Scream Geronimo and Take a Ride with the Space Apaches

Space Apaches rock the House like a psychedelic hurricane. What you get here is a combination of raw rock power—great vocals (a cross between Bon Jovi and Clapton), excellent screaming guitars and ripping riffs, powerful drumming, and some fine but not overbearing keyboard work.

This is a band I’d find hard to put in a box. Heavy tracks peppered with a couple of mid-tempo numbers, songs with a funky groove, and even some Allman Brothers references make this a tasty album with a lot to offer.

What I really like is the nod to classic rock throughout the performance. This is an album equally valid today as it would have been in the late 70s.

Some of the extended jams feel like Santana at times.

The songs are well constructed and sound like they’d be right at home on classic rock radio. I’d turn them up at a party. Stand-out tracks for me include the riff-driven  “A Song for the Rest of My Life,” “In My Mind,” “I Am the Six O’Clock News,” and the extremely bluesy and catchy “Smile,” which the band released as a video.

If you’re looking for band that hasn’t forgotten what it is to crank it up with some blues-based, out of control, funk rock stock, you need to grab the latest album “Smokin’ Voyages” by Space Apache. These guys are the real deal and here to seal the deal with this release.

Websites:
Space Apaches Website: www.spaceapaches.com

Space Apaches YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEhXOG_TOtDqs_7QzfYFCKw

Space Apaches SoundCloud Channel: https://soundcloud.com/space-apaches

Facebook Space Apaches:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Space-Apaches/280254098672450?ref=hl

Twitter: @spaceapaches

Instagram: https://instagram.com/spaceapaches/


Music Video Links:
Smile – Unlisted Preview Link: https://youtu.be/a3kT4NNuqC0
In My Mind - Unlisted Preview Link: https://youtu.be/8PVHjBkh7mw
Empty – Unlisted Preview Link: https://youtu.be/1u-cxactZO8
Maybe – Unlisted Preview Link: https://youtu.be/16H7eFuX8qk
Sunrise – Unlisted Preview Link: https://youtu.be/ts4fpVRoMpY

Members/Instruments:

Drums: Jim Arrendell

Bass: Rob Geisler

Key/Piano/Guitar: Aaron Price

Guitar: Andrew Reed

Guitar: Tom Leiner

Bio:

The Space Apaches create music that makes you feel good! Authentic music, recorded more like Steely Dan albums than contemporary productions. The Space Apaches is composed of talented Asheville, NC session (studio) players that put together really cool, meticulously-crafted rock music fused with a “spaced out” country vibe. The songs are upbeat and take you to a place of “feeling great!” They even do a few cool covers like “Just Dropped In” and a gothic rendition of “Ghost Riders in the Sky” guaranteed to increase your IQ algorithmically! One listen reveals the truth… Whoa!

The Space Apache’s primary objective is that of recording. As studio players, it is the work done in this setting that produces timeless recordings that can be enjoyed forever (Or as long as one is living on this plane with electricity!). The band members plays out a great deal with other artists, separately and in various combinations. However, a Space Apaches live performance event is an EVENT!  Virtually every aspect of the “experience” is meticulously considered…and it is this care that makes the joining of this combination of energies so magical!

A Rainy Day in Paris

 Elessar Thiessen's latest album "A Rainy Week in Paradise" is one of the best things I’ve listened to in a long time. This is the kind of music that stirs emotion and feeds the soul. This guy is a phenomenal and a singer who delivers the goods. In a musical climate where I feel there’s too much disconnection between the singer and the song, or songs that show no value in terms of craft, Elessar Thiessen shows me that all is not lost.

Some of my favorite sing/songwriters in this vain are James Blunt and Edwin McCain. I’ve missed that connection with the music from most of the artists recording today, and after listening to Elesser, I’m feeling that passion again.

The album is a mostly acoustic/vocal journey that offers up a smorgasbord of songs with lyrical depth and a range of emotions and textures that showcase the importance of the song as the star of the show. Songs like “Sister,” “I Need a Woman,” and  “I Don’t Wanna Go” are just amazing. I want to turn on my radio when I’m cruising down the road and hear these songs play on the radio. They take me back to a time when music and the music industry was more pure than it is now. They take me back to a time when music meant something, when music was special, when songs were written for people.

