Darius Rucker Backstage Press Conference LP Field CMA Music Festival 2010

Darius Rucker Backstage Press Conference LP Field CMA Music Festival 2010

Q: This week, you did your Darius and Friends Benefit and you were able to get a lot of your friends out to help. You have a lot of experiences with the community, the country artists and you can just call them up and everyone gets together and helps out. Can you contrast that with, not that “Hootie” friends wouldn’t come here, but just the community of country artists
DR: Oh yes. Even when I was making my record I had Vince, Allison and Brad Paisley come. The way that happened, I remember being in “Hootie” and writing a song and thinking that “so and so” would be great on that. I would talk to them and they would say “yeah man, I love the song, let’s do it”. Your manager calls their manager. If a record label calls someone, it never happens. I told people when we were making “Learn To Live” that I wanted Vince Gill on the record. I saw him in the gym and the next thing you know, Vince is in the studio singing. The same with Allison; we saw her in the restaurant. Everyone comes out. This is a different animal than where I came from. This actually is a community and you have the base of Nashville that makes it easy to know where everyone is going to be.

Q: You are back out with Brad Paisley and the H2O tour. Do you remember before your country album came out, you talked about taking friend to see Brad and you were so amazed that you placed a call and told them you wanted to go on tour with Brad Paisley. This is your second time. How has that transition and friendship development been? Is he going to do a song with you?

DR: Yes, we are cutting a duet for my new album tomorrow actually. He played guitar on my record and four or five days later, he was playing my home town Charleston. After the show, I called up my management and told them that I didn’t care what it cost me, I wanted to go out on tour with Brad Paisley. This year is everything I thought it would be; he is such a great guy. I tell people that he is one of the best guys I know and that’s true. He is one of those guys that you just go “wow”. A quick story; we were at the correspondence dinner last year and before I went, my wife asked me if I had my studs and my cuff links and I said I did. I get there and I only have cuff links, I don’t have the studs. I need the studs for my shirt or I can’t go. It is Sunday and I am with the Concierge and he is calling everyone he knows and he can’t find any studs. I am freaking out thinking this is awful. Brad walks out of his room with his wife and his Dad and asks “what are you doing?” I told him I was waiting for some studs. He looks at me and says “I have an extra set of studs” and I am like “who carries studs?” The point of telling the story is last night I finally gave them back to him after a year or so. I am really excited about that.

Q: Tell us about your new single. I understand it is going to radio real soon.

DR: Yes, it is going to radio next week. I am very excited about it. It is a song called “Come Back Song” and I wrote it with Chris Stapleton and Casey Bethard. It is a song about that dude that really knows he really messed up this time. I’ve been there…twice.

Q: Can you tell us the best part about being a “Dad”?

DR: The best part about being a Dad? There is no best part, everything is great about being a Dad. I even like the bad parts. I was that guy that didn’t think much about it and then when it happened, I realized God gave me this voice to sing but He put me on earth to be a Dad and I love it.

Q: Are you going to do any shows overseas?

DR: Yes, book me right now, I’ll be there. I am off the month of December. I would love to come over there.

Q: Your last album, you said frequently that when you went into the studio you would tell the musicians they had two choices, play the one that is best because you didn’t really know how it was going to play out. Obviously you have had a lot of success with this last album. With the new one, with the confidence you have, how did that change what you were able to do or not do this time?

DR: I think this time I knew more what I wanted to do than last time. I think Frank Rogers let me have more input just because I want to make records that people want to listen to. I want to stay on the radio. I knew what I wanted it to sound like, I told Frank and he would get it for me. I hope people like it as much as I do because I love it.

Q: Do your kids get to go out on the road with you since it is summertime?

DR: Yes, they just went home Wednesday. We were out for about 10 days. They were loving life and having a good time. My kids are crazy. We have a good time.

Q: The last time I saw you was after the “New Faces” show at the Radio Seminar and you were quite emotional during that experience. Do you continue to be surprised about your success and how are you feeling since that “New Face” show?

DR: Every day is a surprise. People laugh at me. Every day I laugh because this is something I wanted to do, something I was going to do on my own. Ten of my friends might own the record and I would be happy with that. To actually be here and have this much success with it is just crazy.

Q: During your signing today, did you have any wacky requests from fans?

DR: Sure, there are always wacky requests. These people save their money and plan this trip for a year. When they plan the trip, they say they want to see this person and that person. To be one of those people that they stand in line and camp overnight for just to get your autograph? I’ll sign whatever they want, I will do whatever they want. That is pretty cool; that is why I do what I do.

For additional photos of the CMA Press Conferences visit http://MomentsByMoser.zenfolio.com/pressconfsunday

Justin Moore Backstage LP Field Press Conference CMA Music Festival 2010

Justin Moore Backstage LP Field Press Conference CMA Music Festival 2010

Q: It is a big night for you Justin, talk about playing on the big stage at LP Field.

