James Dupre’s Debut

What do you get when you mix Waylon Jennings, Blake Shelton, and add in some soul and blues? You get Louisiana native, James Dupre who is releasing his debut album, Stone To Death. As someone who loves country music, I appreciate all the new facets of country that we are being handed. As someone who grew up on Brooks and Dunn, George Strait, Shania, but also had some Dolly Parton and Randy Travis in there, I have a deep love for old country, and that is exactly what Dupre is bringing to the table. He mixes his contemporary time in country with his old country sound, and it is brilliant.

Many of you probably recognize James from his four-chair turn around audition on The Voice where he absolutely killed his cover of Hootie’s “Let Her Cry,” a song I still look forward to in his set every time I am able to see him live. When his journey ended on The Voice, James took time to write and record songs that really spoke to him as an artist. After listening to the entirety of Stone to Death, I can say the wait was absolutely worth it. No song is bad; in actuality every single song is incredible. The album starts with a good pick me up, “Green Light” and tells a story all the way through; whether that be about a small town living or falling in love with the right and the wrong person.

Produced by Jordan Lehning  (Nashville show music compositions, Kacey Musgaves’ Pageant Material) the album brings every aspect of who James is as an artist to the table. Between the production, song choices, and James’ voice, this album is one of my favorite recently released albums. It makes me want to sit around a fire with a beer and my friends, much like I used to do when I jammed to George Strait with my family and friends.

Below, I talk about my favorites on the album, which is probably going to be half of the album, but these just stuck out to me. Every song is good, every lyric is powerful, and James’ voice is every bit if not more talented than when one of you may have seen him on Ellen, and others on The Voice.

The album begins with “Greenlight” a song that talks all about living in a small town, a place James knows much about. It is the perfect song to to begin this album, because as a small town Louisiana boy, that is where the dream started. As a Louisiana girl myself, I love songs about living in the South and appreciating the cultures around you, which is exactly what James does in “Someday Today.” He recalls being in New Orleans, and seeing that lifestyle in everything he does, and everything he sees.

For the song, “Lonesome Alone” I never not jam and dance in my car. It is about a guy who misses the girl he used to be with, and thinks of all these crazy ways to show he misses her, but realizes that “going with a simple knock” may do the trick. It is extremely catchy, and is on the top of my list.

The next song is my ABSOLUTE favorite on the album for many reasons. I am a fan of broken down songs; some of my favorite songs are acoustic versions. “Hurt Good” written by Mike Mobley, Jessi Alexander (“I Drive Your Truck”), and Travis Meadows (“Mr. Misunderstood”, “Riser”) is that song you just replay. He starts with “You’re a twisty road, that I can’t undrive. You’re the perfect knot that I can’t untie and I don’t want to try…” Right there, you know this is a complicated situation, but when the chorus goes away he forgets all about it, “Come on, crash my bed, girl wreck my head, do me all night long, do me right, do me wrong…” He describes that longing for an old love that every single listener will relate to.

The next song is another one at the top of my list. “Whatever That Was” is a song that I feel like is the most relatable. We all have that relationship, where we weren’t a couple, but we knew there was something there. He sings, “Never quite lovers, but more than friends. Maybe that’s the best thing we could’ve been, cause what never starts, never has to end.” This line gives me chills every single time. It is that moment when you realize, you want to be with that person, but can’t. You rather just stay the way things were, then risk anything else. Dupre puts the emotion of longing and acceptance perfectly.

The next song on my list is my absolute favorite along with “Hurt Good.” Yes, I realize I have said that about many, but listen to this album. You cannot blame me. “Perfect Time” is the song that I have gotten all of my friends obsessed with. It is about that relationship that was great, but only lasted a little while. You were happy, nothing really went wrong, but it just wasn’t the one. He sings, “I know we were never meant for tomorrow, life was only letting us borrow each other for a little while.” There is never more genius than that. It is simple, but speaks volumes. “You’re gonna find, we were perfect for the perfect time.” This is how every person wants to feel when they end a relationship. James sings this song in such a sincere way, that you feel exactly the way he does. Again, something he is extremely good at.

This album has my heart for many reasons. It brings me back to the country music I grew up listening to, and gives me such encouragement that this kind of country is coming back. I love new country, but I love that James dives into the old sound, because country music is about all kinds of sounds; that includes old country coming back and making a stand. I really encourage all of you to listen to this album, listen to the words and the melodies, and feel the emotions James feels. It will bring you back to the days of your childhood, and bring so much joy to your ears.

 

 

Carrie’s Faith In Media Matters

If you know me, you probably know I am one of the biggest Carrie Underwood fans out there. I have no shame in saying so. If you ask me why, I will of course tell you her voice, her classiness, her concern for the world around her, and her songwriting. However, as I grew up with her as someone I thoroughly enjoyed, I realized there was another reason I really looked up to her. Her faith. She is someone who has lived out her love of Christ no matter what the media says or criticizes her about. She knows God is the reason she is doing what she is doing, and she never strays away from that.

Our world and society right now is based off of relativism, what you believe is you and what I believe is me, conversation done. I am not the biggest fan of this, right now there is a lot to be concerned about. Carrie Underwood is one of the biggest Christians the entertainment industry has, and she doesn’t run from it, she embraces it. In an interview not long ago, the interviewer asked her what she wants to do with her career, and her answer was one I will never forget. She responded with, “If I can bring one person closer to God through my career, I have done my job.” In another interview with Oprah, she and husband, (NHL Predators player) Mike Fisher, talk about the role that faith plays in their marriage, and in their life. They recall how right after he proposed they prayed together, but even before as they dated, they would make time to call and pray together. This is something you do definitely do not hear about in celebrity marriages, and many reasons they probably fail. They based their marriage on faith, and not the glamour of the celebrity world. They understood their careers are not who they are, but who they are is who Christ made them to be. I remember watching this, and just being in amazement that two people like them have no issue with answering this question with no hesitation. This is the right way to do it. These are not answers you hear often, but one that Carrie, and Mike as well, uphold in all that they do. She was given this platform for her voice, but her talent was given by God, and He knew exactly what he was going to use her talent and voice for.