I highly recommend giving this a listen.

Websites
http://elessarthiessen.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ElessarThiessen
https://elessarthiessen.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/elessarthiessen
https://www.youtube.com/c/ElessarThiessenVideos
https://instagram.com/elessarthiessen/
https://twitter.com/ElessarThiessen

Music video links:
"A Rainy Week in Paradise" Album Release Listening Party
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWVsXFc3yYI

You Girl (feat. Alexa Dirks)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM7Vh_WWdHs

When the World Ends
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL60Zg6pKKQ

Bio:

Born and raised in the heart of Canada, Elessar Thiessen quickly learned to cope with the harsh climate. When he was forced to stay indoors due to the weather, Elessar was naturally drawn to music. He bought his first guitar at the age of 8, and has been playing and writing ever since. Casual in character and passionate in life, Elessar offers his own unique approach to the singer-songwriter of today. He spends his days in the studio working as a full time producer, and his evenings, sipping spirits, surfing and pursuing his own musical endeavours.

Honest and courageous songwriters, the ones that touch our hearts, have always had the ability to bear witness to the darkest corners of their souls and still inspire and uplift us. Elessar's newest full length album "A Rainy Week in Paradise" exposes us to longing, angst and agony, fear and shattered confidence, and yet comes through it all with hope and joy, rooted in love, truth and deep faith.

All songs on the album were written and produced by Elessar. Track 5 “You Girl”, features Alexa Dirks on lead vocals, and Jordan Jackiew playing the Organ and Piano. The supporting vocals on track 3 “Lover Dear” were sung by Catherine Wylee. Bass on the album was play by David Landreth. Drums were played by Cam Friesen. All remaining Vocals, Guitars, Organ, Piano and Programming were performed by Elessar. Mixing and mastering was done by Jordan Jackiew.

Elessar’s previous two releases consist of an E.P. titled “Head. Heart. Hands.” and a live  recording of the “Head. Heart. Hands.” release party which was recorded at Winnipeg’s famed West End Cultural Centre, titled “Head. Heart. Hands. - Elessar Thiessen Live at the Wecc”.

In addition to writing and performing music, Elessar also works full time as a producer. His craft has grown organically starting with his music production courses in high school under the tutelage of an award winning teacher and composer, Zane Zalis. From there Elessar ventured out, first on his own, and then under the guidance of juno winning producer Jordan Jackiew. Elessar now works as an independent producer but occasionally still collaborates with Jordan. He has done production work on a wide variety of artistic styles from hip hop to singer/songwriter to pop. You can listen to some of Elessar’s work at www.elessarthiessen.com/producer and go to www.elessarthiessen.com/credits for a list of artists he has worked with.

Universal Melodies

"Universal Melodies" is an EP consisting of four instrumental tracks all composed and performed by Nashaat Salman. While there are just four tracks here, each of the songs presented carries its weight. The arrangements are lush and the rhythms are distinct. Spanish, Mediterranean, and Indian influences permeate the tracks and create waves of sound that will pull you into a warm trance.

This is music to meditate by or music you can listen to when you need to wind down from a long, stressful day. Imagine being transported to other countries, immersing yourself in their sights and sounds . . . this is what "Universal Melodies" does for you. The melodies are as complex as the harmonies.

Listening to these songs consecutively is a treat for the ears and well worth the time. My only complaint is that "Dancing Star" is repeated in a radio edit format. I'm all for different versions of songs included on recordings, but not on a short recording. I would have rather had an additional song. For the most part, though, I would definitely listen to this artist again.