JM: It’s cool. This is our third year here to do the CMA Fest and it is cool to see how it has grown over the past three years. We started out at the River Stage and then did the Chevy Stage last year and I don’t know if they were desperate to have someone come up here tonight or what but it is definitely exciting. It is a big step for us.

Q: Chely Wright took a really big step this year and I think when you performed with her at her benefit that it was the first time she had played live since she did that. Could you feel anything in the room?

JM: Unfortunately, I had to leave. I was gone for about two weeks straight and wanted to get back and see my four month old daughter so we went and played and jetted. She obviously has had a big year and a lot on her shoulders. I hope she is happy.

Q: Is this the biggest crowd you have played in front of?

JM: It’s going to be close. A few weeks ago, we got to do a show with Kenny Chesney in Baton Rouge and played in front of about 50,000 folks in Tiger Stadium. It is exciting, but I am too stupid to get nervous. To get to play in front of this many folks is fun. A lot of people may know our music and some probably don’t, but that is more exciting because we get to grow our fan base.
Q: With Father’s Day coming up, can you tell us how you feel?
JM: It’s crazy how it changes your whole way of thinking on everything. People can tell you that until you are blue in your face, but until you hold your daughter or your son you don’t realize it . My wife actually told me that I was going to be a Dad last Father’s Day when I got off the road. It is cool to see how things have changes since last year at this time.

Q: Could you give some advice for aspiring music artists?

JM: I don’t believe anyone would take advice from me. The career advice I would give is you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it. I am a prime example of that. I have been very blessed that everyone in this industry, country radio and the fans have embraced me early on and I have had some success. Where I grew up, this just doesn’t happen to people. I grew up in a town of 300 people. It definitely happens to real folks so go for it.

Q: You are back on Brad Paisley’s H2O tour, talk about that experience and what you think makes him connect with the audience so well?

JM: Today, I saw a quote made by him and it was the coolest thing I have heard him say. He said folks want to think of us as friends and not get above them, just stay right there with them and relate to them. Brad does a great job of that. You see that in his shows and the way he goes about his business back stage.

Q: You said you were too stupid to get nervous, but you also said you would consider a warm up because of all the crazy antics on stage and you could hurt yourself. Have you taken any steps to fix that?

JM: No, I am still just as ignorant as I ever was. Someone said I probably should stretch or do yoga or something. I can’t spell yoga. It’s hard to stretch in pants this tight, they make me wear britches that are three sizes too small.

Q: Can you talk about your new single?

JM: I am excited about it. “How I Got To Be This Way” is our fastest rising single yet. It is a good song for the summertime I think and a little bit different for me. It’s still me but it is a song about some of the stupid stuff I did growing up. I can’t fit all the stupid things I did growing up in the three minutes. It is a little different for us and it is great to see the fans reacting to it. We are shooting the video for it also.

Q: You mentioned that this is your third time at CMA Music Festival so obviously fans are getting to know you. What are you doing to adapt to those changes as the crowds get bigger for you?

JM: It’s wild, it’s surprising to see. We just sit out there on stage and scratch our heads every night. We keep trying to add to the show and try to do different things, especially at places we have already played. We don’t want to do the same show twice. The bottom line is to keep adapting. You have to stay hungry and never be satisfied. You have to keep trying to make the show better because if you feel like you have arrived, you have messed up.

Q: With all the competition that is out there today in country music, how do you separate yourself from the pack? What are the things that make you stand out?

JM: I’m prettier! Just kidding. Ask my wife and she will tell you Jake Owen and Luke. Really, the fans want to know who you are as a person; as well as what you sing about and write about. I think we did a good job on the first album; picking songs, me writing songs that show people who I am. It lets people know you are at least a half way decent person. Back to what I said about Brad Paisley, he relates to people and people relate to him. Everyone out there feels they are a friend of his. I think that is a big key. I grew up on country music and started loving country music because I thought they were writing songs about me. That’s what we try to do.

Additional photos of the backstage press conference and Justin Moore can be seen at
http://MomentsByMoser.zenfolio.com/pressconfsunday

Josh Turner Backstage LP Field Press Conference CMA Music Festival 2010

Josh Turner Backstage LP Field Press Conference CMA Music Festival 2010

Q: What special gifts do you get from your fans personally?

JT: Here lately, it has been toothpicks. I have done one or two interviews and it has multiplied. The question was what I take with me all the time like toothpicks or whatever and the fans started bringing me toothpicks which I think is weird.

Q: Could you give advice for aspiring music professionals?

JT: Some of the best advice I got when I was growing up was move to Nashville, go where the music is. That was valuable advice for me because there was a part of me that thought I could stay in South Carolina and some big record producer would come down, sign me to a deal and I would go to Nashville. That is not exactly how it works all the time. That would be the first thing I would say and secondly, I would say prepare yourself for the business side of it. That is something I don’t feel I was prepared for in the beginning. For those young people coming to town that are going to college, take some business courses. That is something I probably should have done that I didn’t. Outside of that, stay true to yourself and don’t let anyone convince you to do something that is not right.

