies, both of them. As they both stood chatting with John Carter Cash, it struck me how as children of Country/Americana music icons they are members of an elite club. They have paid some heavy dues, no doubt.
Then, a week or two later I sang backing vocals for Elizabeth at a charity event featuring performances by some seasoned Opry performers like Connie Smith, Jan Howard, Brenda Lee, and Jeannie Sealy, and Pam Tillis. The highlight of that evening was watching Crystal Gale perform "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" and a couple other songs she absolutely sang the heck out of! (The other highlight was being offered pizza by Marty Stewart, which I politely declined but was glad to be asked just the same.)
I have to say, neither Loretta nor Crystal have lost a THING since their heyday as hit makers and chart-toppers.
I was quite pleased with myself as I was told by Vince Gill's backup singer "Boy, you sure do sing high"!
Two great nights, several great performances, a couple of indelible memories. Thanks to EC for inviting me along to the party, once again.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837742007-08-21T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00Anticipation...
<p>I am really looking forward to my gig tonight at The Family Wash, opening for Kylie Harris. You can check my calendar for the details.
I will have some fabulous people backing me up -- Tom Spaulding on guitar, Steve Mackey on bass, and Marco Giovino on drums. WOW, I am so fortunate to have a lineup like that!!!
It's going to be one long day of anticipation.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837732007-08-08T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00Hot Enough For Ya?
<p>It's 101 degrees at 8 o'clock in the p.m. That's what I call hot. I had to wait for 20 minutes outside today to catch a shuttle out of downtown Nashville. Toasty, it was. The poor ole' stray cat that usually passes through the yard offering little more than a quiet "meow" has been complaining loudly and begging for food and water. I think it's just too darn hot for her to get out and hunt down the major staple of her diet - those cute little backyard birdies we also feed. Hmmm, no wonder she likes to eat THEM, we're fattening 'em up for slaughter. At least they go to meet their maker on full bellies. What can ya do?
Fun gig last night. Click on "show past dates" on my Calendar page for the recap.
Stay cool.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837722007-07-29T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00So, What's Next? Why Aren't You Famous Yet?
<p>So, what happens when you make an independent record...it's finished, you've got your 2000 copies sitting in boxes at your house...what's next?
BOOK GIGS. "How hard can that be"? If you are an unknown artist and don't have a ton of peeps who will show up every gig, then gigs are tricky, especially in a major music center like Nashville. Bar owners need to sell drinks. Musicians who play with you need to be paid, even though, many times, YOU get paid nothing. I guess that's why they call 'em the dues. So, I'm grateful when people like Elizabeth Cook and Chelle Rose ask me to sing backing vocals at their gigs and people like Kylie Harris ask me to open shows for her. And I am BLESSED to be encircled by so many of my husband's fabulous musician friends who bring their energy and talents to my recordings and my gigs. These things help venue owners to eventually say "Oh yeah, I've heard your name before".
"Hey, when will your CD be in stores"? In order for that to happen, an artist must have a distributor. If you're on a record label, they handle that. But there are marketing and distribution companies – independent of record labels - who sign artists to their rosters. Many people believe that the role of the record label has become greatly diminished with the birth of home recording studios. If you can make a record yourself, do you really need a label, or just a distributor with a good marketing plan?
"Uh, when will we hear your songs on the radio"? With the current state of the music industry, probably never. The people you hear on your car radio have record deals with major labels, or strong independent labels, thousands, maybe millions, of dollars have gone into their career (and their record). Mainstream radio is now dominated by major players.
Luckily for us all there's satellite radio, internet radio, podcasts (what else?) playing a greater variety than what the mainstream rock, pop, and country stations in the U.S. are offering. Gratefully, some of these folks are playing a few of my songs. And I haven't really submitted to radio yet. Because I'm waiting on…
PRESS!!! You GOT ta have somebody besides your mamma saying "this music doesn't suck". So, you submit, pray, follow up, pray, and review the publications daily to see if you struck gold – somebody wrote about you AND they said something nice. BE FOREWARNED!! Most of them won't write about you or even listen to your CD and, if they do, they may not give you a good review. OUCH…but my mamma liked it!!!
