Thursday, August 27, 2009

Tim Tebow -- University of Florida Gator - Football force to be Reckoned With - Man of God

Well, a friend posted this video on Facebook and it touched my heart so I had to share it with all of you.

Mind you, if you know me, I am a UGA Bulldawg by osmosis. I watch the SEC games, I watch the draft, if I watch NFL games (besides my home state) my favorites are the teams with players that are UGA alum and those that serve the Lord. UGA has many players that love the Lord too, but I happened upon this video tonight and so even though Tim Tebow is a Gator, I am posting it. (I forgive Tim for being a Gator .. and aferall, he is a brother in Christ so ya gotta love him :)

Before I post this video, since it does have some Gator stuff in it too, I have to say .. GOOOOOOO DAWGS, SIC 'EM! WOOF, WOOF, WOOF!! (Kerri, this one's for you :)

Thank you Tim Tebow for being a true servant of God and sharing the love He has put in your heart!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Deep in the Heart of Texas -- Anna Thomas, Singer/Songwriter

I am unable to blog tomorrow, so today you get two blogs :)

People are always sharing with me the names of artists that touch their hearts for one reason or another. Sometimes that artist's name is not a household word, but he or she may be an aspiring musician following their dream or following the Will of God in their lives, as the case may be.

In the past few months, the name "Anna Thomas" has come up in conversation and has been shared with me on several occasions. Several people thought I should check out her music--which I did. I not only enjoyed Anna's music, but became interested in the person--a very mature and driven young lady. (Well, you know me -- I'm a people person and the person behind the music is what makes the music special, or not) This young lady is blessed with voice as well as a talent for songwriting.

I had the opportunity to interview Anna Thomas and would like to share with you what I learned in our chat, but first let me say thank you to Anna for allowing me to pick her brain so that others can get to know a little more about her and her music (and thank you to her parents for raising a grounded and beautiful daughter and special thanx to her dad for making the interview possible).

So world, meet Anna Thomas:



Q – Anna, For those who have never heard of you, can you please describe for me “Who is Anna Thomas?”

A- I am 13 years old and my birthday is in March. I was born in Memphis and now live in the Dallas Texas Metroplex. I am a singer/songwriter and love all kinds of music.

Q- How would you categorize your music for those that have not had the opportunity to hear it as yet?

A- It’s hard to give you one specific genre, but I guess it’s mostly Indie Pop or Indie Rock. I am influenced by rock, jazz, and pop music.

Q- I understand that one of your songs attained the number one spot on several music charts. Can you tell us a little about your song Trace of Light?

A. It has made several top ten charts on broadjam.com. It’s a song about hope and holding on through difficult times and trusting that things will be ok. For me my faith in Christ is what gets me through these times. I wrote it as a promise and as a reminder to myself not to lose hope. I was listening to Vanessa Carlton when the idea for the song came to me.

Q- What do you want people to come away with after listening to your music?

A – I want them to enjoy it and to be entertained. If they can relate or connect to the song in some way then that’s great too.

Q –How old were you when you realized that you were blessed with musical talent and how did you come to discover it?

A - In 3rd grade I was in my first church musical. I was afraid to take a solo but the director encouraged me to give it a try. I ended up really enjoying the experience and it boosted my confidence and made me want to try more musical things. I started realizing I could write at age 11 when I began taking music lesson from my teacher, Matt Gaskins. He was helping me with voice and guitar when I started showing him some songs I had written and we began co-writing and performing live over the last year.

Q – Did you have any musical influences in your family?

A – My grandfather is a musician and played on lots of music that came out of Memphis. He is a trombone player and played with the Memphis Horns and recorded at Stax studios. My dad also played in bands over the years and still plays regularly at church. My Aunt Kelly and my music teacher Matt opened a music school where I live called the Neighborhood Arts and Music School (NAMS). My mom is an artist, along with my sister, who writes amazing stories. My family is very creative and has always encouraged me to be creative.

Q – Are there any particular artists who have had an impact on you or inspired your musical style?














A – Switchfoot, Vanessa Carlton, Fiona Apple, Ingrid Michaelson, The Hush Sound, A Fine Frenzy, and all sorts of Japanese music.

Q – What instruments do you play, which is your favorite, and why?

A – Piano and a little guitar. I’m figuring some stuff out on the accordion and that is pretty interesting. I’ve found the keyboard to be most helpful for writing and I think one day it would be fun to get a keytar!

Q – What are the names of 5 artists you have recently played in your iPod or CD player and which one is your favorite in that list?

A- Regina Spektor, The Beatles, Adele, The Kooks, Switchfoot. Switchfoot is my favorite. I have memorized every song on every single CD of theirs.

Q – I can’t forget the standard “duo” question, so if you had the opportunity to record a duo with any artist of any genre, who would that person be?

A – Jon Foreman. No question!
(CathyAnne's sidenote -- for those that do not know who he is.. check out Switchfoot!)