A few years ago, Carrie Underwood was honored as a part of the ACM’s and she invited Vince Gill on stage with her. She performed her own rendition of the classic gospel hymn, “How Great Thou Art.” If you are like me, when I even thought about this performance, I went and pulled it up, because it NEVER gets old. Anyway, that performance was a game changer. Millions and millions of views later, people could not and still cannot stop talking about it. A few appearances later on a television interview, Carrie recalled when Reba McEntire came up to Carrie after she performed that and said, “thank you. You just sang about God on national television.” Carrie says she didn’t think of this as any big deal because it is something she is used to doing and didn’t think twice about it. This is why Carrie Underwood is important to the faith in the media. She is using her voice for good, and is not ashamed to sing on a national broadcast about the Lord and the faith that he gives her.

If you live under a rock, and don’t know what I am talking about:

 

More recently, Carrie performed on the American Idol finale. Instead of singing her newly released single or something like her MEGA hit “Before He Cheats” she sang her hit, “Something in the Water.” Not only does this song prove every reason she was Season 4’s winner, I mean have you heard her sing, but she again used a performance to praise the Lord who gave her the opportunities from that stage to where she is now. At the end, she mouths, “praise you Lord,” which fans all over Twitter were posting about. Not only in her performances, but in her acceptance speeches, the first person she thanks is her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Fans take notice, media takes notice, but it is not about being noticed, it is about being genuine.

When you look back at her career, her first single was “Jesus Take the Wheel” which so many said was risky. She never looked back and it is one of her biggest hits. When I saw her two nights ago, the first note of that song played and people could not stop cheering. Many raised their hands and sang every word back, it was like her own choir. In that moment, the faith of Carrie and the audience was evident. In a prior album, she was inspired by Mike to write “Temporary Home.” A song about how life on Earth is just temporary, we are going to a bigger home. Not only did she record this for an album, she released it as a single and performed it on the ACM’s. She never let the media tell her otherwise, she did what she believed was right.

This post is not just to praise Carrie for her faith, but to inspire each and every one of us to do the same. There are a lot of celebrities who use their career and talents for the good along with Carrie such as Hillary Scott, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Candace Cameron Bure, and many more. We may not have the huge awe worthy voice Carrie has or the platform, but we have our platform that God calls us to use. Whether it be in the classroom, in your work space, or in your group of friends and family, make sure His will and His Word and love show in all you do. Make sure you don’t stand down when the world is telling you to. She could easily straw away from mentioning faith, especially with how much media pays attention to her. Instead she lets the media know that she is a faith filled person who gives her thanks and praise to Christ. This is inspiring to me, and I am sure to many fans around the world.

That video of her singing reached millions, and while the world right now is saying keep your mouth closed about your faith, there is a reason people watch it over and over. People want hope, they want faith, and they want to know God is there. While society goes against that and says that we make our own happiness and hope, there is a reason everyone prays when tragedy hits, there is a reason people want more. It is because He is the answer. We are not the answers to our own issues, He is. Carrie is an inspiration in many ways as someone who loves the music business, but wants to live out her faith to the fullest. I was told the other day how great of a role model she is for young girls. She embraces that, and I agree. I agree that she is a role model, because she makes fans remember it is about Him, not her. This is so important, especially for young people who look to her for advice. Right now, culture has young people looking to their favorite celebrities, and while this is already not the greatest thing to do, Carrie uses that knowledge to change the outlook. She wants fans, young people included, to know that while she loves their support, she wants them to know there is more out there. Instead of listening to our favorite celebrities about politics, and how to make decisions, we need to realize that following in their footsteps is not what we are called to do. We need to walk in His. In our life we need that realization. We are given the blessings and opportunities, but it is through Him. We all need to realize this, and make the most of it.

We may not be in the media, we may not be on the ACM’s, but we are in our own purposefully given platform, and God knows exactly how we are supposed to give His praise and spread His love. Let Carrie be an example, and let us become that example to those around us. Let us use our voices and our talents for His good, and not let any one keep us away from that. It is something I have to remind myself about, and I am sure everyone else struggles with it as well. We just have to be solid in our faith, and continue to learn and be brave in our journey.

Change is A Good Thing.

If you are like me, you just said that title in a Luke Bryan voice with the song, “Rain is a Good Thing” melody. If not, well that is okay too.

I remember when I graduated in December, I kept preparing myself for all the changes that were about to occur. Thankfully, nothing really changed right away. I say thankfully, because I was able to graduate and still enjoy time with the people around me, and somewhat get used to adult life. Now, how used to adult life I am at this point? Not much at all. It is not easy, people. Not easy at all.

However, right now I am seeing the changes start to prepare to happen. Last night on the phone, my friend called me and listed all that would be different in a short amount of time. All I could do was laugh, because well that is the only way I could react. It is kind of funny to think that we are all having major panic attacks, but the reality really did hit. I had to remind myself this was all a good thing, a very good thing.

I was one talking to one of my best friends the other day about life, plans, and what comes next. Lately, I feel like that is the subject of every conversation I have. If I am not having it with another person, I am having it in my head. If I am not having it with myself, I am having it with God. It is consuming, tiring, exhilarating, and scary. Change is all of these things, and more. In the conversation we were having, he asked me if I was full of fear for what I really wanted? Do I just accept things so that I am content? Do I not taking chances out of failing? Was I going to be complacent if I didn’t do what I wanted, or would I look at life in a year and ask myself “what if?” He then proceeded to make me watch the Jim Carrey graduation speech, which hit home. I highly recommend it, if you have yet to watch it. (Link below) These questions are not fun, warning, PSA…they are not fun, but do not run from them. That day talking to him in the car was a reality check I have been needing.