Find Nashaat Salman online


http://www.universalmelodies.com
https://www.facebook.com/Universalmelodies
https://twitter.com/universalmelo

Bio:
Nashaat Salman is a film and multimedia music composer, instrumentalist and orchestrator. An Engineer and Business Manager by profession who treats music as a side activity, Salman's career spans over two decades and he has composed music for a few programs for Radio, Television and other multimedia projects. His Universal Melodies project will be launched in 2015 with the release of the first (Vol.1) EP album

Nashaat studied Orchestration and film scoring at the Berklee College of music
But is an engineer and business manager by day with an MBA from the University of Manchester –UK ( Manchester Business School)

Punk Is Not Dead Yet

Louise Aubrie is a relic from the past with a fresh attitude. This is a very good place to be. Listening to her album Late 44 is like taking a trip down memory lane. With a voice that reminds you of both Blondie and Belinda Carlisle and songs that make you recall early Go Gos (the Gos Gos weren't always sugary sweet), this album is something of a tribute to the past while pushing the past into the future. Not really sure how old Louise is, but she certainly has a grasp of the 80s and what music was like at that time. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this isn't fresh. In fact, Louise has managed to take the best of the 80s music scene and turn it into something that sounds strong and valid today.

The first song on the album, Masterstroke, is a master opening number. It opens with a quick killer guitar riff and then changes pace as the vocals come in. You immediately realize you're listening to someone who can sing. You also realize you're listening to something that is at once familiar yet new.

Louise Aubrie is everything that's good about the new independent movement in music. She plays a type of music that might not be given a chance today by stuffy record companies that believe they know what the public wants to hear.

Please Don't Touch is my favorite track on the album with its driving drum opening and heavy guitar chords. Other standout tracks include Next to Nothing, The Perfect Battle Cry, and the soothing mid tempo ballad Candlelight.

All of the songs on the album were composed by Louise, which is impressive enough. Her lyrical depth and the melodies are inspiring. Her band is highly skilled. Late 44 is a perfect storm you won't mind getting caught up in.

This is an album you can spend your money on knowing it will be listened to regularly.

Tracklisting:
1. Masterstroke
2. Tearjerker
3. Perfect Battle Cry
4. Winter Dolour
5. Too Late
6. Next To Nothing
7. Kiss Of Life
8. Candlelight
9. One False Move
10. Please Don't Touch



Websites:
Official: www.louiseaubrie.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/louiseaubriemusic
Music video links:
www.youtube.com/user/louiseaubrie/videos


Press contact: james@independentmusicpromotions.com

 Bio:
Louise Aubrie is a London-born musician who splits her time between her hometown and New York City, bringing together indie post-punk roots with rock and pop melodies. Louise first started recording music at the famed Mill Hill Music Complex in London, and then over many years in New York surrounded herself by the best musicians in the city to establish her signature sound.

Writing all her own material, Louise recorded her highly anticipated third album, ‘Late 44’, in March 2015 at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, England. Further recording and mixing was at Knight Time Studios, the studio originally commissioned by Steve Lillywhite. The album features Tom Edwards (Adam Ant), Joe Holweger, David Ruffy (The Ruts, Adam Ant, Dexy's Midnight Runners) and Boz Boorer (Morrissey, The Polecats). It is produced by James Knight (The Kooks, Leona Lewis, Ellie Goulding) and was mastered by Denis Blackham at Skye Mastering. It will be released in summer 2015.

Louise's debut album, ‘Fingers Crossed...’, was released in 2010 to critical acclaim in both the UK and the US, receiving national radio airplay. The album was produced and engineered by Boz Boorer, who is regarded world-over as one of the pioneers of the British Rockabilly movement, and the long-term co-writer and musical director for Morrissey. The album was mixed by Cam Blackwood at Voltaire Road studios in London, who has worked with Florence and The Machine and Cee Lo Green, and was mastered by Dave Collins Audio in Los Angeles, former Chief Mastering Engineer of A&M Studios, and who has worked with Madonna, No Doubt and The Police.

In March 2013, Louise released her second album, ‘Time Honoured Alibi’. Louise worked with the same team on this new record, with Mr. Boorer once more at the helm, both as producer and as a co-writer with Louise on a new track. The lead-off single was the indie-pop track“Where Are You”, which featured in the Top 5 of Digital Radio Tracker’s National US Airplay Independent Charts and in the Top 10 most requested at Indie 104 iRadio LA. Since its release, the album has been picked up by a number of Commercial, Non-Commercial and College Radio Stations, and continues to be added to more playlists every month.