So, that's the kind of stuff you do, rather, that's the kind of stuff I'm doing. The way isn't always clear. But you just keep shooting up flares and hope someone sees them. And gives you a lift.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837712007-07-16T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00Good Week!
<p>I'm a little behind, here. But I had a SUPER week the end of June. It started out with a bang, though.
I had a two day trip to Paris to join my husband on the road. Unfortunately, I went through travel H-E-L-L getting there. I flew into Miami (which seemed a weird way to go to Europe) in a storm. Upon landing, I learned that the airport was shut down due to weather. The plane sat on the tarmac for 2 hours for lack of a gate. The airport reopened, we sat. My plane to Paris left, we sat. The only other plane to Paris left while I stood in line for an agent. I was a whole 24 hours behind in leaving --no luggage all the while. There are many other sad details of my plight which I, mercifully, will not share.
Finally got there -- still no luggage. So, I was forced to buy hundreds of dollars worth of clothes in Paris. How sad is that??? Ok, maybe you're not feeling so sorry for me at this point.
However, once fate turned my way, it was m-o-n-e-y. At some point, everything became perfect -- all tentatively rescheduled plans, my husband's passport issues, our hotel room availability situation, the weather, the clothes...everything. I saw a terrific Aerosmith show, toured The Louvre, walked over the Seine to the Eiffle Tower, and, best of all, got to see my husband for the first time in 3 weeks. 48 hours in Paris.........a lifetime of wonderful memories. Can't wait to go back some day!!!!!!!
And to top it off, I get back and am informed that I made USA Today and XM Satellite Radio's Radar Unsigned while away. I will never doubt the gods again!! (At least, not until the next time I'm stuck in the same airport for 24 hours.)</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837702007-06-20T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00XM Satellite Radio's Radar Report - Radio Unsigned
<p>Thanks to Billy Zero of XM Satellite Radio's Radar Report for playing me on their Radio Unsigned program this week. They reportedly receive 500 CD submissions per week. I'm second on the list of 12 bands played. Cool opportunity, cool people, cool bands! You can find them at:
www.radiounsigned.com</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837692007-06-11T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00Airplay on the Miller Tells Her Tale
<p>A really cool radio program/podcast has added me to their playlist. This one is out of the UK called The Miller Tells Her Tale. Check them out for details on the when's and who's and where-to-for's. Looks like their MySpace is their most up-to-date link.
Thanks to Karen Miller!
www.myspace.com/themillertellshertale
www.themillertellshertale.com</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837682007-06-08T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00Airplay on Musictogousa.com
<p>I met some nice folks who have a cool website called www.musictogousa.com. They play music from independent artists like me. In fact, they play me! Looks like I'm number 9 on their chart.
The show airs on Saturday nights beginning at 7pm EST. You can visit the site and just listen to the music or you can set up a profile and chat. It only takes a minute to set up and you need only provide an email address. Bert and Ginny would love it if you logged on one Saturday night and requested a Donna Beasley song! Honest, they told me so!
Thanks to Ginny and Bert for all the work they, no doubt, put into such an endeavor just so people like me can be heard. That makes me get darn right teary!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837672007-06-06T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00Review Me on CB Baby
<p>For those who have the record, I'd really appreciate a short review of it on CD Baby. Once you go to my page, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click on "write a review". It may help others visiting my page decide whether or not to buy the CD.
Thanks for your help!!!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837662007-05-30T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00Update on Air America
<p>Steve Earle's Air America show mentioned earlier will air this Sunday, June 3rd. Check my previous blogs for the what-up on that.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837652007-05-30T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00Daily/Nightly Grind
<p>Feeling bogged down with the everyday grind of WORKING a music career. That means, in this day and age, spending countless hours on the internet looking for Americana/Alt-Country/Roots Music magazines, radio stations, and supporters of various kinds. It's a little discouraging to send your CD to a magazine that reportedly gets 100 new CDs a week. Or to hear that a leading Americana magazine only reviews 5-10% of CDs submitted -- and divides those numbers between major label artists, indie label artists, and self-released CDs. Some days I'm determined. Some days I want to bury my head under the covers.