College does not teach you what the real world is going to throw at you. Insurance, taxes, all these daunting things are thrown at you when you are looking to be an adult, and yet you know nothing. You hear your parents talk about it, but no one ever really pays attention. It sounds boring, so you go back to doing whatever fun thing you were doing. It is not until you graduate and enter the “real world” do you realize you probably should have listened a little better. It is up to you to learn everything you need to know. It is up to us to make mistakes, how else will you learn?

You learn about change through change. It is not until we are faced with challenges and see the results do we understand why these changes occur. We find ourselves questioning God, trying to understand why things are happening. However, He knows exactly why. He knows the plan, we do not. Change is necessary to growth. We cannot grow and get away from our comfort zones if we do not have things in our life that shake it up, or make us move and take steps.

Change is coming for me, and it is coming for you. I have a good feeling when you read that either fear rose in you, or your chest closed up and you had an anxiety attack. Typing it was not easy either, trust me. I want to be able to see my friends and family when I choose to, go to my favorite places, I want to do what I know I am good at, but that is not what God is calling me to do. He is calling me to do more, to be more, to be who He made me to be. Scary, but yet so so cool. He wants us to be the best versions of ourselves, so He installs change into our lives to keep us growing to that best self.

I am excited to see where I go, where all my friends go, to see us all be exactly who we were made to be. Whether that be in our job, relationships, both; wherever God chooses for us to go, I cannot wait to cheer them on and see the great places we are all meant to go. Change is good. We must not forget that. It is something that brings more beautiful things in our life, and you really can’t say that is a bad thing at all. Just trust Him, know who you are, and gladly accept the greatness that change will bring. Even if it seems terrible right now, there is a greater purpose, so know that and love Him, and love yourself. It all will make sense.

 

Why My Friends are My Siblings

Growing up as an only child, I had many moments of learning to be by myself. I knew how to play by myself, how to enjoy watching movies alone, and to travel with just my parents. I had a great childhood, and I have never had an issue with being alone. I have step-siblings and a half sibling, but they are all older. Sure, it was great to have them and they are awesome, but I never lived with them. They were there only every now and then. I didn’t have that sister to talk to about boys or that brother that could beat up a guy for breaking hearts.

That is when I learned the true value of loyal friends and the importance of friendships in my life. I had always heard the expression some best friends are siblings God forgot to give, and I truly believe that.

Growing up, I went to a small all girls high school and my class of 29 was pretty close. We all knew one another, knew each other’s stories, and families. It was like no other community, and I was super thankful to have them all in my life. Some of those girls and I are still close, and will catch up when we are the same city. Some will be my bridesmaids in my wedding, and we will never lose touch. It is a bond I am forever thankful for.

However, college brings all new challenges. Your classmates are not with you for long periods of time, they are not in every class with you, and you are not necessarily forced to be with them. Forced being a term I use lightly, because the girls were people I would love to be around regardless. However, in college you don’t know people or their stories unless you put the effort in. It is up to you individually to make friends and find people who you click with. College taught me a lot about my huge motto:

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY.

This is such a big lesson I have learned over time. You can have a group of twenty friends, but if there is no honesty or loyalty behind those friendships, what are you really doing in them? Put God loving, driven, kind, passionate people in your life or even just one person, and your whole perspective of friendship changes. I have been super fortunate to find these people. I have some of the most incredible friends who have literally become my family. Whether they live in California, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, or will be moving in the next few months, they each have a special place in my life.

I have the girls who will tell me how it is, and the guys who will tell me to shut up and move on. It is something I truly love and appreciate, because you need those people. You need the people who are not afraid to tell you how it is, and not sugarcoat anything. You need the people who you can call at 3 AM because life is tough. You need the guys who are like the brothers that will death stare or even beat up a guy for hurting you or trying something stupid, or who will make a guy’s life somewhat miserable for whatever ridiculous thing they choose to do. You need the guys who will help you decipher whatever weird or crazy thing a guy texts or says, because well we all know girls never really truly know what a guy is thinking. You need the girls that are the sisters I can call and get either super excited about life with, or just have a heart to heart because life is getting way too overwhelming. You need the guys and girls who will jam out and eat Canes with you at 3 AM. They all support me in their own way, and each has a specific spot as to why they are important to my life.

I firmly believe that God sends people in your life for a reason. Some will stay, some will leave, but they are there to teach you a lesson. Each of my friends have such different personalities, but their hearts are golden. They came into life right when I needed them. God knows exactly what we need. He did not necessarily give me siblings that were always around, but he gave me those I have who are wonderful, and then gave me a bonus with the people that He chose to put in my life as friends. Their families become my family, and their hearts become something I cherish wholeheartedly.

My friends are literally my siblings. My parents love them equally if not more. Ask them, they will absolutely tell you the same. I am super thankful for each of them, and their hearts in my life. Just like if you have a sister or brother, you know exactly what I mean when I say that. I really couldn’t do life without them. As an only child, you understand even more about friendships and why authentic ones are so relevant and crucial. You understand what really makes a friendship work. You began to really understand why surface level friendships do nothing to enrich your life.

So even if you are not an only child, find your best friends in the best people. Let them challenge you as much as you challenge them. Make sure you pick friends who make you a better person. Those relationships will help form you into the person you become, so make sure you become someone you are proud of.

What Comes Next?

This is the never ending question. Whether it is me asking myself, my parents asking, my friends, or people in passing; it is the question that always comes up. It is never any annoyance for me to answer, because I totally get it. I love to know about people’s lives, and in some regards that may be what starts the conversation with someone new. It has happened even more with graduation occurring. People want to know what comes next, what will you be doing, will you be here or moving? My answers usually stay the same, but the never-ending one is “I don’t really know, I guess we will see what God has planned.” This is no getaway from the conversation answer, it is what I truly believe.

