Indie Ville TV #19 Camille Rae

Written by Omari Byrd


Before Thanksgiving I had a chance to chat with up and coming talented songstress Camille Rae. After playing a bunch of shows, tons of youtube videos, and hitting her kickstarter goal, Camille has definitely put in the work and is now ready to give Nashville a taste of her brand of country music, containing accents of soul, blues, and even hints of pop and opera!

DA: Camille, you have the perfect country twang! Are you originally from Nashville?

CR: Thank you! I’m originally from a small town in central Kentucky by the name of Mount Vernon, and I’ve been in Nashville a little over a year now!

DA: Great! Well now that you’ve been in Nashville for some time, I’m sure you’ve been inserting yourself into the local scene and what not, what are some of your favorite things to do here?

CR: One of my favorite things to do is going to all of the open mics and meeting new artists! I recently hit a kickstarter goal of $5,000 for my album, so I like to help guide the new artists I meet with advice that I’ve learned because I know how hard it is. Mostly I like to stay home and read books though!

DA: For someone who likes staying in you definitely know how to switch it into star mode on stage! It also speaks volumes for you to help others in such a competitive industry. What is your passion?

CR: Oh I’m most comfortable on stage, and that’s where my passion comes out as well. I love singing my songs and writing them to inspire people. I try to write songs that reach deeper into the soul and talk about things that people don’t say out loud, while still trying to leave it as an open book for my listeners to insert their own thoughts and experiences.

DA: I really like that and I can definitely hear it in your music. You have a record called “Get Outta Town” and it was very emotional and direct, I liked it! Who would you say has inspired your sound?

CR: Well I love country music, and I’m also classically trained in the arts of opera and broadway while always loving to venture in pop or R&B. Those genres have inspired my sound, but artists like Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, and Kelly Clarkson are who I’ve listened to growing up. There’s also a great  jazz artist by the name of Bessie Smith, an African-American lady in the roaring 20’s who wrote and sang about the things that everyone at the time shunned. She taught me to be bold in my songwriting, because it may not be what everybody likes to hear, but it may be what people need to hear.

DA: Wow; eloquently put Camille, thank you. How would you describe your music and how do you want it to come across?

CR: Hmmmm, that’s a really tough question to answer! I classify myself as country-pop, but it’s hard depending on which musicians I work with because the instrumentation changes the genre. My next album is country-pop, but you can find notes of the blues and r&b in my voice so I’m inclined to sometimes call it country-soul. Well when I’m singing live I’d like to be a room-stopper; because if you can stop a live bar in Nashville, then you know you’re doing something right! Everywhere else, I just want people to be able to relate to my music.

DA: Hashtag #roomstopper *laughs*, amazing stuff! Nowadays so many artists come in the game without a solid identity and let the industry shape them, however you know exactly who you are and I applaud that! Let’s say you are now able to make music with anybody ever; who would it be?

CR: There are so many talented artists, so many generations, but I’d have to say Kelly Clarkson. I love her story, her passion, and the fact that she has been and is still uncompromising in her beliefs no matter what. I’d love to do music with her because I believe our outlook on music is very similar.

DA: Hey Kelly Clarkson > Justin Guarini all day *laughs*! Now give me 1 song you’d play for people?

CR: It would have to be “I Need Me”, the album song. It’s slower, and that’s the room-stopper! I think it’s because everyone has something in their life that they can find in that song. I wrote that song as a turning point for my coming to Nashville, and taking a leap of faith. It inspires me when I sing it!

DA: I’m so glad to hear you’re inspiring people to take that leap of faith; the universe will always catch you! Well Camille last question, imagine that I give you a mic and this mic is plugged up to the entire world. What would you say?

CR: Well I’d sing because I want people to hear my music. It’s not for fame or fortune, it’s for you!

DA: Profound, like most of the things you’ve said Camille. You’re a talented professional, I thank you for your time and words, and we look forward to hearing more from Camille Rae!