For an independent artist, "releasing" a CD is pretty anticlimactic. Yes, you're immensely grateful to call it finished and to hold it in your hands. But from there, you send it out to a bunch of industry people who, really, just don't care a whole lot. So, forgive me for feeling like I'm stabbing at an iceberg with a toothpick these days.
I must say thanks to those who've helped me thus far. And to be fair, I know that all these people are overwhelmed with music. They have their job...but I have mine too. I guess I need to get into that "it's not personal and it's all a game" mode of thinking. That always seems to help.
Hubby is gone to countries I've never heard of, assuming the role of bass tech for Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith. I've started a new part-time job working for "the man" again. So far, so good. I just want to get PAID!!! Am slowing healing from a root canal on a cracked tooth probably due to night-time teeth grinding. OUCH!!! So, I'm just generally out of sorts right now.
Thanks to my friends and supporters out there. Sorry for the puny attitude. And to all those overworked music reviewers, magazine editors, and radio program directors I say a big BLESS YOUR HEARTS.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837642007-05-22T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00Air America & Last Night's Gig
<p>They tell me the Air America show is going to air in 2 weeks. So, check it out June 10, 10pm est, 9:00 central on the show's website, http://www.airamerica.com/steveearleshow/
Check out my "calendar" and "show past dates" for a recap of last night's show at The Family Wash. I also posted a blog on MySpace, if you want to follow my link on the "links" page to get an even more animated recap. (I was pretty hyper when I posted the MySpace blog. Now, I just need a nap.)</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837632007-05-18T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00Steve Earle's Air America
<p>I'm very excited to get a one-time play of my song "City of Devils" on Steve Earle's Air America show on XM Radio. Unfortunately, I don't know when it will air. But, if you're a listener of that program (Sunday nights at 10pm EST) then it will be on the show that features Elizabeth Cook as Steve's co-host. WOW...thanks to EC, Steve, and whoever else needs a thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to reach MILLIONS of people...gulp! (Ouch...I just pinched myself.)</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837622007-05-08T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00Where Are the Lightning Bugs?
<p>I was driving back home after a near dusk walk in the park and wondering "when are the lightning bugs coming?" Haven't seen any so far this year. I was also wondering if the mosquitoes are out yet. Only one way to test that. I did, and the answer is "yes." No lightning bugs, tho.
So, I went online and was reading about how they burrow underground during winter - guess they're still sleeping in their warm beds. I also read an interesting fact. There are only a couple of reported instances of lightning bugs lighting in unison. And one of these is in Elkmont, a gorgeous spot in the Smoky Mtns. This phenonmenon occurs the second week of June. Wish I could be up there in Elkmont camp ground to witness that!
My other lightning bug thought concerns a certain high profile country star with a recent album called "Fireflies." Besides the title track, the album features a song in which the artist lays claim to her Mississippi roots. Something that bugged me (no pun intended) about that record was her use of terminology. Wouldn't a southern, "Mississippi Girl" call 'em "lightning bugs" instead of "fireflies"? Seems a couple of online sources agreed with me on that one, stating that nearly 80% of Americans call them "lightning bugs" and that the term "fireflies" is mainly used on the Pacific coast and in the far north.
I guess I shouldn't let it "bug" me so much. Said artist wrote neither song. The songwriter on "Fireflies" is from Stoughton, MA (maybe they use the "F" word up there instead of "LB"). Further, "Mississippi Girl" was written by 2 guys - which, if I am not mistaken, automatically disqualifies them from being "Mississippi Girls" regardless of where they're from. I'll just file this under the catagory of often what-you-see-is-not-what-you-get, especially in here in Nashvegas.