Of course the most pressure to answer this question is on me from myself. I want to know that I am doing what I am meant to do, and that is a whole lot of pressure. So many times I find myself jumping into what is next, instead of just living in what is now. It is something I have dealt with since I was little wanting to know what activity was coming next, as if coloring was not easy or fun enough. Lately, I have been better about just being with my friends in the moment, and enjoying the many blessings God has brought into my life. It is a good feeling. However, it is an overwhelming feeling to think I need to figure out how to be an “adult.” I put quotes around that because who truly knows what being an adult is. I know so many adults who still have a child like nature, but pay bills and do taxes. Adult is just a word to describe another part of our life. It is a lot more responsibility, but a lot of times people just see it as an age, but it is truly up to us when we start “adulting” as we call it.

I would love to know what I am doing next, but I know it is not up to me. It is up to Him. Realizing that is probably the biggest challenge, but yet the biggest comforter there is. He has the plan made up for me, I just have to live everyday in His Word and His glory. That is much easier said than done, but to acknowledge it is already a good step.

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

No matter what I do, I am made to glorify Him. This can be in my friendships, relationships, job, whatever it may be, I have to do it for Him. That is why my answer has recently been to the question, “what comes next?”…I say, “I don’t know..” but I add….”it is up to what God has in store for me.” If I am not doing things with Him in mind and for His glory, then whatever I am doing is not right and not my true vocation.

This can even be with being single. What comes next does not have to just be a job, it can be a “so dating anyone…?” For the record, no I am not. Is that okay? Absolutely. It is not my time to date anyone. God has other plans for me right now. I am in the state of being single to do whatever He needs me to do. Being in a relationship is one of the best feelings, I know this. I have friends right now who are in such amazing stages of their relationships, and I love it. I love hearing about it, I love being around them (because, yes I third wheel often), and I love being being a witness to who God brings together. Don’t get me wrong, there are days where I would love to have someone to lean on, someone to do things with, and to be there for me. That is human nature; however, I know settling is NEVER an option. That word honestly scares me. Never settle. Know that if you are with someone, you are in a season of your life that God has brought you to with someone He brought for you. If you are like me, and are single, that is great too. Give your time and yourself to Him, like you would do any boyfriend and let Him bring you the perfect person. He knows, you don’t.

What comes next? I don’t know. I would love to know. I would love to know what my job will be. Who I will marry. What people will stand by me during that time. It is all up in the air and something I cannot predict. Right now, what comes next is whatever is supposed to. Every night I pray to God to lead me down whatever path I am supposed to, and that is what comes next. Whatever steps that path entails. And while doing so, I pray for patience, for guidance, and for love from Him because He will provide so much more than I can imagine.

Lauren Daigle Interview

 

It is probably one of my favorite things in the world to talk and hear all about someone’s dreams. You see them light up or you hear it in the way they speak; that their passion is such a large part of who they are. It is even more exciting when those dreams coincide with talking about faith and the love and passion God has in people’s hearts and in their everyday lives.

I had the chance to talk to award winning now Grammy nominated Christian artist, also Lafayette native, Lauren Daigle recently. I have been super excited to talk to her about her music, her faith, and her journey from Lafayette to Nashville. Sidenote: Then the day before I was scheduled to talk to her, it was announced she was nominated for a Grammy, so I knew our talk would be even more exciting.

I was so thankful she was able to fit me in during a crazy time where she was on the Adore tour with Chris Tomlin and Crowder. When we got on the phone I freaked out for her, then we both freaked out together. It was a phone call full of freak-outs and tons of fun. Her energy is probably one of my favorite things. You just can hear the love she has for what she does in every answer, but also the message God is pouring through not only her, but her talent and music she sings every night.

We talked about Grammy nominations, that incredible Christmas song that was being shared all around Facebook, college life, and living out the faith in every way possible. This interview will give you a glimpse into the beautiful person that Lauren is and the incredible things God has working through her. Enjoy! 🙂

 

Congratulations on the Grammy nomination, that is SO huge. Finding out, what was that day like for you?

Well I was asleep in my bunk, and my road manager came in and woke me up to get my phone, because she knew that people were trying to call and text me. I got up, and was panicking. I’m like somebody got in touch with my other managers to tell them something is wrong with my parents or my family, and now my other managers are contacting my road manager to make sure that I get they my phone before I find out, so that I don’t find out on my phone. So she is taking me out to the front lodge to tell me all this news, like ok. It was something funny at first, like my mom showed up to surprise me or something. But then I was like ok, wait my mom is not in the lounge. What is going on? Then she was like, ok, Leigh (manager), you are on speaker, tell her the news, and it was that I got the Grammy nomination. I was like, “oh phewwww, that is a lot better than I was thinking.”

Right, it was like no one was in trouble.

 Right, exactly. I had to look at her at some point and say is it good or bad thing. Are you about to tell me something bad? She was like, “no, no, it’s good.”

SO so good. You deserve it. That album is unbelievable.

Aww thank you so much, I appreciate that. It was crazy making it.

I bet, were you a songwriter all before?

Yeah I would write in Lafayette by myself all the time. I never wrote co-writes and stuff though.

Did you always write Christian music?

Oh no. I would write worship music just driving around sometimes, and a song would come in my mind, so I would record it. I would really write singer songwriter kind of stuff the most.

Yeah, we try to write here, and it is not easy to do. I always wondered if Christian music was harder to write, because it is more putting your heart out there.

 I feel like Christian music is way more difficult. I don’t know. I can write a pop song in like a minute, like really I can write a full song in like 5 minutes. But for some reason, when it comes to Chritian music, sometimes it takes me days to write one song.

It would probably take me months…like I think you have to put your heart out there sometimes and God has to put it there first.

It is hard to phrase things while staying in a safe bubble, you know? It is easier to phrase things in pop music because the world is at your fingertips and you aren’t necessarily considering everybody’s opinions. Which sounds silly, it should be the opposite, and it should be different, but it’s not. In Christian music you have to be cautious about the way you say things, and the way you phrase things because it may be theoretically wrong or people might have opinions about it that you didn’t even know were there.

