by Crystal Davis | Feb 14, 2012 | News Slider
Kelsea Ballerini isn’t taking the advantages of living in Music City for granted. At the age of 13, Kelsea started writing songs. She always loved music, she said, and figuring out itwas her true passion was “just the cherry on top.” Kelsea, a freshman who originally grew up in Knoxville, decided to move to Nashville to pursue singing and songwriting. Kelsea, currently undecided on a major, is still figuring out what to study at Lipscomb. Though majoring in music is not out of the question, she’s not focused on studying it right now since she’s already successful on her own. Last year, Kelsea played a show with country artist Emily West, whose song with Keith Urban, “Blue Sky,” recently hit the top 10 list. Kelsea also had a song on hold for Beyonce’s new record, and a song she co-wrote was featured on Nickelodeon’s hit show “Victorious.” Her music is, by her own definition, “country bluesy poppy soul.” Kelsea is an open book. She tries to be “as genuine as I can about whatever it is that inspired me to write,” she said. Kelsea said she doesn’t feel the need to “sugar coat things or beat around the bush.” She said she thinks people value writing that shows who the artist truly is. Kelsea said she would love to write with Hillary Lindsey of Lady Antebellum. Kelly Clarkson, Bruno Mars and John Mayer top the list of who she would most love to sing with. Kelsea said her most memorable moment was meeting of a fan who absolutely adored her. At an airport in Chicago, a young girl approached her to get an autograph. At...
by Jessica Burke | Dec 19, 2011 | News Slider
It’s so close to campus, you could walk there; it’s the Bluebird Cafe. A restaurant that personifies Nashville through music. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., but knowing the reputation of the Bluebird, we arrived early. It was only 5:30, but the line was already snaking into the parking lot. Waiting patiently, making small talk with other music lovers, we eventually got to the front and just in time too! My two friends and I were among the last few people to squeeze through the door, into this tiny cafe, leaving many disappointed people still standing outside. Stepping in was a surprise. Pictures of famous artists littered the walls, all who had–at some point before their fame–played in this cafe. Tables and chairs were squeezed into the room almost beyond capacity. People nearly sat on top of each other. We were seated at a table with travelers from Oklahoma, ordered some delicious but expensive appetizers, and soaked up the atmosphere and the music. The night I went was song writers’ night. The show kicked off with a feature band, then had a list of musicians who performed three songs for the eager audience. The rule is “no covers,” meaning the artists only present their own music, which allows for some real gems in the mix. If you are looking for something to do in Nashville that’s different and an incredible amount of fun, this little cafe is a real treat. The only negative note I have is that, though there is no cover charge, there is a minimum $7 food or drink purchase. But in my opinion, it was completely...
by Rachel Carden | Nov 1, 2010 | News Slider
Lipscomb student Thomas Rhett Akins, a junior communications major from Valdosta, Ga., will soon see his name printed on Jason Aldean’s new CD, “My Kind of Party.” Akins’ song, “I Ain’t Ready to Quit,” was cut for the cd and is listed as number seven right after the title song. Akins collaborated with two other writers on this song, and this is his first cut since signing with EMI Publishing in Nashville. Akins is the son of legendary country music singer Rhett Akins who continues to write music today. Check out “I Ain’t Ready to Quit” in stores and on iTunes tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 2. Please upgrade your...