Interview with Gypsy Sister Annie Williams

Carl Hose: How did you come to be involved in the Gypsy Sister series and did you watch it before you did?

Annie Williams: Of course I watched! I will ALWAYS support my sister Kayla and the rest of my family! I was actually on TLC's My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding and they filmed my wedding! After that me and my family made guest appearances on other episodes. After that, TLC offered my sister and our cousins a spin-off, which gave life to Gypsy Sisters. I made appearances during the first season. After season one, TLC asked if I would be interested in becoming a cast member! And well, I guess the rest is history! 

CH: How aware are you when you're filming the show? Are you conscious of how you act and do you try to modify it for the cameras or are you just yourself?

AW: Yes sir! I am very aware of what's going on when we are filming! I am very conscious of what's happening, however, I can't be modified and I won't be! 

CH: How do you balance your personal life with your celebrity as a Gypsy Sister?

AW: I don't even know where to begin with this one! To be honest, from the beginning I had no clue how big our show would become, so I didn't really think about it, but now, I just have to learn as I go, and you know, so far it's going pretty good! 

CH: Do you run into a lot of people that recognize you from the show, and if so, how do you handle being approached in public places?

AW: Yep! It's like everywhere we go now! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE IT, but I still can't believe it's real life or that's it's actually happening to me! I know that the fans give us this chance, so I speak,

and take pictures with everyone! 

CH: You're active on social media. Do you prefer Facebook or Twitter, and how important is the relationship with your fans through these outlets?

AW: Both! I love being able to keep our fans updated with what's going on! It give us a chance to be ourselves and stay connected with them! 

CH: How do you feel about watching yourself on TV?

AW: Its funny! But I still find it weird seeing myself on TV! I still pinch myself every now and again to make sure it's real life! But again, I wouldn't change it for nothing! 

CH: Which of the other girls do you spend the most time with away from the show? Is there one that you seem to be in tune with more than the others?

AW: Of course my sister Kayla! We are attached at the hip! We can never go too long not talking or being away from one another! 

CH: How serious are you about gypsy tradition, particularly some of the superstitions gypsies believe in?

AW: Very serious! It's my life and my culture! It's what I have known my whole life! And yes, the superstitions are some of the most important to me, lol! You best believe I'm not playing with that! 

CH: What is your favorite and least favorite part of being on Gypsy Sisters?

AW: Beingaway from my family sometimes, and the long hours, can be difficult, but getting to make all of these memories and traveling with the family and my girls make it all worth it! And the love and support from our loyal fans make me wake up and say ok, lets do this!

CH: Do you have a favorite episode?

AW: The entire NOLA TRIP! It was flawless!! It was an experience I will NEVER forget!! Don't forget the fireballs! 

CH: Now some fan stuff. What is your favorite color, favorite flower, favorite food, and favorite TV show?

AW: My favorite color is pink! I love the pink rose ! I love my steak and potatoes! I'm a country girl! 

GYPSY SISTERS of course! But I watch a lot! Survivor! Sons of Anarchy! Big brother! And Nashville! Gotta give my friends over at Welcome to Myrtle Manor a shout! I LOVE THAT SHOW! 

CH: What can fans look for,from you in the near future?

AW: A LOT! We have a lot going on right now and you will just have to stay tuned for what's next! 

We have a Gypsy Sisters Holiday Special Premiering on TLC in the US on Dec. 11th at 9/8c. The Holiday special will Premiere in the UK on Dec. 17th at 9pm on TLC UK! 

Also, Kayla, Mellie and I will be in Charlotte NC on Dec 6th for Charlottes Gets F*#%* Weird The Billionaires Apparel's 4th Anniversary hosted by Get F*#%* Weird! Doors open at 9pm and we will be hanging out, signing autographs, taken pictures and partying with all of you! Don't forget to get your tickets today! Ticket information can be found on all of our Twitter and Facebook!  Hope to see you in Charlotte Getting Weird with your favorite gypsy girls!