For music, tour dates, and more info on Camille Rae, check out these links!

http://www.camillerae.com 
http://www.facebook.com/camilleraemusic 
http://www.youtube.com/camillerae539 

Indie Ville TV #18 Ricky of The TIP

Written by Omari Byrd


    This week I was able to catch up with rock god Ricky Dover of The TIP while they’re on tour setting stages ablaze with their 80’s classic, rockstar solo filled music. We discover why they’re called The TIP, how they’re receiving help from above, and how they’ll be filling stadiums in the future!

DA: Dude, I am very ego fueled and your music just pumped me up to another level man! Great stuff! And you’re called The TIP too? Like “just the tip”? *laughs*

RICKY: Yea man hahaha, just like that. But thanks, you should see the live show! We just wrapped up a 2 week East Coast tour with a band called Hammered Satin, it was awesome and very beneficial for both bands. We got paid, made a bunch of connections, and gained some new fans along the way!

DA: You’re clearly getting fans after performing some of this material. I thought it was extreme in the 80’s but your music is like 80’s eat your heart out dude. How long you been in Nash?

RICKY: I’m originally from Knoxville but I moved to Nashville about three years ago, did the RIM program at MTSU, graduated that in 2010 and around that time I joined a band out in Atlanta called The Booze. We were signed to a label, it was fun and great for my career, gained a lot of experience, and now I’m back in Nashville.

DA: Worrrd, very cool. Well what’s your favorite thing to do in the city?

RICKY: Just going around and checking out the other musicians in the city man, the caliber is beyond belief out here. That’s actually how I met the rest of the members! I met the lead singer at a bar in East Nashville, he said “hey man, cool hair”, I said the same, we started hangin’ out and then the rest of the band just formed organically. As soon as we started a Facebook it immediately exploded man, I’m talking producers wanting to work with us, tours being offered, it’s all happening so fast; I love it!

DA: Yea, the universe does seem to be working things into fruition a little faster nowadays, I think it has something to do with the times. Glad to see you taking advantage of it yo! Now let’s analyze your music, what artists would you say have inspired your sound and how would you describe your sound?

RICKY: A lot of 60’s and 70’s rock and roll, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and also some modern bands like The White Stripes and The Strokes. I think that back then music was made first and then pushed to markets as opposed to nowadays when they think of the market first and the music second. That’s where we went wrong. As far as my music though, it’s rock and roll first and foremost, but I make sure that it’s edgy and fun. My music’s not “fun” in a silly way, but in a “if I’m not having fun I can guarantee the crowd’s not having fun” way. With every song we write, we attack it with an arena feel and say we’re going to write this as if the whole stadium is singing along. We love having them escape into our music and have our songs take them somewhere else!

DA: Man, word to Kanye West on “Big Brother”, you guys are stadium status. Keep striving and you’ll get there in no time. Speaking of no time, if you could work with any artist ever, who would it be?

RICKY: Great question. There’s so many bands and musicians that I worship and would love to share time with, but if I could get in the studio with anybody it would have to be the late Ikey Owens. He’s a grammy award winning keyboard player who’s played with The Mars Volta, Jack White, and many others. He was actually producing our album with us when he left for a tour and suddenly died of a heart attack of the age of 38. He was such a great guy, he liked our music, and we gelled with him; so if I could work with anybody ever I would work with Ikey. I really wish we didn’t leave our time together so open-ended, so forever I’ll always wonder.

DA: Wow that’s heavy man, thanks for sharing that. I’m sure he’s still with y’all somewhere. Did you get any music down?

RICKY: Yes, he’s definitely still with us, and there’s actually a song he was helping us with that we’re still working on right now called “When I see You”. It’s going to be an amazing record for the album!

DA: Word, I’m looking forward to that as well. Well thanks for chatting with me and giving perspective on The TIP Ricky, just one more question. You’ve got one statement, what do you tell the world?

RICKY: Be true to yourself and others.

DA: Couldn’t of said it better myself. Thank you, and I’ll def tell America to watch out for The TIP!