Yeah, you have to be more careful. Like in pop music, no one cares, but in Christian everyone makes every move you make and you are doing for such a bigger purpose.

 Totally. And like with pop music and stuff, it is more melodically driven whereas in Christian music, it is more lyrically driven. It makes a big pressure on lyrics.

Well you did well, we jam to that album a lot. A friend of mine is just really getting back into her faith, and I told her to listen to your album, and every morning she has it on. You just put things in such a different way, relatable but yet so profound.

 That means a lot. That is a big deal.

And that is why you got a Grammy nomination.

I can honestly say that it is not just cause of me. Like the people around me, the writers around me, that I would co-write with. They are so profound. I am like that is a good one and I am going to take that right there.

That is what Nashville is too, it offers you so much greatness in that.

It is such a tight community. There are a lot of people, who are really really close. I love the dynamics with everyone. You know, I am going to go to these three people and I am going to get this sound. And I am going to go to these and get this sound. It is very clear, so it is pretty fun, I like it.

I love Nashville, it’s my favorite. People always ask me to describe it, and I really think it is a lot like Lafayette, in the community wise. Like that small town, I mean bigger, but you still have that community that people love one another.

Totally. It has that small town feel, even though it’s bigger. I mean there are some differences between Nashville and Lafayette, but as far as people are with each other, it is really close. You can ask people to come over to your house for coffee and it not be weird, like “why did you invite me over?”

Ok first, let’s talk about this new Christmas single, “Noel,” you sound incredible. You are the Christian Adele. I will give you compliments, because that is something I truly believe in; giving girls compliments haha.

Did Chris ask you to be in this with him, how did that work?

Ok, so the story is interesting. So Ed his producer, who I love, we write together sometimes and Ed was like, “hey I am interested in having your voice on a song for Chris’s record, would you be interested in that?” And I was like, “uh I mean yeah, that would be an honor, that sounds amazing.” Ed was like “ok cool, I will talk to Chris and see if he’s interested, let me just play it out.” So right after, I get a call from Chris saying, “Lauren, I talked to Ed…” and I had never met Chris before, that was the very first time I had ever heard his voice. So he asked if I would be interested in doing a Christmas record with him. He was like, “my heart behind it is just to bring worship to people during the Christmas season.” Well that already resonates with me, because when we recorded “Light of the World” they were like Lauren we want you to write a Christmas song, let us know what kind of stuff you’d like to write. I was like, Christmas, new Christmas songs, can get kind of corny kind of quick, the only way I would feel comfortable writing a Christmas song, because this was before anything came out, like “Light of the World”, was before “How Can It Be,” so I was like if we can keep it like a worship song, and let that set the tone, and not like tinsel and treasures type of thing…and they were like ok that sounds good, and so it worked. And so I recognized that same part in Chris, like just because I wrote “Light of the World” before. I recognized that place of wanting Christmas music to be worshipful.

For sure, because it’s usually fluffy.

Totally. And you can hear like the worship elements of O Holy Night, those really old ones. I don’t really hear, “worshipish” in the new Christmas music.

It was perfect; everybody was on the same page. Chris was so generous. We got to record it at OceanWay Studios, which is amazing. It is like the Abbey Road studio of Nashville. Super iconic, just amazing studio. I was really pumped about going there. I had never been before, and I walked in and I was like, “oh my gosh, this is beautiful!” Every instrument was live, it was just absolutely breathtaking.

It is going to be that Christmas song that everyone shares. I have seen it on my newsfeed being shared with people just saying how beautiful it is, getting chills.

Wow, that is exactly…when recording it, I was telling the guys lets just think about the people who are experiencing loss in this season. So often Christmas is a lonely time for many people, so I was like lets just be a song that brings comfort to those that it may be a comfortable season for them. So that’s the cry of the song, that’s what its all about.

I love that. And you hear that cry a little bit, I love it. Now you are on the tour with them. How is a Christmas tour different than other tours? Do you feel a difference every night?

Totally. It’s amazing because, first of all we are playing in these beautiful theaters. So you feel you are apart of the past. This theatre we were in the other day, was like built in the late 1800s or early 1900’s. So you get to experience that awe and wander of the venue and of the night beforehand like when you walk in to do rehearsals. It is so breathtaking. And then, I wish this would be difference, there is a sense of awe and wander that comes during the Christmas season that isn’t necessarily there the rest of the year at shows and stuff, so it is really beautiful to see the crowd’s interaction. You can just feel like difference in the room, like the room feels like oh my gosh, it is a sense of comradery.

Like that excitement that Christ is coming.

Yeah, so it’s difference. I love it. Every year I forget how much I love Christmas tours until we are out.

Ok, I want to switch up the topic on you a little bit. You have always had a faith life, I know you’ve said, but going to college, everyone talks about how it’s hard to maintain. I know you went to LSU and got involved at a church there, so did you also find that as a struggle, or did you have a good community?

YES. I would say that community is everything. For me, I got there, and like, don’t get me wrong there were stages where I probably hung out with the wrong crowd and whatever, but finding the niche of people that can hold you accountable and keep you together. The beauty is that everyone in college is learning you know? Its not like one person has it straight, and so we need to go here and do this. I feel like college, is one massive season of figuring out who you are, where God fits, like how important He is to you, all those things. It truly something I believe in, and something I have been taught. You know, all the challenges present themselves in that time. So I just found community, like where I could. I got involved with the Refuge, and because of them, I started going to this awesome girls bible study group, where 8 of us, yea about that many, it was not overwhelmingly large, it was perfect and we could truly open up. Those are the friends I still have to this day. Like I was just in one of their weddings the other day, another one I do ministry stuff with her and her mom all the time. They are like are the friends I will have forever.