Q: When you are here in Nashville surround by your fans, what is do you take away from all of this?

JT: I am living my dream. I am extremely blessed and I just want to be able to give them a great show. I want to spend some extra time with the fans whether it is in an autograph line, a meet and greet or fan club party like I did this morning. I had fans come see me from all over the world this week, literally. I was sitting this morning on my bus watching my fans pile into the fan club party with their Josh Turner T-shirts and everything. It is very humbling and inspiring to be able to live my dream. I think that is what I take away-a huge sense of responsibility and gratitude.

Q: Weren’t you one of the last people to perform on the Opry stage before the flood? Can you talk about that weekend because you actually had a personal experience that weekend?

JT: Obviously there was no way I could have known what was going to happen so I don’t really remember a lot about that performance. I do remember that when the flood happened, we were actually out of town on the freight train tour with Alan. It was surreal because we were glued to the weather channel, watching the local coverage trying to stay abreast of what was going on. My band and crew were all parked out at Opry Mills and we all came home Monday morning and all their cars were under water. They weren’t allowed to go in that area for a whole week. They all ended up having to get new rides so that has been interesting to see what they have been getting.

Q: Can you talk about the Josh Turner scholarship fund? What inspired you to start that and how you are raising money for that?

JT: I was inspired to start the Josh Turner Scholarship fund from a conversation that I had with my producer Frank Rogers. We were in the studio one day comparing our experiences from high school musically. He went to a big 5A school in South Carolina and I went to a small 1A school where I only had 75 people in my graduating class. He was just rambling on and on about these great experiences and these trips they took and the groups they had and all the opportunities musically in high school and I didn’t have any of that. It made me realize that there really is a need for music programs and scholarship money for young people that aspiring to be musicians or artists or just get into the music world. There have been several ways I have been trying to raise money. One is I sell bracelets that say “Josh Turner Fund For The Arts” at my shows and we have raised a lot of money that way. Night after night, we do a lot of silent auctions and we have talked about doing some fund raisers in the future to raise more. We have had two recipients so far. It is a hard thing doing charity work but it is worth it.

Q: How has technology changed the music business?

JT: It has changed the way we can acquire music. “Why Don’t We Just Dance” was just certified digital gold which is 500,000 downloads of that song itself. Someone was asking me just this past Tuesday how different that was or how weird that was. It is different but I don’t think it is weird. Back when they were making vinyl records you had 45s and they were selling singles and you could have success off the singles. I liken it to that. It is just a different way of acquiring it and it is in digital form. You can do it from your home and I still get a plaque for it.

Q: With Father’s Day coming up, can you tell us the best part of being a father?

JT: Just being able to look into the eyes of your child and know that you are their hero and look up to you. Father’s Day takes on a special significance when you have your own children. Just being a father is very gratifying and brings me a lot of joy. It also helps me relate to my Daddy and what he went through trying to raise my stubborn self.

Additional photos of Josh Turner and the backstage press conference can be viewed at http://MomentsByMoser.zenfolio.com/frilppressconf

Danny Gokey: LP Field Press Conference CMA Music Festival 2010

Danny Gokey: LP Field Press Conference CMA Music Festival 2010

Q: Can we ask you about your first CMA Festival? What has been the most exciting thing so far?

DG: I have always been on the outside looking in. I think that most people that are not in the industry have that perception of what it is like to just look in. Being inside it now, I think the thing that has touched my heart the most is the connection with the fans. I really mean it. I have been able to shake and hug and sign so many times over, but seeing the realness of the impact over and over. I was that same person growing up that was impacted by music myself, just like everyone in this room; it is a universal language. Just to see that on the inside…I was sitting at the table today and thinking “wow, you really make a difference when you are doing music”.

Q: Some of us got to talk to you after the CMT awards, but it seemed that things really opened up for you after the awards. You got to meet a lot of great people. Can you tell us about that?

DG: Last night, I met “Snookie”. Talk about the buzz of the CMT Awards; “Snookie and the Situation” and I am not very familiar with “Jersey Shores”. You don’t have to watch “Jersey Shores” to know who they are. I was tweeting all night last night and I got a lot of behind the scenes pictures that I tweeted to my fans. Twitter was going a little crazy yesterday. I took a shot of what looked like of “me” Blake Shelton and Chuck Wicks peeing and yes, it was Blake’s idea, of course. I saw Kelly Clarkson last night too, of all people. She was there at the after party. I was able to talk to Keith Urban. I was walking down the hallway and Keith Urban called me to him. It was the coolest thing. I was surrounded by people, I walked by and he goes “Danny, come here”. I was like “oh” and came running up there. He mentioned that his family loves my single “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me”. He told how they were walking through Nashville Shores and they heard it and I think it was one of his kids came up and asked who it was. He said he knew that tone of voice and he went and looked in a Billboard magazine and knew he was right. He said they love that song, it’s a great song. I was honored, I was speechless.