For music, tour dates, and more info on The TIP, check out these links!

http://www.facebook.com/thetiprock
http://www.reverbnation.com/thetiprock

Indie Ville TV #17 Tyler of Diamond Carter

Wrtten by Omari Byrd

This week I got a crash course in how to be a rockstar after sitting down with Tyler of Diamond Carter. Headman of a raucous, in your face, 70’s/80’s glam rock band with funky vibes, Tyler pulls no punches and speaks on the truth behind his lyrics in this exciting interview!

DA: I’ve got to start out with the videos man; the music’s definitely there, but you’re a funny dude yo!

TYLER: Hahahaha! Thank you man, that’s my aim.

DA: You’re def the life of the party man! As a matter of fact, what are you getting into this weekend?

TYLER: Actually the band and I will be headed back to California this weekend where we originally met; we’ll be releasing new music, getting some rehearsals in, and playing shows. We’re actually going back and playing my old high school which is hilarious, because while I was there they hated me!

DA: WHAT!? You’re at the part in your career when you play your old high school already? Wow!

TYLER:  Yea dude, the triumphant return. They hated me man, but I got a call about 2 months ago from some kids at the school saying they were big fans and wanted me to come to the school and play. The only teacher that was there when I was there is the football coach, and he’s gonna get a kick out of this. It’s gonna’ be a real shit show man!

DA: Hilarious dude; you never disappoint. How’d you get to Nashville and what do you like about it?

TYLER: Well we all met up in Hollywood, they were going to school and I was working tattoo shops on the boulevard, then we clicked as a band. Next thing you know I move to Nashville then call them one night 3 months later, tell them they have to come down and they were just like “alright”! Now that we’re all down here, we love hangin’ out East with the bands we play a lot with, drinkin’, listening to old punk records, gettin’ into crazy shit the night offers. East Nashville is like a college town for punk rockers!

DA: Wow. I’m all for articulating the intricacies of an experience, and that is exactly what the hell is going on in East Nashville; well put! I like to look at Nashville as a new Brooklyn.

TYLER: Yea man, just like that! Except they’re more supportive in the South for sure.

DA: Word. Well Tyler what’s your passion in life, and what artists have inspired you?

TYLER: Well I really love poetry, but NOT spoken word poetry though. I think the only way to do poetry and not sound like a douchebag is to do rock and roll, and that is my perfect medium. The first bit of rock and roll I heard was Velvet Underground, old skateboard videos by Flip helped, that led into Jesus and Mary Jane, Primal Scream, and all types of old school British Rock.

DA: Word. So they inspired your sound, but how would you describe it and who is that sound for?

TYLER: Authentic with no pretenses man, I’m just telling my story man. From sellin’ and doing drugs in Hollywood, to my relationships with women. I just want it to be relatable for people, my real stuff.

DA: And that’s always the best man. We’re all connected, so if you tell the truth you’re bound to find a connection! If you could musically connect with anybody dead or alive, who would it be?

TYLER: It would have to be Ty Segall from Laguna Beach, he was at the forefront of flower punk, that surfy-beachy-punky-60’s type vibe. He’s an expert engineer at washy sounds, and blending the hippie movement with something more hardcore. I love it!

DA: I dig that sound too man, nice! If you could play one song for the people, what would it be?

TYLER: We’re actually putting it out when we go to California, it’s called “God Knows”. It was really rad when we were making it, we had around 40 people in the studio, we did a sing along at the beginning of it, it’s awesome. A depart from our usual debaucherous, drug songs; it’s about making an effort.

DA: Dope. As long as you know you can make it better for somebody else that’s what’s up. Before we depart though I’ve just got to ask man… what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done!?

TYLER: Shit; a lot of stuff man. Hitchiking, seeing crack dens, selling heroin, playing in illegal speakeasies from 3 to 7 AM, people giving us bumps while we’re playing. Complete debauchery!