It comes down to definitely finding community, finding people that you trust, that when you are stuck and off the track, it takes one to say we are doing this together. You realize how exciting God is when you are in your 20’s. You see He is way bigger than any religion. That is the struggle, especially I find in Lafayette. There is just, we know God, because we know religion, and we know what our parents have taught us, and what it is supposed to look like, but going from that to an actual relationship where you mess up and you find out oh wow that’s what grace looks like, it is way more than I thought.

And that is something I was going to ask you as well. We come from such a Christian based community here in Lafayette, but when you moved to Nash did you have one there?

It took some time. I didn’t know anybody, I was totally brand new. So I had to start church hopping. And I would search, and I didn’t find my home church that I’m at now until almost a year into living in Nashville. It definitely wasn’t right off the bat, I found a place, and yay everything is good. It definitely took time. But the friends I had met, I was a waitress when I moved to Nashville, so the friends I had met waiting tables, the roommates that had lived there, I became friends with their friends, and one thing led to the next.

 It makes me excited to think so many people from Lafayette are moving to Nashville, because that is already such a great community in itself.

Yeah absolutely.

Now, you could have sung any genre, but you chose Christian music to sing.

It was definitely hard in the sense of; my friends growing up were not the goody goody two shoes. So I knew ok if I go and do this Christian music thing, people are going to make fun of me. That was my exact response. So I told the Lord, I was just like “God I am not…” When I was 15 years old, I got sick with an illness called cytomegalovirus virus and I was placed on homebound for 2 years, and it was during that season that the Lord started showing me all these dreams and visions he had in store. Like He told me about the Grammys, He told me all the stuff way back then. It was crazy. And so I was like, ok God, I’ll sing music if you want me to, but the only thing I wont do is Christian, because I was afraid of being made fun of by all my friends, but the more and more I pursued the heart of God, the more I realized like I would do anything, whatever it takes, whatever you want, because of learning the nature of God and how incredible He is, I just wanted to give him whatever I possibly could. You know I just want to serve Him and honor Him in anyway. So it made going into the Christian music genre a little bit easier, when I was thinking more about Him and me being surrendered. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to eventually start putting out mainstream records, because I definitely plan on doing that. But I think establishing what comes first is really important.

 Absolutely. I definitely think starting in Christian music with that steady ground in Nashville and having that community is such a great way to start.

 That is what it will do. Because I can’t say that if I moved to Nash and didn’t immediately do Christian music, I would not have been running around being crazy. I just know my community helps me, because being on the road it does get tiring and does get lonely. And sometimes, you are like ok wait what am I doing this for again? But then the second you realize wait I have a voice to encourage people, like the Lord has given me a platform to really sow seeds of the kingdom of God and to other people. That changes everything. Nothing is more alluring or enticing then really just recognizing that.

That is such a blessing that He chose you and it’s such a call in its own way.

It blows my mind, it really does.

 

 

Beautiful People.

There are tons of beautiful people in this world. Every single person has something to offer, and has some unique part of who they are. God did not make any of us the same, He makes us each in His image and with our own identity. It just adds to that greatness with these beautiful people form bonds over time. Beautiful people meeting other beautiful people can only be to make something just as beautiful occur. I don’t even mean just with relationships, but also with friendships.

I have had so many talks with people lately about how crazy God’s timing is, but also how crazy His plans are for each of us. I wrote a previous blog post about God’s timing, but lately on my mind is the reason for people in our lives. So many times, we think people come into our life to stay forever. We build up plans and expectations, only to realize they came to make a different, but also to walk right back out. God has a different plan for them than we had. It is usually a sad realization at first, but one that later on we see and acknowledge that it was all for a reason.

I always say people come into your life to love you or hurt you, maybe both, but at the end of the day they were there to teach you a lesson. It is crazy to see people who meant the world to you, be the people who you may say hi to in passing or maybe not even that. It is crazy that people you have seen in passing or you did not know, become your best friends.

I have never believed that a friendship was for no reason. Those people bring laughter, they bring love, and a shoulder when you need it. They come in right when God knows they are right for you. He understands, even though you may not.

I have a group of incredibly amazing people in my life. Whether near or far, they are exactly who I know need and want. I love getting to know people and their hearts, what makes them light up, what passion they have, how they see the world around them. It is such a beautiful thing to experience. That is why I believe those people come into your life, to not bring light to your life, but to add to the already awesome light that you have in your life. We must understand that we bring our own happiness, it is a lesson we all learn, and usually we learn the hard way. We are brought people that make that happiness a little better, and bring a little more of it.

I started writing this blog before Thanksgiving, and now we are a few days after. As I sat on Thanksgiving watching people post about what they are thankful for, I realize how blessed I truly am as well. This whole blog post is just why. Whether it be my family or my friends, I have such incredible people and things in my life to be thankful for. It is that realization that God brings those blessings right when you need them, and more so those blessings are usually just who you need as well.

Never doubt Him. Never let yourself look away from the plan He has for you. It is the easiest thing in the world to get discouraged. It is easy to think when someone who you loved or meant so much just one day is not there to get upset or angry. Look at it as a part of your life that you are extremely grateful for; it was a great part of your life that you needed and you loved. After you do this, embrace what He has coming next for you. Know that is probably so much more than you could ever imagine, and get ready for some of the best people and times to come. He is giving you new people as well as those people who are already there, to give you a brand new outlook and a new adventure in life. Understand that you are only going in a better place, He doesn’t let you go backwards. He wants the best for you, and will bring you just want you need to get there.

Why I Core…?

I have a really good feeling that when you first read this, you thought I would be talking about doing core workouts or something about exercising. I probably should be (let’s be real), but for now I am talking about being on a core team. If you don’t know what a core team is, it is a group of young adults in the Catholic faith, who come together to help teens prepare for their confirmation. We walk with them in their journey, and help them to see what great grace is coming into their life.