Q: Can you give us some career advice for aspiring new artists?

DG: I think the foundation of the music industry is dream. I know that is probably the easiest part, but I think when the hardest part come is when it feels like the dream is not going to come true. I remember there was a point when I kind of gave up on it, but because I was very passionate about music, I just did it. I put no expectation on it. You have to keep dreaming, keep pushing, keep pressing but at the same time you have to be unique. We don’t need another Danny Gokey, Keith Urban or Reba McIntire. You have to be unique because that uniqueness will create a roll for you. It will bring you to where you need to be.

Q: What are your expectations for tonight?

DG: I think we have exceeded my expectations already. At this point, you can imagine the heaviness that you start to carry, because I have never done a show this size in my life. A national anthem for a “Packer’ game, the stadium holds tens of thousands, but it not performing.

Q: It is an end of an era for American Idol with Simon leaving. What are your feelings on that and who do you think should replace him?

DG: I think we can all come to an agreement in this room that we all feel like “wow, what is this show going to be like?”. Simon didn’t make the show, who was Simon when the show came to be? It was American Idol, but it was the chemistry of the people on the show that made the show what it was. Honestly, he was the front face on the show and to see him leaving is sad. But American Idol was successful in the beginning. If they utilize that formula they used was back in the beginning and put someone polarizing in that place, I think that will draw the people in. I heard a rumor that Howard Stern could have been that guy. Honestly, regardless of whether you like him or not he would draw crowds. I heard he isn’t going to do it, but I think what they are trying to do is pick someone polarizing and they are on the right track. We will see what happens.

Q: Can you tell us about the next steps you are taking in your career? You have the second single here, something about a video, what is happening?

DG: I am currently on tour with Sugarland, which has been a blast. It is definitely an opportunity, because if you think about it, American Idol gives you tools, it gives you a platform to become successful at that moment, but after that, you have to work. Just to have the opportunity, first off, to cut a CD and then to get on a tour to promote the CD has been amazing. Now, we are finishing the tour August 5th, we have a lot of spot dates coming up and we are getting ready to put together a tour for the fall. More details will be in the future. About the video and my single “I Will Not Say Goodbye”. If you have listened to my CD, you will see my CD tells stories because my CD is a very personal reflection on my personal life, but at the same time, so many people can relate to it. “I Will Not Say Goodbye”, everyone that knows my story will understand completely from the first word that comes out of my mouth. The video paints an even stronger picture of what I am trying to express. In the video, we actually tell other people’s stories of what they experienced with loss and how they are getting through it.

Q: With the international fame you gained with American Idol, have you thought about travel or touring overseas?

DG: I think that is always a thought in your mind because what is the first thing you think about when you think of touring? You think traveling. Yes, of course, but at this point, there has been opportunity, but there is a lot of ground work to be done. I have to grow my own legs and learn how to walk; make my own footsteps. I need to build upon a foundation that was laid. Yes, I want to but in its time and in its place.

Q: Talk a little about what you have learned being out with Sugarland. What have you learned performance wise?

DG: At this point in my career, I have become a sponge, because I understand the only way to get better is to learn from the people that are the best. Sugarland? They are the best of the best out there. To see their set design, to see their interaction with the crowd, to see how their movement sparks energy is amazing. When you get on the stage, you have to get a thermometer to gauge the atmosphere and work with that atmosphere and watch how they are doing that. Each city is different, not everyone will be up on their feet dancing, you have to learn to manipulate and control the show at that point. I am learning from them and everyone else I can get my hands on and watch.

Q: You started Sophia’s Heart Foundation. Has CMA Fest become a very good tool for you to educate the fans about that foundation and what they can do?

DG: Absolutely. For instance, you asked that question and there have been questions asked all around about the organization and what I am doing. We have the ability to lend a hand in the Nashville area for support. We opened a relief center. We got our hands on a 45,000 square foot building at a very low price and we have been able to serve over 100 families with food, water, clothes, cleaning supplies and anything we can do. We are definitely a very small influence, but we wanted to do with what we could do with our hands and team up with other people. That is what we have done. It is great to be in this place because not only does your musical career elevate but at the same time the things you live for elevate. The charity has been one of them. That is how I was raised, to help people. It is in every person here, it is how we think.

For additional photos of CMA Music Festival LP Field Backstage visit http://MomentsByMoser.zenfolio.com/lpbackstage

Transcribed by Pam Stadel for Digital Rodeo

Julianne Hough LP Field Backstage Press Conference CMA Music Festival 2010

Julianne Hough LP Field Backstage Press Conference CMA Music Festival 2010

Q: Can you talk about performing on this huge stage tonight and what it means to you?