DA: Hahahaha! Holy shit dude, you are living the rock life yo; here’s your official stamp! Thanks for tellin’ your story man, we’ll definitely be on the lookout for Diamond Carter!

For music, tour dates, and more info on Diamond Carter, check out these links!

www.diamondcartermusic.com
http://www.youtube.com/diamondcarter69
www.facebook.com/diamondcartermusic
https://soundcloud.com/diamond-carter

Indie Ville TV #16 The World of Blue Matches

Written By Hannah Borrego

Not all bands from Nashville Tennessee carry that country style and Blue Matches is a prime example! This Indie/Punk band is making their mark and burning their way to the top. I had the opportunity to interview Steven Edwards (who is on guitar and vocals) and get a little peak into what keeps Blue Matches flame ignited:

Q- Who is the manager of the band?

A- There is no official manager. However, Steven says himself and Michelle Marston (also on

vocals) would definitely claim that title if it was a set position.

Q- How did the members meet?

A- Michelle and Steven met through ads in 2010. The singer that was originally in place did not

work out, but Michelle fit the part! The other members of the band came together with the

help from friends of friends. “We’re like a dysfunctional family.” Steven shares.

Q- Where did the name Blue Matches come from?

A- There is no real reason for the name. A drummer that was previously in the band had made a

list of names and Blue Matches happened to be on it. It has a double meaning; not only literal

but also emotional, “feeling blue.”

Q- What inspires you to write music?

A- “I can’t speak for the others,” Steven says, “but growing up I listened to indie and punk

music; also just having an emotional connection with music.”

Q- Who are your biggest inspirations; musical or non-musical?

A- The bands Get Up Kids, NoFX, and Fly Leaf are a few of the many musical inspirations. As far

as the writing goes, social issues and past relationships play a major part. There are a few songs

inspired by the everyday pop culture.

Q-Where do you want to see your band in five years?

A- Hopefully doing a tour and being able to make a living just making music. We all currently

have full-time jobs. Definitely hope to be doing more shows. “This coming year (2015) we will

be playing South West, which is a huge step forward.” Steven says.

Q- Have you always wanted to be in the music industry?

A- Yes. “I have a degree in recording,” Steven tells, “and the other band members have always

been involved with music.”

Q-What’s your favorite part of performing?

A- When the crowds get into it. We are very energetic and in your face during performances.

It’s awesome when the crowd sings along.

Q- Who are you trying to reach through your music?

A- It ranges from teens to those in their twenties and early thirties. It originally was aimed

towards those in the mid-twenties and up. However, when they played River Fest they

discovered many of those in the crowd were teens!

Q-What or who are your biggest motivators?

A- The drive to succeed. We’ve put in a lot of effort towards this and we just want to see it go

places.

Q- How was the journey been so far as a band?

A- In 2008, before it was the four of us, it was not so easy. The band has always been Blue

Matches, but the members have been rotated in and out. However, since there’s been a set

group, it’s been a lot easier.

Blue Matches is going to be Nashville’s first rising Indie band! They’ve already played many

venues and will continue to have many more opportunities. This talent can’t be overlooked!

You can find out more on their website bluematches.com. There you can buy

merchandise, learn more about the band, see their upcoming shows, and more!

Indie Ville TV #15 Seraphim Ward's New Album Killing It

HOLLYWOOD HILLS, CA – After winning her high-profile legal battle last year, Seraphim Ward has been able to finally focus on her true passion… music. In June of 2014, on Friday the 13th, Seraphim finally released her highly-anticipated album, “Time Heals All Wounds”. The lead single, "What's the Color of Love (Beautiful Creature)" was the first to be released and fans have been raving of all the raw intensity and passion that Seraphim delivered in the songs intense lyrics.