Q – For such a young age, your lyrics are deep. Many of your contain particular symbolisms which seem to reflect a deep faith in God, is that where you get the inspiration for many of your songs?

A – Absolutely! I would say that most of my songs are heavily influenced by my faith.

Q – Is there anything in particular that you believe God has been teaching you lately?

A – I think He is teaching me not to be so hard on myself.

Q – Would you share how you go about writing your songs? Do you write both lyrics and music?

A – Yes I do. I have no particular technique though. I’ll either have something I really want to write about and then add a melody or I will have a melody stuck in my head and I will add words.

Q- Of your own songs, do you have a favorite? Tell us a little about it and why is it your favorite?

A – I have a couple. Right now I think Little Red and Trace of Light might be my favorites. I like Little Red because it’s upbeat and fun. I like Trace of Light because it is sort of my own personal testimony.

Q – Are there any plans to record a CD or to attempt to secure a record deal in the near future?

A - I’m sort of in the middle of working on a full CD right now. I have about 15 originals to sort through. I already have an EP that can be purchased online or at shows. I’m hoping to get the new CD finished so people can buy it before I lose my youthful charm! :)

Q – Are you currently concentrating your performances in Texas or will you be venturing on a tour at any time in the near future?

A – Right now it’s pretty much all in the Texas area. It’s definitely a goal of mine to play in Japan one day. I’ve always wanted to go there. But if you know of any gig opportunities, let me know!

Q – Have you considered trying out for American Idol? If not, why?

A – I have thought about it. But I won’t be old enough for 3 more years, and I am not a patient person. I just want to keep pursing music and doing what I love.

Q – When was the last time you cried and why?

A – Hmm…. Wow, I cry a lot! I cried at my church camp this summer almost every single day.

Q – When was the last time you laughed and why?

A – I laugh even more than I cry. I laughed just now!

Q – Where can people go to hear or buy your music now?

A – I am on myspace and facebook. www.myspace.com/annathomasmusic or www.facebook.com/annathomasmusic

To get to know even more about Anna, I asked her to answer one or the other of each of the following choices:

- Jeans or Dress: Dress – I have a lot of jeans though!
- Boots or high heels: High heels
- Dance or sit it out: Sit it out – I look incredibly awkward when I dance.
- Cooking or microwaving: Cooking – When it’s on my level.
- Coffee or Tea: Tea – I love me some Chai.
- Cheesecake or Fruit: Cheesecake - Depends on the flavor though.
- Waffle House or Cracker Barrel: Craker Barrel – Waffles are just too filling.
- Dog or Cat: I have both! I don’t want to make them jealous.
- Myspace or Facebook: Facebook
- Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:8

(CathyAnne's sidenote: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.)

You can check out Anna Thomas singing "Trace of Light" here:


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Anna credits her music teacher and now partner, Matt Gaskins, for pushing her and inspiring her to grow and perfect her talents. Matt has been an important vessel in Anna's life and she wanted the world to know that she is deeply grateful for all he has done and continues to do to help her achiever her dream.

Songs/Performances -- Bucky Covington, Elliot Yamin, and Jason Castro

ok.. so as a writer, I must be objective with respect to certain things, but since this is my blog, I can shamelessly promote those artists that I support. As I have said before, people that I am drawn to are humble, genuine, caring, without airs and pretentiousness, so whowouldathunk, but that also describes the artists that I prefer. (I have had the opportunity to see many artists behind the scene and the ones that think they are "all that and a bag of chips" sadden me because they have lost--or maybe never had--appreciation for "regular people" and for the fans that got them to the place they enjoy) (News alert to those "bag of chips artists": It was God that blessed you with that voice and because you chose to enter the entertainment industry does not make you better than anybody else)

That being said, let me shamelessly promote a few of my favorite guys:

Bucky Covington's new CD should drop in the next few months.. we are waiting and very excited to hear the new songs. On August 11, 2009, Bucky performed at the Opry in Nashville and Lyric Street recorded a little of that performance so I am sharing it with you here. (I would really love to hear this song on the radio more than I do, but I guess when we get closer to the release of the CD, then there will be a greater push -- if you listen to country radio, please request "I Want My Life Back")
here ya go:



If you are an American Idol watcher, than you know Elliot Yamin was on Season 5 with Bucky Covington and they became close friends. Elliot also is one of those good guys with a heart of gold so I thought I would mention his current song which is moving up the charts. Way to go Elliot!! (thanx for letting me know Buckymania!! love the new decor!)