JH: I am super excited because the first time I performed, I got to sing my single and that was it, a really quick thing. Last year, I was scheduled to perform but because of the tornado warnings and all the weather stuff, I had to jet out so I wouldn’t miss my George Strait show, so I didn’t get to perform then. This year I am very excited because I am performing all new music. People haven’t really heard anything from in the last year and a half. They have been waiting and I definitely have been waiting so I am excited and ready.

Q: Can you tell us about the new single and the representation?

JH: This record is such a departure from the last one. Not only is the music different but I personally have grown as an artist and vocally and it all sounds like one now. Writing was one of the best parts of this whole process. I wrote the single “Is That So Wrong” with Sara Buxton and Blair Daily. I love them and they are my “go-to guys”. It is a great song. I wrote it right when I got out of a relationship and I think people can relate to the fact that sometimes you don’t want to be alone, sometimes a friend isn’t good enough. It isn’t a “booty call”, it is just you want to be held and that is what the song is about.

Q: Last year you had a really cute story about how a little girl asked you about your earrings and you gave them to her. Do you have any stories like that from this year?

JH: I saw her, her name is Lexi. I saw her at the City of Hope Softball game and she had the earrings in; it was great. I was signing yesterday and there was a really excited guy named Peter and he was just so excited. It was fun because I have not been present for such a long time. It’s really great to feel the love.

Q: Carrie Underwood’s wedding is coming up. What kind of gift are you giving her?

JH: Oh my, a wedding gift. I have been to so many weddings. I have no idea, something they will use separately. I don’t know, I will have to think about it.

Q: You are filming or finished filming a movie with Cher and the others. That is a pretty huge thing.

JH: Yes. I just finished filming a movie called “Burlesque” with Cher and Christine Aguilera and Kristen Bell; an amazing cast. It was my first movie roll and really fun. I get to sing and dance. I hope you all recognize me, I have red hair and I am pregnant.

Q: Can you talk about working with Cher? She’s such an icon.

JH: To be honest, if anyone deserves the right to be a Diva, it is definitely Cher; but she is so far from a Diva. She is so chilled and down to earth. She is the one sitting up on the set while everyone else is asking to go to their trailers. She is very encouraging and I did a great, really emotional scene with her and she knew exactly what to say to me to get me emotional after 17 takes. She is amazing, I feel so blessed to have even been in her presence and to have worked with her.

Q: Did she share any actual advice while you were filming?

JH: To be honest, we were just hanging out. We weren’t trying to get anything from each other, just hanging out.

Q: Can you give career advice for aspiring artists? What would you tell them to do?

JH: As an artist, in general, for anyone that wants to do what they love, just keep going and really believe in yourself. Sometimes you don’t, but you have to keep going. There are moments like tonight or when you meet fans; it definitely pays off.

Q: Are you going to return to “Dancing With The Stars”?

JH: There was a rumor about that going around, but I don’t know yet. It is a little too early to tell. They are not going to decide which dancers are on until they get the celebrities.

Q: Can you talk about your film “Foot Loose”?

JH: It’s crazy. It has been such an on-going thing for me. I could not be any more excited now than before because there has been so much direction change and growth through the movie. It was going to be this singing and dancing big shebang movie and now it is going to be more like the original and really holding onto key points from the movie. It is great for me because I feel it is a real “performance” acting piece for me. I don’t sing or dance in it. The director Craig Brewer is unbelievable. It will be a little edgier but still PG-13

Addtional photos of the press conference are available at http://MomentsByMoser.zenfolio.com/frilppressconf

The Oak Ridge Boys: LP Field Press Conference CMA Music Festival 2010

The Oak Ridge Boys LP Field Press Conference CMA Music Festival 2010

Q: Country music continues to evolve and as new generations come and rules change; from your perspective, having been through all this for so long and being such legends, can you talk about the present state of country music?

Joe Bonsall: I think that is a real good question and yes, we have been around a long time. Our first big hits were in 1977, tons of hits through the 1980s and into the 1990s and we still get a little play now and then. We still have a big schedule, big tour and a big career going. We are very blessed and thankful to still be around and singing.
To answer your question directly, I think country music is in wonderful hands. I think the pendulum has always swung back and forth. Is that country? Is that country? Is that too rock and roll? We heard that in the 1970s too. I don’t know if that is the relevant part. I think the relevant part is I think there is more great, young talent singing songs in country music right now than there has ever been at one time. I think country music is going just fine.

Q: CMA Music Festival began back in the mid 1970s. Talk about how it has grown over the years.