Ward is known throughout Hollywood for her poetic lyrics, hard-rock edge, and colorful style. Born of Creole heritage and raised in the Southeast, Seraphim struggled as a child to overcome a stutter that, for a time, caused her to withdraw from society. She found an outlet for her rich imagination in books and she delved into literature and began composing her own music in her early teens. Her love for art, performance, and music seemed to hit a ceiling until, at age 15, Sshe made the move to Hollywood, CA. Her unique look immediately caught the eye of a talent manager who helped start her career and she booked modeling campaigns for Kraft, Foot Locker, Macy's, and J-Crew. This initial work led her to the runway as a model for high-end designers and boutiques in Beverly Hills.

While studying film, she began exploring the Los Angeles music scene and was encouraged to record her own material. Seraphim's creative dreams were fully realized with the release of her debut album, “Mute Malevolence”. Adding "actress" to her ever-growing resume, Seraphim starred as "Rachel" alongside award-winning actress Bai Ling (The Crow, Red Corner, Wild Wild West) in the 2013 feature film Speed Dragon. Two hot songs off her new album, "Rebel" and "Bad Behavior" were featured on the soundtrack. 

She is currently filming her first original feature film, Angel One Eye, for which she served as writer, cinematographer and director. Ward produces new music and music videos through her own label and production company, Sin Icon Productions. To learn more about Seraphim Ward visit www.SeraphimWard.com
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http://www.SeraphimWard.com
http://www.SinIconProductions.com
https://twitter.com/SeraphimWardOff
https://www.facebook.com/SeraphimWardCelebrity
https://www.youtube.com/user/SeraphimWardOfficial
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/Seraphim-Ward/id890076638

Indie Ville TV #14 The Busks a unique band on the rise

Written by Patrick Roberts











The Busks are a new unique band rising from Tennessee soon to make their way to the top! I had the wonderful experience of interviewing their manager, Fletcher, to get a look into what makes their band tick. The band is made up of five members, Dylan, Jacob, Justin, Wesley, and their manager, Fletcher. But their band didn’t start with all five. Here’s what Fletcher had to say:

Q- How did you come up with the band name, “The Busks?”
A- It was two members of the band, actually. “One day they were just throwing around names.” He says. “They looked at others who had become famous from playing in Nashville on the streets, which is called, “busking,” and they just thought, busks, yeah it works.”

Q- How did the band members meet?
A- Jacob and Dylan have always been best friends. They switched off playing bass and decided they could add some more musical talent; such as drums and a keyboard. Justin, Dylan’s brother in law, eventually joined in. Wesley joined in about ten months ago. “We’re all just friends.” Fletcher states.

Q- Do you write your own songs?
A- Jacob and Dillon do. Justin will write sometimes, but there is never anyone hired to do the writing. It’s all original.

Q- Have you always wanted to be in the music industry?
A- Yes. It’s always been a dream!

Q- What inspires you to play music?
A- Just being so close to Nashville and seeing all the shows. The Beatles are also a huge inspiration.

Q- Where do you hope to see your band in five years?
A- We are hoping to eventually have our own U.S. Tour. Hopefully doing more shows and becoming more popular as time goes on.

Q- How do you promote your band?
A- Through every social media we can. We have Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Before shows we use fliers and it’s mostly word of mouth too.

Q- How does music affect you?
A- “It’s a huge part of our lives, it’s fantastic! It is the cornerstone of everything we do.” He says.
Q- Who are your musical/non-musical influences? Who pushes you every day?

A- Friends and family are huge. They are always there. And again, The Beatles.
Q- What’s the best thing about being in a band?

These boys have music in their veins! The passion is there and you can tell through their music. They’re currently in Tennessee anticipating their fame, however, you can check them out on their website, www.thebusksmusic.com. Which has all their social media links! 

Indie Ville TV #13 Nashville Up and Coming Rock Goddes Asheira

Written by Omari Byrd

This week I got the chance to sit down with Asheira, an up and coming rock goddess making noise in the Nashville music scene. Blending classic rock ballads with tunes catchy enough to be heard on your local radio, let’s see what makes Asheira tick!

DA: Where are you from and how long have you been in Nashville?

ASH: I'm the product of a military family so I'm a little bit from everywhere; but I spent 10 years in Mobile, Alabama and fought my way to Nashville,Tennessee and I've been here for about 3 years now.