I found a youtube capturing the song, but not a vid, enjoy: "I Can't Keep on Loving You" (courtesy of Shannn222):



I know I already mentioned Jason Castro this week, but he has a flurry of activity happening with the release of his new single "Let's Just Fall in Love Again" and his performance with Michelle Branch at The Grove in Los Angeles.
The video below was posted by PacificRimVideoPress on Youtube so I give them props for taping it and sharing with us: Enjoy!
(p.s. Don't forget to go to Jason's website and PRE-ORDER your CD and get your FREE download of the song! Check out www.jasoncastromusic.com

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Jason Michael Carroll - NEW VIDEO for Hurry Home

Jason Michael Carroll is one artist that I have seen more times than I can count on my fingers and maybe even more than if I added in my toes :)

(I'll tell you a little secret -- I did NOT want to like Jason Michael because when I first went to see him perform, I was there to support Bucky Covington, but after hearing Jason Michael and after meeting him, how could anyone NOT like him??)(Besides, Bucky already knows that he is special in my book)

Jason Michael Carroll is blessed with an amazing voice. If you read my blog, you know that I have said on occasion ...you just don't expect that voice to come out of that guy!!

Jason Michael writes from personal experience and so his songs are moving.

The last time I saw Jason Michael (which I haven't blogged about -- my bad! -- it was last month), he told us that the song "Hurry Home" on his sophomore CD (currently in stores), is based on a family experience -- his aunt left the family and was gone for about 13 years (to my recollection). The family never gave up hope and finally one day, she called home and came back to be reunited with the family.

The video for Hurry Home has just been released and it definitely delivers. I found myself tearing up watching parts of it. There is a part where all music stops and it is as if Jason Michael was singing directly to you.

Take a peek at the new video and fall in love with Jason Michael Carroll:

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Jason Castro .. chat, new music, and shows!


(photo credit: Darlin_Darlene)

If you missed the Live Chat that Jason Castro had this afternoon, you can see the recorded version HERE.

It's typical Jasonnn, honest, real, and funny. No airs -- what you see is what you get. Thank you Jason! (If you have to ask who Jason Castro is, then you have had your head in the sand this past year and you also haven't been reading my blog :) (I'll make it easy and tell you -- Jason was the third runner-up to Season 7 American Idol in 2008 that stole the hearts of millions and also became the brunt of nasty comments because of his laidback demeanor which stems from his deep faith in God)

Jason took questions from the fans which were previously tweeted and others that were tweeted in real time. I especially love Jason's answer to the question regarding what else he was passionate about other than music. But, I am not going to tell you what his answer was -- you will need to watch the video for yourself. :)

During the webcast, Jason also gave us a taste of what his new CD is going to be like by performing two of the new songs publically for the first time-- "Let's Just Fall In Love Again" and "It Matters to Me".

After the chat, David Archuleta (DavidArchie) tweeted Jason Castro to say: "@jasoncastro Heeey yooo I'm listenin' to your new single right now! Me likey!" (I'm with David, me likey too!)

You can listen to the new song LFILVA on the MP3 player on Jason's website and download it for yourself. If you pre-order the CD, you not only get a free download of the song, but you also have the opportunity to purchase your choice of a special bundle package with site membership and chock full of Jason goodies :)

Mosey on over to Jason's page for news and information such as the appearance tomorrow at THE GROVE in Los Angeles opening for Michelle Branch and an then the soon to be appearance at the Texas State Fair.

I am sure the official tour will kick off soon and then the true whirlwind of Jason's life goes into full speed. Be ready to be caught up in the flurry!!

If you would like participate in Jason's Street Team - hop on over to the official Street Team site to earn rewards and prizes for your efforts. Visit StreetPropaganda.net.

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Way to go Jasonnn! We are so excited for you and pray that God blesses you and that the Lord continues to speak to your heart and that you cling tight to him as you venture into the unknown and swim in shark-infested waters.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Jason Castro - Live Webchat - New Single - New CD!!

Ok, I'm sorry... everyone has been asking me when I will be posting another blog. I am sorry, yes, I have been quite lax on my blogging lately because I really have been extremely busy and just haven't been able to find the time to sit and post.

I do have a number of really good things to post -- several concerts and an interview or two. I will do that now that summer is winding down and the routine will be get back into the grove.

To make it up to you, I just had to jump on and post this amazing photograph of Jason Castro just tweeted by him. Is it the new CD cover? Perhaps? We shall see.

Also, tomorrow, August 18, Jason will have a VERY IMPORTANT WEBCHAT revealing some important and long-awaited news. (Hopefully, it will be the news that his new single will be available.. and the radio stations will begin to play it as well!!)
(That usually means the beginning of a tour and a few months of promotion before the CD will be available) Been waiting for the tour (I know he has already started performing on the West Coast -- Come East young man, come East :)

Jason will also sing new songs at the webcast!! Soooo "BE THERE OR BE ...A PARALLELOGRAM"

Join Jason and a whole lot of other fans, Tomorrow, August 18 (Tuesday) at 6pm EST www.JasonCastroMusic.com.

(If you paid attention, you will notice that I purposely repeated the date and time -- so hope to see you there!) (if you can't make it, check anyway, sometimes they record the chat and leave it up for people to view)