Sure wish I'd see some lightning bugs, tho.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837612007-05-01T19:00:00-05:002021-05-05T14:57:23-05:00Elizabeth Cook CD Release Party
<p>Thanks to Elizabeth for letting me be a small part of her fabulous CD release party last night. I sang backing vocals on 5 or 6 songs. Be sure to check her out on CMT, GAC, in this month's No Depression, in the Tennessean's Living section, and coming soon, in Rolling Stone. In fact, that darned Elizabeth is everywhere these days. She's an overnight sensation. And it only took her about 25 years to get there.
As far as my own press reviews that some have asked about, that is a longgg process. Most magazines only publish once a month. And there are about 50 million CDs sitting on the desks of most reviewers. I'm just now submitting (since I just now have a CD!) so my little CD is somewhere at the bottom of the stack, hoping like "the little engine that could" that it will get reviewed and nice things will be said. So, that's how that works. So stop asking me when I'm getting reviewed! Just kidding. You can ask all you want. The answer is still "I don't know."
Anyway, this post is about EC's show, which was great. I can now say I have shared a stage with Rodney Crowell. That was cool! Uh-oh, back to me again, it's always about ME. Well, it was a fun show and a room full of musicians, artists, and beautiful people. Lovely, lovely. A good time was had by all, including, yes, ME.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837602007-04-27T19:00:00-05:002019-12-16T10:30:19-06:00Vegas, Baby
<p>I have had a wonderful 5 days in Las Vegas, my first ever visit. My husband has been on tour in South America for the last several weeks. He's back in the U.S. now, with several days of "rest" at Mandalay Bay on the Strip, before tonight's show.
Our "rest" has included a hike of Fletcher Canyon in the Spring Mountains, walking the Strip, and strolling Bellagio, The Mirage, and Caesars Palace. Yesterday was topped off with the "The Beatles LOVE by Cirque Du Soleil" show - a wonderful birthday treat for me!
We're such huge Beatles fans and I had bought my husband the LOVE CD for Christmas, so it was almost transcendental to see such beautiful and creative intrepretations of this music. A friend managed to snag us second row tickets. It was a once in a lifetime experience. What can you do to top a night like that? How about see an Aerosmith show tonight? That might do it.
I never really had any desire to visit this town. I'm not a gambler, all the lights, smoke, and noise of casinos...not my thing. But everyone should visit Las Vegas at least once. Save up lots of mad money (forget gambling - by mad, I mean the madness of spending $8 for a bottle of water) and GO...ENJOY. See a show, hike a canyon. My head is turned ON. It's a beautiful thing.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837592007-04-21T19:00:00-05:002020-09-05T06:26:30-05:00Beasley Music Therapeutic??
<p>I had a wonderful compliment today. My song "Rise Above" was included on a compilation CD a while back. From that, a therapist has begun using "Rise Above" at her Vanderbilt Hospital music therapy class. WOW! I was blown away by that!
When I decided to pursue a career in Psychology (short lived as it was) I did it because I had a desire to help people. Once I started writing songs about my life - struggles, sadness, insecurities, sometimes the good stuff too - I began to think that maybe I could help people through music as much or more than I ever did professionally in the psych field. Maybe I wasn't too far off base with that. Thanks to Terri Clement for letting me know that and for using my song! I am honored.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837582007-04-13T19:00:00-05:002021-05-05T14:58:44-05:00NEW CD!!!
<p>The CD is finally available! Wow, it has taken two years for me to be able to say that! Can I say it again? No, I think you get it. And, uh, I hope you will "get it." I hope lots of people "get it."
For an independent artist the challenge is to get your name out there and find people who are interested in what you have to offer. So, that laborious process begins now. But best not to look up at the mountain top when you're standing near the bottom. I'll just continue to take one step at a time. But forgive me for being proud of the GIANT step I just made. Now, hmmm, where to put all the boxes of CDs???</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60837552007-04-09T19:00:00-05:002021-05-05T14:56:11-05:00New Website!!!
<p>Welcome to my new website! It was fun to design. I have a little more control over this set up so that I can easily update it with news, musings, etc. I'll be adding more stuff later on. The record is brand spankin' new...so I'm still getting it to the press, still working on booking some shows, etc. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check back!</p>
Donna Beasley