JB: We have taken part in every single one of these in one form or another, usually pretty big parts in most of them. It just gotten bigger and bigger until it outgrew where it was and something needed to be done. I think the CMA took the bull by the horns here and decided to take it really big and huge and made it happen. From our standpoint tonight, being out there on that big stage and singing the anthem to those people and especially here in Nashville Tennessee where not that long ago, we were all under water drowning right here is awesome. Where those people are sitting out there; was all under water. There are a lot of people that thought this event wouldn’t happen this year. To us, as long time residents of Nashville and part of this music business for all these years, I think we are all very thankful to see this event going. We are thankful to see that big crowd out there and feel the excitement, to see the bars and hotels full, the streets full and restaurants full. Right now, as Nashvillians, as Tennesseans, to see this going on it means more to us than it ever has.

Q: As someone that has participated in all the Fan Fairs and Music Fests, what are some of your most memorable fan experiences? Something wild you have been asked to sign or something crazy someone said?

Duane Allen: I don’t know if we can talk about all the crazy things we have been asked to sign.

JB: Let me count. Let me just say this, someone asked the question a little while ago about “is country music more accessible than other types of music?” I don’t know if you are going to find all these artists that accessible all year long. Here at CMA week, all the artists do make themselves accessible and everyone does get out there with the people and sign and take pictures, fellowship and chat with them. I don’t think that goes on often in any other part of the music industry and that is what makes this festival so special. People come here to stand in line, although I hate to see people stand in line for hours and hours. At the height of our career, we had them lined up down the hall and my fear was we couldn’t get to them all. You just had Lady Antebellum here and they are at the top of the heap right now, they are the biggest act in our business right now and they had people all the way down the hall. I use to worry that I couldn’t get to all of them and then if you didn’t get to all of them, we would have people mad and yelling at us. That is heartbreaking sometimes and that is why most of the year, you don’t put yourself in that position but here, we all put ourselves in that position.

Q: Can you give career advice to aspiring new artists? How has technology changed the music business?

DA: Use all the technology you can but when you put your voice in a recording mode, be as honest as you can with the people, don’t mess with it that much and record the best songs you can find no matter who wrote them. Cut the best music, the best songs that you can find. It makes no difference who the writer is if you cut the best songs. They will take you everywhere you want go and fast. The better the songs, the longer the trip.

JB: We live in a town where everyone is looking for the great artist and the great song so if you have all that, that cream will rise to the top and they will find you. You just have to prepare for the fact that you have to work real hard at it. It isn’t easy, no overnight success here. Duane is right, the bottom line is the good song but by the same token, if you are there singing and no one is paying attention and you are not moving them with what you are doing, go sell shoes.

Q: Because there are four of you, how difficult was it for you to pick a good song?

DA: A good song speaks for itself, you don’t have to look for it. When it comes to you, you know it. If I listen to a song and then put it down and don’t listen to it for two weeks, but I am still singing that chorus, I want to know what the name of that song is. More than likely, I can tell you the name because it is still going around in my head. That is how I look for hit songs. I listen to hundreds of songs with every album we record. I don’t listen to them over and over, I listen to them one right after another and the ones that stand out, I put in a special stack and go back to them. The ones I remember, I pull out of that stack.

JB: I think having four of us is a benefit to us because you have more minds, more eyes on the ball. We have been together so long we know how to tell each other that a song is not that good and we listen to each other. By the same token, like Duane says, we know what is good too.

Q: William, can you tell us a little about your artwork that previewed here in Nashville?

WG: Yes, my art is on display at the Tennessee State Museum. The curator of the museum and Pam Lewis met last fall and then asked me in January if they could have a showing of all my landscape paintings together in one big showing. I have 23 canvases that are at the Tennessee State Museum on display. It opened on June 3rd and will go through June 13th. We had a little get together there the other night, it was a really fun event with some special guests that came to join us. I am very honored to have the museum tie my art show with the CMA Festival.

Q: You last album was a little different in some ways. Have you seen new fans come along because of that music?

JB: There is a unique story behind our album. A few years ago, Shooter Jennings asked us to sing on a song called “Slow Ride” on his “Wolf” album. We got to know his young producer David Cobb, young rock and roll guys just having a lot of fun out there and making good music. David said if he had a chance to work with us, he had some incredible ideas. He is not only a young, 33 year old rock and roll producer but he is a music visionary and a historian. He knows all about us, he knows more about us than maybe we forgot about ourselves. We worked it out where we went into the studio with David. His first idea, he said we would think he was nuts but he heard us doing “Seven Nation Army” and we said “we think you’re nuts but keep talking”. He came up with this idea that where the bass guitar riffs would play, Richard would sing. We recorded but we didn’t go crazy with the whole album, we cut a few unique things on it. We cut “Boom Boom”, we cut “Hold You In My Arms”, Golden does a beautiful rendition of Neil Young’s “Beautiful Bluebird”, we have a couple of really great gospel songs on there and our new single is “Mama’s Table” written for us by Jamey Johnson which is as country as you can get. We are down there hanging out with these young musicians, young engineers, young producer, Shooter Jennings, Jamey Johnson for a late night recording. I think what we found there was some real down to earth honesty with what we were doing. Did we do a few things that were a little out there? Yes, The Oak Ridge Boys singing “Seven Nation Army”? We got more attention from that than anything since Elvira—everyone is talking about it. It is a lot of fun to sing that song on stage too. We throw the audience a big curve with it sometimes. Working with David brought out some real honesty and integrity in what we were doing harmonically and choosing the different songs. “Boys Are Back” has been a monumental project for us over the last year and yes, I think we have received some new fans as a result of it.