CH: Thank you for talking with me, Annie.

AW: No, thank you for talking with me! Had a blast with this interview! 

Don't forget - Don't mess with me or my Gypsy Sisters!

Don't forget to check out some behind the scene and bonus scenes of #GypsySisters at tlc.com! 

Also follow me on Social Media for updates, events, and everything else!

 Visit  http://www.gypsyliciousbykayla.com to get the latest news and purchase your own Gypsy Sisters stuff.

Twitter: @anniejohnston12

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Annie-Williams/298078830397377

Don't forget to checkout Kayla's new YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/GypsyliciousByKayla

Interview with Gypsy Sister Mellie Stanley

Carl Hose: Can you remember how you were first approached with the idea of doing your own show, Gypsy Sisters, and what did you think of the idea?

Mellie Stanley: We were offered the spin off after our family done a couple of episodes of TLC's My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding. I thought it sounded fun! 

CH: In a season of, if I'm not mistaken, My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, you were stripping and Nettie showed up where you worked. It was pretty clear that was more upsetting to you than if it had been anyone else. Why?

MS: Because that's my Sister! I just didn't want her there! That actually happened on the first season of Gypsy Sisters! 

CH: You've come a long way since those days. What have been some of the biggest challenges in overcoming that part of your past? Do you feel you have to justify it or do you simply see it as a part of your past better left behind?

MS: I have come A LONG ways! But my past will always be there. I just had to learn some lessons! And yes, it's definitely my past, and I'm not looking back! 

CH: You've been called the black sheep of the family. Do you feel that is an accurate way to describe you? Is that the way you see yourself?

MS: In the beginning, YES! But the tides are turning! At that point I was because I was doing EVERYTHING I should not have been doing! 

CH: What is the most satisfying part of doing the Gypsy Sisters show for you?

MS: The time that it gives me to spend with Little Richard and the rest of my drama filled crazy family! But most importantly, I am in a better situation to take care of myself and Lil Richard! The experiences we have been able to experience so far make it all worth it! 

CH: Do you see a downside in the celebrity status the show has brought you?

MS: Nope! And let me tell you why! The way I see it, some will love me and some will hate me. I accepted that long ago. I may be seen as a "celebrity," but I'm still just the simple crazy girl that I have always been! 

CH: It's pretty clear to anyone who follows you how important baby Richard is to you. How do you balance being a single mother with the show's schedule?

MS: LITTLE RICHARD is and always will be my number 1 priority! I was filming before I got pregnant. So honestly, I just had to learn how to adjust to the scheduling of being a single mom and the scheduling of filming! To put it simple, I knew it had to be done, so I learned how to just do it. So far I can't complain! 

CH: Do you ever feel pressured to act a certain way on social media because you are so much in the spotlight?

MS: No! Because whether I'm filming or behind a computer or just shopping at the mall, I'm always Mellie! So honestly, what you see is what ya get with me! 

CH: What is one thing fans don't know about you that you'd like them to know?

MS: When I was a kid growing up I thought I wanted to be a lawyer! I NEVER thought in a MILLION YEARS that I would be on TV and have a show about my family! 

CH: What is your favorite, food, favorite color, and you favorite song? 

MS: I love Italian! Especially pizza! I like the color blue. I like everything when it comes to music! But right now I'm really liking Iggy Azaleas Black Widow! She tweeted about our show Gypsy Sisters not long ago! I think she is awesome! 

CH: Any special Mellie Stanley projects coming up fans should know about?

MS: YES! Lots of things are in the works! We have a Gypsy Sisters Holiday Special Premiering on TLC in the US on Dec. 11th at 9/8c. The Holiday special will Premiere in the UK on Dec. 17th at 9pm on TLC UK! 

