Super Talented Kid – “Paparazzi” For His Recital!

// May 13th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Music & Entertainment

Nashville Flood : Video with Johnny Cash

// May 6th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

Charleston Helping Nashville… Ready?

// May 5th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // life

**UPDATED***

Drop off supplies @ Riverbluff Church on Dorchester Rd. Thursday till 4pm or Friday before 11am. Directions to Riverbluff are here! Also, I’ll be on Daniel Island all day tomorrow and can be dropped off there.

As most of you know I jump back and forth from Charleston to Nashville monthly. While I live in Nashville now, I spent many years in Charleston. I remember the relief effort that went on during Hurricane Hugo back in 1989- Amazing.

Now I’m asking Charleston to show the love back. Charleston is a great town and I know with some great hearts… So, I’m asking you to help us out in Nashville and surrounding areas.

There are many people displaced and in shelters. There are many businesses that are going to be closed for a long time. There are many independent creatives and artists that will also be going through a rough time. Any help would be great.

Here’s the places your donations are going (I want you to know it’s going to be used and used properly!).

The church I attend is called the Peoples Church and they are out in droves each morning doing repair and clean up. Many folks are in need of just food, water and diaper help-

My friend’s church is The Church @ Spring Hill. They too are collecting and helping. Both of these places are looking for supplies and help.

Ready to help? Please let me know. I’ll be leaving Friday afternoon. Make me rent a big trailer.

Nashville, TN – This Is Our Town

// May 4th, 2010 // 11 Comments » // life

I love Nashville. I’ve lived here more than half my life… almost 20 years. Not consecutively but total. I first moved to Nashville in the 6th grade and grew up a mile from Opryland and the Opryland Hotel. I got beat up and tried to play football at Two Rivers Jr. High. I got lost and overwhelmed at McGavock High, at the time it was one of the largest high schools around. I’ve lived all over the ‘burbs of Nashville and currently live south in a little town called Thompson’s Station.

On May 1st we knew there were storms coming. We were worried about tornados and severe storms… but nothing prepared anyone for what was going to happen over the next two days. Rain. And more rain. Record breaking rainfall to be exact. I didn’t try to collect pictures of all the damage. There are too many and truthfully that’s not how I want to remember Nashville… because soon Nashville will be as good as new. That’s just how we roll. It’ll take some time but it’ll be back and better.

There has been a lot of change in the past 20 years in Nashville. Broadway, along with 1st & 2nd Avenue were revamped and cleaned up to become one of the coolest spots to hang out, see a concert, watch fireworks, tailgate and just walk around. We got this cool building affectionately called ‘the batman building’, a pro football team, a pro hockey team and eventually recognition for a serious and creative music community known for more than just country music. I’m not bashing country music, it’s part of our history and community still!!!

As cheesy as I may sound, I love this town. I love spending my Sunday’s on the bank of the Cumberland river tailgating and watching the Titans play football. I love watching concerts on Cumberland river and if you haven’t seen a fireworks show during July 4th… well, you should.

I know there is a lot going on in the world these days and I know we all have our own ’causes’ but I’m asking you to take a minute and give to the American Red Cross. A dollar, five, ten? And more importantly… go ahead and plan to come to Nashville this fall. Make plans to come see our awesome city. Call me, I’ll give you the tour and maybe even show you where a few stars live.

Tourism is a big part of Nashville so please make plans to come visit Our Town. If you live here, share this- tell others- let’s help get downtown Nashville and surrounding areas back on their feet.

Here’s a short video that was shot very well and gives you just a glimpse into the devastation that has happened to Our Town.

Free Music Is Back… Again!

// May 2nd, 2010 // No Comments » // Music & Entertainment, Totally Free Music!

It’s been 4 months since my last ‘Free Music Friday’ post. A long time, eh? I think the problem was the expectation to discover and write a post every Friday. So, the solution? No expectations. I’ll look for new music and when I find some that I want to share, I’ll share it. Sound Good?

This first band is called Magic Bullets. Very pop-alt sounding and would be a great fit for the Sirius station Alt-Nation. Album hits in June.

Magic Bullets
“Lying Around” (mp3)
from “Magic Bullets”
(Mon Amie Records)

More On This Album

Next band is called MoneyBrother… another alt-pop band. The funny thing about the ‘new’ alt-pop bands is that it’s the 70 & 80′s mashed up all over again. It’s not a bad thing but the old school influence is definitely there.

Moneybrother
“Born Under a Bad Sign” (mp3)
from “Real Control”
(Bladen County Records)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album

Lastly, The Mommyheads. A great band with some great melodies and an awesome alt-pop feel. This album hits May 18th.

The Mommyheads
“Worm” (mp3)
from “Flying Suit”
(Dromedary Records)

More On This Album

I Don’t Care. I Just Don’t… Well, Maybe A Little

// April 30th, 2010 // 6 Comments » // life

I’ve been asked by quite a few people about my ‘man trip’ to Colorado this past March. They want to know what did I learn… what did I figure out.

I’ve had some time to reflect on what I think I got out of it… what can help me in my life and the life of my family. I think I’ve given the same answer when asked but the past week I’ve confirmed it. I don’t care… wait, I do care. That’s the problem. So, since when did caring become a problem? For me, it’s been an ongoing ‘problem’.

You see (yes, when someone writes “you see” you can tell it’s gonna be a long blog post)– back to it–  I live in a cool little town in TN called Thompson’s Station. It’s small but we are close to Franklin and only 25 mins south of Nashville. In this town we have an amazing creative community, one that is friendly yet the most judgmental clan I’ve ever seen. Me included.

