Six things you may not know about me…
Not many people know this about me, but as a kid I was obsessed with competitive cheerleading! I lived for flipping around and going to competitions. Maybe that’s where my affinity for glitter started.
If I did not pursue a career in music, I think I would have chosen to become a college professor! I was always a person who loved school. I could spend the rest of my life researching and learning more about the world and all its wonder.
Something I always do before performing is sing in the car! I will jam to my favorite pump-up music to get my voice warm and my energy up!
If I could be an animal for one day, I would be a cat because I would want to talk to my own cats in their own language!
My biggest life lesson has been to always try to do the right thing. Sometimes it’s hard to do the right thing or it seems like the wrong thing will get you where you want quicker… but, I’ve always found when I do the right thing something better comes along anyway! Love and giving back are always the best ways to approach life!
I hope in ten years that I have found out how to enjoy life. I still worry so much about all sorts of things but I know that life is so fleeting. I’m currently working on being grateful for the present moment.
Twelve songs that have influenced my life and career…
Oops! I Did It Again – Britney Spears
Flashback to seven year old me pretending to be a pop star with my friends. Clearly a very important early influence to my career.
Harper Valley P.T.A – Jeannie C. Riley
This makes the list first and foremost because…what a powerful message. Go Tom T Hall! Second, I posted a Facebook video of this song and someone tagged the real Jeanie C Riley in the comments. She responded by telling me “Thank you for keeping our anthem alive.” I was astounded.
Mama’s Broken Heart – Miranda Lambert
I learned this song when I was first getting into playing on Broadway and learning country music. I was going through a turbulent relationship at the time and it just helped.
Case of You – Joni Mitchell
This song reminds me of college which was one of my favorite times in my life. I was learning about the world and love. This was a theme song of that era.
Midnight Train to Georgia – Gladys Knight & the Pips
My dad always had a convertible growing up and loved music. His favorite was soul music of the seventies so I always remember driving to the beach and listening to this song with the wind blowing all around.
Fifteen – Taylor Swift
This was one of the first songs I learned on guitar and made me want to be a singer-songwriter.
Love Is A Losing Game – Amy Winehouse
Amy is a huge influence of mine. I love her raw, honest lyrics and melody. This is a beautiful song that gets me every time.
Crazy – Patsy Cline
I love this song for many reasons. I love Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and singing there. This song is very much tied to its history, as Willie Nelson is rumored to have sold it to Patsy there for 50 dollars. I also love the song because I’ve lived it’s story.
Kate – Ben Folds
Ben Folds is one of my favorite songwriters and artists. I love that his instrument is the piano. My best instrument is the piano. I also love that he writes about Chapel Hill in this song. We both are from North Carolina and spent time in the Carrboro/Chapel Hill music scene, which is full of eccentric artists and bluegrass music. I’ll never lose my gypsy soul from playing music in that area.
Love Song – Sara Bareilles
Flashback to my high school talent show and you’ll see me with a black hat on singing this song.
Only Exception – Paramore
My first rock band was in high school and we played this song. Hayley Williams’ writing is phenomenal. Definitely a song that’s shaped me.
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight – James Taylor
James is another Carolina guy. I grew up listening to him and driving on those Carolina backwoods roads. He reminds me of growing up.