Also, Kayla Annie and I will be in Charlotte NC on Dec 6th for Charlottes Gets F*#%* Weird The Billionaires Apparel's 4th Anniversary Event hosted by Get F*#%* Weird! Doors open at 9pm and we will be hanging out, signing autographs, taken pictures and partying with all of you! Don't forget to get your tickets today! Ticket information can be found on all of our Twitter and Facebooks!  Hope to see you in Charlotte Getting Weird with your favorite gypsy girls! 

Don't forget to check out some behind the scene and bonus scenes of #GypsySisters at tlc.com! 

Also follow me on Social Media for updates, events, and everything else!

 Visit  http://www.gypsyliciousbykayla.com to get the latest news and purchase your own Gypsy Sisters stuff.

Twitter: @iAmGypsyMellie

Instagram: MellieBaby25

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mellie-Stanley/1538089499739935

 Don't forget to checkout Kayla's new YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/GypsyliciousByKayla

Interview with Gypsy Sister Kayla Williams

Carl Hose: How do your start in reality TV? Did you do anything before the Gypsy Sisters?

Kayla Williams: Well, I was on a few episodes of TLC's My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding and the network approached me and the other girls about a possible spinoff and here were are today! And could not be happier! 

Carl Hose: Only one of the girls on the show is your sister. The other three are cousins. Would you describe your relationship with them as more sister like due to the time you spend together on the show?

KW: Yes! We have always been extremely close and because of that they have always been more like sisters than cousins! 

CH: During the last season your husband and you went through some serious stuff. Is that all behind you and can you say if you two are together or not?

KW: At this time I would rather not say, but I will say stay tuned....

CH: Do you have siblings other than Annie, and what do they think about you on the show?

KW: Yes, they are all back in North Carolina! And, yes, they love that I'm happy doing what I love! As long as I'm happy, they are happy! 

CH: You're extremely active on the social media scene, with Facebook and Twitter in particular. It's pretty easy for fans to keep up with you. How important is it to you that you keep in touch with fans?

KW: EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO ME! I know that it's because of all the fans that I am where I am today! Without them we don't have a show! So I can't leave them hanging! The fans have become a part of my family! 

CH: Of all the girls on the show, you seem to be the most grounded in what is perceived to be the gypsy lifestyle. How important are those traditions to you?

KW: Some of them are extremely important to me! However, some of them have to GO! 

CH: How difficult is it to juggle your role as a mother and celebrity? Do your kids enjoy seeing mom the TV star or are they used to it?

KW: Sometimes it can be challenging, but we are learning to slowly embrace the change! But I wouldn't change it for nothing! And of course they love seeing mom on TV, but to my kids I'm not a celebrity, I'm still just mom! 

CH: What is your favorite episode or what has been your favorite memory from the show thus far?

KW: To be honest my favorite episode and moments is when we decided to take the trip down New Orleans! I found myself again in NOLA. And we had such an AMAZING time! Would love to go back! 

CH: Do you watch every episode of the show?

KW: Of course! I actually started this season live tweeting and answering questions through Facebook and Instagram throughout each episode! The fans and I have a blast!! And it's always fun reliving those moments again! 

CH: What do you do away from filming Gypsy Sisters? What do you like to do to forget about the show?

KW: I go back to life without the cameras! I catch up with everyone and try to stay busy! We are always doing something! Events, meet and greets and other things! 

CH: I know you,have a line of clothing called #GypsyliciousByKayla. Tell us about developing the line and how people can get their hands on it?

KW: Yes! I am REALLY excited about this new project! It's still all pretty new to me and I'm still learning my way! But it's definitely coming along! I am involved 100% with all the designing and the whole nine yards! But to order for now you just have to get in touch with my manager Dustin! You can reach him at dustinpopebookings@gmail.com and get your #GypsyliciousByKayla products! 

CH: What can fans look forward to with the Gypsy Sisters and you personally?

KW: LOTS of FUN, SAD and MEMORABLE moments, and of course MUCH MORE DRAMA and BLING! 

And of course me and the girls will be back On Dec. 11th, 2014 on TLC at 9/8c for our very new Gypsy Sisters Holiday Special! So make sure to tune in! 

Holiday Special will Premiere in the UK on Dec. 17th at 9pm on TLC UK!