Why does that matter? This is where the caring comes in. I want my friends, cohorts, partners, acquaintances and the such to like me. Why??? I can tell you that one of my needs in this world is affirmation. I like affirmation. Some people could care less about affirmation because they have other needs- like needs to be left alone and in the dark. I don’t know what everyone else needs but mine is affirmation. I LOVE it when a client or friend is happy with something I’ve done… it’s what keeps me rolling.

For too long I’ve worried about what I do as a ‘job’. I went to Belmont got a music degree. I’ve worked with multi platinum artists. I’ve had many songs on major TV shows and networks. I’ve written music for indie films. I launched one of the first all digital labels and got recognition from Wired magazine and now I run a very successful marketing company that is busting at the seams and am having to turn away work… why am I worried about what people think of me? Good question.

I think saying I don’t care anymore is an over statement. I do care. I like people. I love hanging out and meeting new people and making new friends… I really do and I’m not talking about virtual people. Let me get back to the ‘creative’ community that I find myself in. It’s cool to like Coldplay, Mute Math & Muse. I like those bands but they aren’t my favorite. It’s cool to be in a modern church doing modern things with Jesus. For me, a simple church where I can connect with real people who are doing real life is fine. It’s cool to eat healthy and hang out in coffee shops. For me, I prefer bars with wings and beer.

I guess I feel like Twitter and the other ‘social’ networks have opened these doors that we are wondering ‘do I measure up?’. I’ve found myself not tweeting something because of what I fear people may think is ‘uncool’. Who decides what is cool anyway? Certainly not me.

Wait, wait, wait! Who the heck am I talking about here? No one specific. I just realized that I wanted people to like me and know that I get to do cool stuff… maybe if you know this you’ll like me? That’s the part I’m talking about. So in Colorado I decided to be more real. To like what I like and be bold to say that I don’t like coffee. Nope, I don’t. Go figure.

So here’s to being real.  Respecting others and their accomplishments.  Being friendly to others and most of all–accepting others whether I agree or not.  Did I just write a speech for the next Miss America pageant?

Much love friends…

The Dead Weather – Die By The Drop (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

// April 29th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

Waiting for iPad 3G? Don’t Wait There’s A Better Option!

// April 6th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Technology

So I’ve been asked multiple times why I didn’t wait for the 3G version of the iPad. Simple answer. AT&T.

AT&T 3G coverage is horrible, spotty and unpredictable in many areas. Think the map on the Verizon commercial is joking? It’s not.

Many folks have wireless devices… I have a laptop, an iphone and now an iPad. I need a wireless option for all of them (not really the iphone, but for complete 3G coverage- I do!).

So let me give you a solution. A solution for all your wireless devices. These mobile broadband devices allow you to connect up to five devices and share the connection. Verizon and Sprint each have an option. The Verizon option has great coverage and speeds. The Sprint version has great coverage (for my area) but will be launching 4G in more locations throughout the year. Sprint’s 4G network was tested in Austin recently by Wired and the speeds lived up to the hype. Read Wired’s review here.

Here’s a link to the Verizon MiFi piece on Amazon: http://bit.ly/9Xco4p

Here’s a link to the Sprint Overdrive 3G/4G on Amazon: http://bit.ly/9MhS01

So when this thing is in my hands I can cancel my $30 AT&T Data plan and spend that money with either of these two but have 3G coverage for my laptop, iphone & iPad.

See, I told you I had a reason for not waiting. Truthfully I believe most people would go this route if they only knew.

Hope this helps those who are waiting on the 3G iPad… don’t waste the extra money for it!

iPad : Worth It?

// April 5th, 2010 // No Comments » // Technology

As I sit here on my new iPad I’ve read tons of posts and questions wondering if the iPad is all they are making it out to be.

My simple answer is yes. I love it. This is my first post with the WordPress app and I’m amazed at the ability of this ‘magical’ toy. I’ve spent the first two days looking and downloading apps. My favorite so far? This one, the WordPress app. Maybe I’ll blog more now!

The ‘Pages’ app and it’s ability to create text documents both in Word and PDF format will be used a ton while traveling. The NPR app is pretty amazing as well, all my favorite music shows are right at my fingertips.

Oh! Definitely can’t forget the Netflix app. Yes, I can stream movies and TV show right from my iPad!!!

Needless to say I think Apple has done it again. They’ve created a game changer. While this may be a little slower to catch on I strongly believe the ‘need’ will grow. I know many doubt it, but hey… Get your hands on one of these and you’ll see what I

Is This The Week?

// March 9th, 2010 // No Comments » // life

Is this the week for what?  Well, that everything changes?

Could be.

Today I started eating healthy.  I even drank water.  I’ve let my weight and health get out of control the past year and it’s time to get that control back.  That started today.

Tonight is the first class in the 120 day workout program I’ve joined.  I’m nervous.  I don’t like to exercise, I don’t like to wear clothes that make noises when they rub together.  The attitude changes… now.  I love to workout. I love to workout. I love to workout.

This week a new brand for Inked Digital will be launched.  The unbelievable growth of Inked has been ridiculous and I had no idea of what to expect.  I wanted it to grow…it has.

Thursday I fly to Colorado for 4 days to experience the Wild At Heart bootcamp.  For those that know me (and if you don’t, see above about exercise) you know I’m not an “outdoorsman”.  We will be way up in the middle of no where in the Rocky mountains.  Of course I’m anxious but I’m also excited.  I have no clue what to expect and most will tell you that I didn’t even know where I was going until a few days ago.

So, yeah, this week could change a lot in my life.  One week for big changes… sounds fun, right?