DA: What’s your favorite thing to do in the city and why is it your favorite thing?

ASH: Definitely music and looking for the right people to work with! I've been collectively writing and co-writing with different people, finding musicians that mesh with my style, and after 2 years of looking for the right people, the band just came together this year and here we are. We've self produced an EP album and released one single that has been getting a buzz on 102.9 The Buzz, and that single has led us to other producers and new opportunities! We're actually in talks with Mark Neill, producer of the The Black Keys Brothers album, it's unofficial as of now but we hope it pans out; it's very exciting!

DA: Wow! Very swagged out, I love the work ethic; it definitely sounds like you're working around the clock. So tell me about the band!

ASH: Well the band is made up of drummer Dustin Roberts, Wade Blair on guitar, Steven Thomas on bass, and Jeremy Brading on rhythm guitar. They're amazingly talented and like family to me.

DA: Beautiful; that's the way it's supposed to be. What artists would you say inspire you?

ASH: I like artists with their own style like Jimmy Hendrix, Jack White, and Led Zeppelin, but especially artists like Dan Fenton of Feedback Revival who inspired me and actually helped produce and co-write some of our songs; I love him. Also I love Jeff Buckley, he's one of the best vocalists ever and the only reason I say that is because his songs are more of a passionate, emotional release. He's mastered his character and that's what it's all about.

DA: I hear you with the "mastered his character" statement... you really know something about mastering a character don't you? What movie are you going to be in again?

ASH: Well yeah, I do act, and I play a lead role in the independent film "Race With The Devil" that will be coming out very soon. Be sure to check me out!
DA: Oh, I surely won't forget! Now that we know who has contributed to your sound, how exactly would you describe your sound?

ASH: I definitely have an eclectic sound of 60's, 70's, and 80's rock & roll, mixed with modernized pop elements and different pieces put together. I get No Doubt, ACDC, and The White Stripes comparisons all the time; I love it!

DA: Wow, I must say your music actually had that effect on me! I definitely caught that eclectic, No Doubt vibe when listening to your single "Riding in Cars". Now if you can describe it, what effect would you like your music to have on people?

ASH: I just want people let go of the corporateness of music and feel cool/have fun! It's no secret that you can go to a show in Nashville and see people  with their arms crossed still standing there. Why!? I want people to be themselves because nobody's perfect, and the imperfections of rock & roll are what make it rock and roll. My goal is just to make Nashville dance again.

DA: Now that's dope; I couldn't agree more on that. As Goodie Mob once said, "they don't dance no mo"! Here's a wild question, say you could work with any artist EVER... who would you work with?

ASH: It would have to be Freddie Mercury of Queen. He's one of my favorite vocalists in the world! He's just so quirky and fun, I know we'd make a high energy record.

DA: Awesome. Insert Freddie Mercury meme here! So I know you've released some songs and you definitely have a lot in the chamber, but which of your songs would you release to the people if you could only choose one?

ASH: I'd probably release our song "Do or Die". It's about letting go of everything in order to do what you love with the people you love to do it with. Life is so short, you've got to do what you love. It's such a positive song, and that's the one I would love to give to people.

DA: Yes. It is all about positivity, and empowering people to do what they need to do, and the fact that you say that now means I know you'll follow up on the mic. That's very cool. Now I have a very serious question for you... soft shell or hard shell tacos?

ASH: Soft shell, because you can have more at one time!

DA: Those are my sentiments exactly! Now Asheira, you have one chance to say something to the entire world. Go!

ASH: I would tell the world do what you love, life is short, and live it with the people you love!

DA: There we go, a cool response from a cool chick. Asheira, thanks for taking time out to tell me about yourself. Be sure to catch Asheira around town at one of her various  upcoming performances at the High Watt, Exit Inn, The End, and 5 Spot. Also check out her music, Facebook, Twitter, and everything else Asheira on www.reverbnation.com/asheira