Q: I remember running into Jamey Johnson right after you cut that song and he was the most excited than I think I had ever seen him.

JB: Let me tell you what Jamey did recently. The Southern Gospel Music Association gave us an award for our years that we spent in gospel and our contributions to gospel music. It was a Southern Gospel event and they wanted us to get up and sing a couple of songs and we decided to sing “Mama’s Table”. William ran into Jamey and told Jamey we were doing the event and asked him if he wanted to come down with us. Jamey went and got up on stage at the Southern Gospel event and there we were; The Oak Ridge Boys and Jamey Johnson up on stage singing “Mama’s Table” and it was huge. Jamey had a ball being there. We thought he might skip out afterwards but he hung out with us all night long. Jamey is very special; I think you all know that.

Q: What was it about that song that drew you guys in?

JB: I can go back to what Duane said about a song really getting to you. Here we are one night at about 12 o’clock midnight and David Cobb tells Jamey to play some songs for us. Jamey just started playing songs. He is such an incredible writer, I thought they were all great. I think we could have done “The Oak Ridge Boys sings Jamey Johnson” album and it would have been fine with me. When he did “Mama’s Table”, we all got chills and Dave said “don’t play anything, let that one just sit there for a minute”. We recorded it the next day and Jamey came in and cut a track for us that day. Somewhere there exists, on our track, a Jamey vocal and it is incredible. Someone needs to mix that in such a way…

For additional photos of CMA Music Festival LP Field Backstage visit http://MomentsByMoser.zenfolio.com/lpbackstage

For additonal photos of William Lee Golden and the art exhibit visit http://MomentsByMoser.zenfolio.com/wlgart (there is also an interview with him right here on my blog so check it out too!)


Transcribed by Pam Stadel for Digital Rodeo

Jamie O'Neal and Manwich at CMA Music Fest

The 2010 CMA Music Festival was flooded with new activities and opportunities for the fans as well as the artists in attendance. On Saturday, June 12, ConAgra Food’s Manwich hosted an Open Mic Night Contest for aspiring country musicians. 152 contestants auditioned, with eight making it through to Saturday’s final round. Held at the Sports Zone Stage, the finals were judged by country music star Jamie O’Neal (Somebody’s Hero and There Is No Arizona) and CAA music agent Laura Hutfless. Kimberlie Helton of Henderson, Tennessee took home the grand prize and was awarded a trip for two to the CMA Music Awards and a guitar autographed by Jamie O’Neal!

Photos of the event can be seen at http://MomentsByMoser.zenfolio.com/manwich

Also taking place during the backstage press conference at LP Field on Saturday, June 12th, ConAgra Food’s Manwich made a $10,000 donation to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to aid with flood relief. Jamie O’Neal was on hand again with Christopher Sinta and Ryan Stalker from ConAgra Foods to present the check to Ellen Lehman, President of the organization.




Photos of the press conference are available at http://MomentsByMoser.zenfolio.com/lppresssat

Read the questions and answers with media representatives during the press conference below:
Manwich Representative: Thank you everyone for coming. Manwich has had a fantastic week down here. We are a first year partner with the CMA and are extremely excited to be here. We know that the city of Nashville and the surrounding areas have had a tremendous time with flooding and now the concentration on rebuilding and relief efforts from the tragedy that happened a little over a month ago. We wanted to follow up with CMA’s significant donation to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and further help out with that effort. Ellen, on behalf of Manwich and Jamie O’Neal, we would like to present you with a $10,000 check

Ellen Lehman (Community Foundation): On behalf of everyone that is going to benefit, thank you so much. This really helps a lot as does all the CMA activity. The shear economic development results of people out shopping, spending money, the hotels, restaurants; it has been an incredible weekend for a city that needed an incredible weekend. Thank you so much for being a part of it.

Q: To Chris and Ryan (Manwich): This is your first time to view this amazing event do you feel that you invested your money well? And can you elaborate on why you chose to become involved with CMA as well.

Chris: To be honest with you, as we look at our consumer research. We know that Manwich goes very well with the country music listener. We couldn’t think of a better partner to get involved with. This is something we haven’t done a lot of in the past with this particular brand. We consider this a significant investment and we think it has come up as a shining star this weekend. We have seen a tremendous amount of samples being given out and consumers enjoying the product. We are really excited to be here.