Also, Annie, Mellie and I will be in Charlotte NC on Dec 6th for Charlottes Gets F*#%* Weird The Billionaires Apparel's 4th Anniversary hosted by Get F*#%* Weird! Doors open at 9pm and we will be hanging out, signing autographs, taken pictures and partying with all of you! Don't forget to get your tickets today! Ticket information can be found on all of our Twitter and Facebooks!  Hope to see you in Charlotte Getting Weird with your favorite gypsy girls!

CH: Now some fan questions. What is your favorite color, favorite flower, favorite food, and your favorite TV show?

KW: I LOVE Pink! I love roses and I can't resist Japanese food! Right now I watch a lot of things! But my favorites are: of course Gypsy Sisters! I also really Like: Welcome To Myrtle Manor, Big Brother, Nashville and can't forget my main girl Here Comes Honey Boo Boo! 

CH: Thanks for talking with me, Kayla.

KW: No, thank you for taking the time with me! I had a blast discussing these moments with you!   

A Message From Kayla to the Fans: 

Thank you guys so much for all the continued and loyal support since DAY 1! You guys make these opportunities possible! Thanks for all the shout outs, follows, retweets, favorites and likes! It means the world to me! Don't forget to always stay true to you!

Visit  http://www.gypsyliciousbykayla.com to get the latest news and purchase your own Gypsy Sisters stuff.

Don't forget to check out some behind the scene and bonus scenes of #GypsySisters at tlc.com! 

Also follow me on Social Media for updates, events, and everything else!

 Visit  http://www.gypsyliciousbykayla.com to get the latest news and purchase your own Gypsy Sisters stuff.

Twitter: @KWilliams_Gypsy

Instagram: KaylaWilliams00

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kayla-Williams/619115041537670

Don't forget to checkout Kayla's new YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/GypsyliciousByKayla

John Mellencamp is straightforward on Plain Spoken

John Mellencamp has evolved logically and realistic on a songwriting and performance level since he took a walk on Chestnut Street and found himself caught up in some sort of incident. Not really sure what Mellencamp thinks of his material from way back then. I know I love everything he's ever done from every stage of his career. Simply put, from a songwriting and performing standpoint, this man can do, and has never done, anything wrong in my book. I love each of his albums for what they represent at the time they came out.

Plain Spoken is John's 22nd album and maybe the best of his career. I know that's taking a big leap because he's done some great stuff, but this album is truly a masterpiece. Reflective, honest, simple, and still catchy as hell. The first three tunes on the album, Troubled Man, Sometimes There's God, and Isolation of Mister are outstanding and set the tone for what is a highly addicting record. Seriously, I can't stop playing it. The Company of Cowards, Tears in Vain, and the social/political Lawless Times add to the beauty of this killer album.

The songs here are presented in a stripped down acoustic format, but don't let that deter you if this isn't your cup of tea. I love it, but some people feel that's a little too laid back. Well, guess what, not the case here. This is an inspiring album by an inspiring artist.

Mellencamp is ageing, sure, but throughout this album you realize he is the same guy that sang Authority Song, the same guy who has maybe rubbed folks the wrong way, the same guy who does it his way without compromise. That's the guy I love. Plain Spoken is the best record I've heard in a long time. If you've bought a concert ticket you already have this album because it came with the purchase. If you haven't heard it yet, I recommend you put it on your serious list of things to do.

Welcome to Byrdland

Carl Hose: I'm a songwriter myself, and as such,  highly influenced by the singer/songwriter genre,  particularly in the 70s. I'm sure you're familiar with the reference. Unfortunately, with a few exceptions,  I feel like the real singer/songwriter is disappearing.  You seem to me to have some of those qualities. How important is the craft of songwriting to you?

J.R. Byrd: Actually I think there are more singer-songwriter’s now than there ever have been. With that said, we do have to change the way we think about singer-songwriters. A lot of the biggest singer-songwriters could also be called pop stars, but I think at their core, they are singer-songwriters. I’m referring to guys like John Mayer, girls like Ingrid Michaelson. I’m not even a straight up singer-songwriter in the traditional sense. I enjoy dabbling in all kinds of music genres.