I have been a part of a core team for about three years on and off, and I have loved every minute of it. It first started after I served a retreat we had in town called Veritas. I was a small group leader, and I loved every second of it. It was such an experience to see these young teens, who you knew dreaded being there, open up to what The Lord had in store for them, and to see the young ones on fire be examples. You ask them what they are there for, and at first you hear, “because I have to be…” yet by the end,  you see the longing for more.

I remember last Veritas instead of leading a small group, I was asked to sing, so I was not able to be present in the same way. However, I had no idea what God had in store for me when I was asked to do that. I was on the stage over the entire retreat, and the journey throughout the weekend was the blessing I did not see coming. I watched these teens go from being “too cool” for the retreat to crying during the two hour adoration. They felt something and they knew it was the presence of God, and nothing can beat seeing the light turn on for them and see what God all had planned for them.

After all of these experiences, I knew I had to do more. I started getting involved in the core team, and absolutely loved it. It was a nice change of pace from school, work, and the everyday chores I had to do. I love getting to meet new people, and seeing where they are in their walk. We are definitely not all in the same place, and I think it’s a beautiful thing that everyone at different aspects of their walk can help one another. I have gotten to meet some beautiful people, and girls who I love to death.

I just started up our new year, and I am already looking forward to seeing where this year takes us. I can already tell this group is going to be a good one. One of my favorite things is when no one is at the same place. Each girl in our group is on a different path. That is the beauty of being a part of a core team.

I am nowhere close to having a perfect relationship with Christ, or having a great faith life. I am like everyone else. I have struggles, I don’t make enough time for prayer, I mess up, and I am not always grateful for what He has given me. I want girls to see that, and understand that it is okay. I also think it is CRUCIAL for someone in college to be a witness to those in high school. It is not always easy to live the college life with God at the forefront, but it is absolutely possible. It is challenging, because the world has so much more telling you to go against what the truth is, but it is accepting that your faith is more important and will get you farther.

That is my mission this year. I want to be a light to these girls that I am leading. I want to show them that His love is enough. It is the hardest thing to live in this world with our faith at the top of the list. Media, people, news, everything tells us that faith is not necessary, and to just live the way we want. However, it is not really up to us how we live. It is up to Him. He will be the one to get us to heaven, so why go against the One who loves you always? I want to show these girls that no matter what, let His love be enough and that will prove to be the best thing you can do.

That is my core mission this year and what I pray most of all to bring to them.

“The First Time” for Many Great Things to Come for Kelsea Ballerini!

I have known Kelsea for a little while now, and at first listen I knew she was the real deal. One of my favorite things about country music and Nashville is the authenticity that comes with the songs and songwriters. Kelsea Ballerini is just that. She is an authentic, fresh voice that is ready to sing about every situation you have been in. She is glad to bring positivity into your life and a love for life that is infectious and makes you want to be friends. Did that description remind you of someone? If you say yes, Taylor Swift, then you are right. Kelsea brings her own style, experiences, and spunk to this CD and to country music with influences evident of Taylor and Carrie. She is already sure to be a hit and is finally breaking girls into the industry again. Her hit single, “Love Me Like You Mean It” just hit Top 10 and this album is sure to go #1. Kelsea is breaking and crossing lines that so many females have been waiting for and they could not have found a better leader.

When I first got a listen to this album, I just sat in awe. This album is one of a kind. I can hardly pick favorites, because every single song is different. One of my first favorites is one I heard before the album preview, “Peter Pan.” This song is one I can’t even begin to write about how brilliant it is. I have always loved the beauty of how someone can put something into words like songwriters do, and Kelsea is the epitome of that. She describes her lost love to the boy who wanted so much that he focused on the things that were not there, and lost what was. My favorite line is, “You’re just a lost boy, yeah I know who you are. You don’t know what you lost boy, too busy chasing stars…” You cannot get better than this.

One of my personal favorites is “Stilettos” a song that Pinterest Quotes helped to inspire. Yes, every girl just said OH MY WORD, YES. This song is a cleverly written song about a girl hiding her pain, and a boy never knowing what it is like, much like the pain of wearing high heel shoes. When I let my friends hear this song, they automatically picked it as their favorite.

“Sirens” is one I heard live when she came to our local venue, and I remember me and a friend of mine looked at one another and just said “woah” as she sang her heart out. It is her own version of “Good Girl” where the girl has heard all about the boy and should have listened to what was said. It has this haunting upbeat tempo that makes you want to dance and watch out for the boy she is warning you about.

Now my last favorite, even though literally every single one of my favorite is “Secondhand Smoke.” As a child who went through a divorce at a young age and not really understanding the line between my parent’s life and mine, this song hits home. I cried the first time I heard it. I remember hearing Kelsea talking about how she was not sure she wanted to release this one, but her label convinced her to. I for one, am so glad that they did because this song is going to help so many people. It already is, as the feedback for it is unreal. It is songs like this that make country music what it is. It breaks your heart, but heals you at the same time. It is that comfort that the person singing to you, is your friend in that moment of sadness and helps you pick up the pieces of what you feel like in that situation. “Secondhand Smoke” is sure to be that song for so many people.

I am so proud of Kelsea and this entire album. It hit the charts and is already sitting high and mighty at the top. There is so much to Kelsea that the world is about to see and I am so excited for people to see it. When she performed her first arena show here, people all around me were asking about her and that is just the beginning. The world will soon know all about Kelsea, her talent, and above all her extreme kind nature that is about to blow country music away. She is a superstar already and I am so excited to see what is next. For now I will have The First Time on repeat, and continue fangirling over it because it is definitely the best of 2015.

Emily Kopp Interview!