Q: Jamie, you were auditioning singers earlier today? Talk about your event today and also about CMA Festival. You have been doing this for several years; please talk about the fan support you receive.

JO: I think this is my ninth Fan Fair / CMA Fest and it is incredible every year. I was lucky enough to be asked by Manwich to be a part of an open Mic contest which for me is exciting to be a part of because you see new talent and you find new, great people all the time in situations like that. At the same time, I felt for them because they were up there singing a cappella and it was also 101 degrees. It was great to be a part of it and an honor to be asked for my opinion. The fans are incredible. I think of the tragedy we have had and wonder if everyone is going to come out. Then knowing the tickets were sold out and the reaction that everyone has had; the excitement is great. It’s better, if not better than last year and the year before. I am so honored to be a part of everything; including singing the National Anthem and to be asked by Manwich to be a part of their great company. I know Manwich is great and country music fans love to eat and that is one of the best things I can say, it is such a great meal for my family. I was happy to be asked, thank you for having me.

Q: Ellen, can you give us a quick overview of how the Community Foundation works and how the Community Foundation has been fortunate enough to be chosen for so many things.

Ellen: Not unlike everything else in Music City, the Community Foundation is a 20 year overnight success. For 20 years, we have been working to connect generosity with needs. We try and take the people who can help and tie them to people that need help. It has taken a lot of different forms over the course of time. We provide customized philanthropic services. Donors can come to us and say “I have always wanted to have a scholarship in honor of my Father” and we can make that happen. One example is about eight years ago we sat down with then Mayor Bill Purcell and talked about the experiences after the tornados and asked if can we put in place a system that will allow this community to respond quickly and well and also create a mechanism and platform whereby the non-profit organizations that respond to disaster will know each other better and be able to work more closely and do that with confidence. Through that, the office of Emergency Management redid its master plan and included the Community Foundation as the central repository for the cash donations in time of crisis. We knew from 9-11 and we knew from Oklahoma City and Katrina that without a central repository, there would end up being lots of little pockets of money that was each duplicating effort. It seemed much more efficient to have one place where contributions could come and then with the help and expertise of people in government and in the private sector and in the non-profit sector, they could be strategically deployed to meet the needs of the community.

Q: For the flood victim that legitimately needs help, what do you say to them?

Ellen: Our first round of grants was to organizations that have a lot of long standing, trusting relationships with the victims of the flood. They were strategically picked in areas like Bellevue, etc. We have never given gifts to individuals. We give grants to non-profit organizations. If we were to give gifts to individuals, #1-we wouldn’t have enough money to make a difference and #2—they wouldn’t have access through the ancillary services that these non-profits can offer.

Q: I have had people that have lost everything ask about all the money that is being raised and how they can tap into this. How would they find out how to get help?

Ellen: That is a very interesting facet of this particular disaster. There have been, from the beginning, four focal points. One was that these victims of the floods were people that had never accessed help before. They were people that had stood proudly on their own two feet, who had made their own way in the world, who in many cases owned their own homes, had paid off the mortgages, had lived there for 40 years, and raised their kids. They were a different population than what is normal. We created a first round of grants to get them help in accessing services. One of those grants for instance was legal aid because we knew two things were happening. One is insurance companies are almost always going to say no. It doesn’t mean that is the last answer, it just means it is the first answer. If you have never had to file an insurance claim before, you deserve to have an expert that you can call for free and find out that you can go back and ask again. This is true in every disaster this country has had. When people go to rebuild their homes, there are contractors that suddenly pop up that really don’t help. That is just one example.
We also fund mental health. There are huge issues of post traumatic stress in this community. It is important to give people that kind of help. The same is true with case management, access to services, etc. We can’t give money to individuals which I know is a huge disappointment to them, but the fact is even with this huge outpouring of generosity, the money we would have for each FEMA claim is about $100. That really wouldn’t do anyone any good and frankly, I don’t think it would make anyone feel better.

Q: How can people find out about these grants that you are issuing? How can they find out what kind of services are available to them that they could benefit from?

Ellen: Every grant that we have made is on our website. It is accessible and the information is available. We also have an application. We are being proactive with the grants we are making, but we are also being reactive. The reactive part is any non-profit organization can apply to us including churches. We are eager to get this money out to them to help their congregates in that particular case. The proactive ones have been the first group of grants going towards case management. We also know there are huge transportation issues. The biggest issue is housing and we are working very closely with the Mayor’s team of experts, who are phenomenal, to help us understand how we can address needs like housing. We are not housing experts and for us to go and say “we think you should do this” might not be the wisest course of action. It is very important that we draw on the expertise of folks in the community to make sure that we use this money wisely.

Q: A bunch of fan club events this week are donating their money to the flood relief and the CMA is giving a big portion too. Do you know at this point how much you will raise this week?

Ellen: Not a clue. Sorry. But we are ever so appreciative.