CH: You have a strong musical background from an educational standpoint. Sometimes excessive training can steal some of the joy of creating, but you manage to have fun anyway.  Do you feel like your musical education has been helpful to your progression as a songwriter and performer?

J.R.: Well, first of all, I’m a strange case because I got a degree in Jazz, which is quite different from songwriting. A lot of the music I performed didn’t use lyrics, so I think that’s what I struggle with the most. As far as an eduction in whatever it is you do, I’m always for that, whether you get that from a school or personal study. As far as excessive training goes, I think that’s imposible because everytime you sit down to play, you are training your limbs to do something, whether good or bad!

CH: Not sure your age,  but you seem to be fairly young.  Your songwriting shows a depth that usually comes with age. What do you attribute that to?

J.R.: My Dad! I grew up on baby boomer music, from the Beatles to Dan Fogelberg and everything in between. My dad doesn’t care for much of my generation’s music, but I think that just goes on into perpetuity. I try to mail him new music from time to time, in Compact Disc form like he likes it (and I like it too). I recently just sent him some Shawn Colvin and Sara Bareilles.

CH: I love the lyric choices you make.  Varied subject matter, great structure, super rhyme schemes.  Do you work your lyrics first and develop the music afterward,  do you keep a notebook around for lyric ideas, or does it all pretty much come together at the same time?

J.R.: Now a days I think of lyrical hooks and develop a song from there. Didn’t always do it that way, but I’ve come to the realization that the lyric is easier to put melody to than the other way around. I’ve never really kept a notebook, but I do write notes in my iPhone from time to time. Mostly I just write when I get the inspiration to do so.

CH: Do you fully notate when you write a song, work from a lead sheet, or just record your ideas and tweak them until you've completed a tune,

J.R.: Pretty much always start with a lead sheet. Often I’ll use that to write for strings or horn section later. I find when things have been notated errors will often look you right in the face.

CH: Is there a particular instrument you write with or does the song idea dictate your choice? Do you have a preference?

J.R.: I mostly write on the piano, although I have written some songs on guitar.

CH: How much time do you spend writing?  Are you the type that waits for inspiration or do you sit down and work on the music,

J.R.: I can write a song faster than I can record it so I just write songs as I need them.

CH: You have a band.  Do you write different songs for your band than you would write for yourself as a solo artist?

J.R : I play the same songs with the band although I play them a bit differently if I’m solo.

CH: Do you do much co-writing and how do you approach that as opposed to writing by yourself?

J.R.: The thing about co-writing is you have to give up half the control, which was hard at first, but I got on board quickly because I realized that I could come up with different sounding stuff than what I could have come up with by myself. So many great songs are co-writes by song-writing teams!

CH: How do you rate live performance compared to songwriting?  Do you enjoy one over the other?

J.R.: There is just no thrill like playing a really fun show. Writing is hard work and it hurts my Byrdbrain.

CH: Any particular writing or recording software you recommend?  What do you use and what is the minimum you recommend for a beginning songwriter who wants to record a decent demo at home?

J.R.: I use Protools 8 and a Digi003 rack with some decent microphones to record. It’s way cheaper to get some used gear off of ebay than going into the studio time after time. To write I just use my iPhone voice memo app and Finale to inscribe the notes.

CH: What advice do you have for songwriters just starting out?

J.R.: Use all the social media tools at your disposal to grow your brand. Think like a business. It’s not the fun part for me but I work on it a little bit everyday.

CH: What do you have coming up we can look forward to?

J.R.: I’m working on a concept album with Bob Paterno that takes place in the future where sports has become illegal.  Although it is a comedy, it will make you think!

Find J.R. Byrd online

Official website: www.jrbyrd.com

Twitter: @jrbyrddotnet

Personal Facebook: www.facebook.com/jrbyrddotnet

Musician Facebook: www.facebook.com/jrbyrdmusic

Reverbnation: www.revernation.com/jrbyrd

email: jr@jrbyrd.com