One of my favorite things is discovering a new artist when I least expect it. Emily Kopp was one of those amazing artists. I went to New Orleans recently to see Alex and Sierra, and knew there was an opening act. We had not heard her name before, but we were ready to see what she was all about. She first came out and has such a sass and fun attitude about her, by the end of the first song, everyone was in love with her. People were cheering, hollering, and having such a fun time as she interacted with everyone. She definitely has a stage presence that is going to take her extremely far, on top of the unique and gorgeous voice and image that she has. Her voice is somewhat like an Amy Winehouse meets Adele. Her songwriting is superior, writing about love, loss, and even a song that she tried selling for Disney, which they should have for sure taken. I was definitely not let down with her, and I honestly cannot wait to have the chance to see her again. After the show I was able to talk to Emily, who is the sweetest person. She agreed to do an interview with me, and it is finally here! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did. You probably will want to be best friends with her too, she is that cool.

Hi there, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me! You were awesome opening for Alex and Sierra in New Orleans. Did you do anything fun while you were there?

Haha. That question made me laugh. It’s New Orleans!

Had you opened for Alex and Sierra before? I know you mentioned you were from the same town, did you know them previously?

I had never opened for them before. However, coincidentally they went to UCF. Sierra and I chatted about how we had the same major. I’m sure we must have passed one another in school at some point. Haha. 

Your music has such an amazing and unique sound. If someone were to ask you what kind of music you play, what would you say?

Thank you! I would describe my music, at this point, as soulful indie rock. I typically perform live with my Fender telecaster. So, even when I’m without my band mates, the sound comes across really vibey and rock-like. It’s taken a few years, but through a lot of touring, writing, and recording, I’ve found what feels right.

You released your album, Serendipity Find Me” in 2013, which has so many amazing songs on it. What inspires you to write?

I think I’m inspired to write, because I always want new and meaningful things to sing, if that makes sense. Nowadays, I love co-writing. It’s been really interesting approaching a song alongside someone else and learning that there are other and sometimes more unique perspectives than your own. It’s exciting. The fun part is in navigating those sometimes personal experiences, and then communicating it all in a way that allows other people to feel that “thing” that you feel. 

Did you always enjoy writing or did it start with you loving to sing?

I’ve never been asked that! Unique question. The writing thing definitely came later. I think that’s why, even now, my songs are really melody driven. Content tends to come later on. 

Did you always want to do this? What do you think you would be doing if not music?

I always wanted to…but, never thought it possible. I didn’t realize that there were real people out there successfully pursuing original music. When I was young, it was all about the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, the Spice Girls, Kelly Clarkson winning American Idol. That seemed way out of reach. The idea was always to attend college, maybe go to grad school, and begin some sort of promising, stable corporate job – whatever that were to be. The pursuit was never truly real until about my sophomore year in college, when I started working at a theatre in town. It made me think about what I wanted my career to look like… and so, I began to take the big leap!  

I saw that you started getting into the business by working at local venues? Do you feel like that really helped you get your foot in the door?

I spent about three years as an intern in the theatre office – learning how to book concerts, build relationships with agents, negotiate deals, staff a show, etc. I also worked as the runner – someone who would fetch items, and run errands for the artists. So, yes, the information I was able to absorb being in that environment, learning from my boss at the time (now my mentor/great friend), picking the brains of tour managers, bus drivers, and artists who have literally been on the road for years and years, is/was truly invaluable. I am forever grateful for that job. 

We saw you rock the guitar at your show in New Orleans, what other instruments do you play?

I can play the drums (I insisted on just being a drummer in middle school & high school). Other than that, and maybe “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on the recorder, I can’t play much else. 

What were your steps into getting into the music business?

I was desperate for an internship a few weeks before my Spring semester sophomore year – with my major being Event/Hospitality management. I REALLY did not want to work for a hotel. So, I did the next best thing, and emailed a local music venue with my resume. When they didn’t answer my emails, I called. When they didn’t answer my voicemails, I called again. And again. And again. Until they finally gave me an interview. I showed up 30 minutes early to my interview and was hired that day. 

You have opened for some amazing artists like Brandi Carlile, Michelle Branch, Parachute, Air Supply, Matchbox 20,  Boyce Avenue, and the list goes on. Did you ever have a freak out moment over these artists?

Working in the job that I had/being around successful artists all of the time, maintaining your “cool” was always a part of that… so it tends to stick with me when I’m on the other end of things, opening for people. But I mean, there are definitely moments of “whoa”, “this artist is really effing good and I wish I could tell them how much I admire them without coming across like a huge nerdy fangirl”.

Any advice they have given you that you recall and really took to heart?

Brandi Carlile’s manager said, when the time is right people will come to you… don’t waste time begging people who won’t pay attention to pay attention. It stuck with me, especially as a really driven and sometimes impatient young person. In this business, progress takes time, and it was a really important reminder to focus on my craft, work hard, build relationships, stay in my lane… When things start to gain hype, people take notice. 

You have many tour dates set up for the coming months, what has been one of the coolest places you have played?

I played a really magical house concert in Safety Harbor, FL awhile back. It was in a gazebo under the stars at a home owned by two incredible visual artists. The entire house, front pathway, and gazebo is decorated in artwork made by them. From hundreds of painted bowling balls lining the path, to recycled bottles, CD’s, and mosaics. It was such a beautiful evening with incredible kind, loving, and supportive people.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Any goals set?

Ah… this question! I’ve learned that you can try and plan all you want, but, the future will always laugh in your face. All I know, is that I would love to be working in music, writing, singing, touring – feeling fulfilled in my career. 

Flash Round: 

Dream Duet Partner: Joss Stone

Song you wish you would have written: “Rhiannon” – Fleetwood Mac

The best smell is…  My moms freshly baked brownies

Favorite movie: Mean Girls

Favorite TV show: Orange Is The New Black

Favorite item to have on the road: A functional van and deodorant

Favorite album at 16: Continuum – John Mayer

Favorite quote: “How people treat you in their karma. How you react is yours” – sign I saw at a gas station shop

Best advice you have been given:

Do what makes you happy.

Facebook: Emily Kopp

Instagram: EmilyKoppMusic

Twitter: Emily KoppMusic

photo by: Shauna Hundeby