Hey Guys!
I had my callback for Nashville Star today in Burbank, CA, and I wanted to tell you about it! Thank you to all who have wished me luck!
To give you a little background, I sang at an NSAI writers' round last month and was introduced to two of the casting directors for Nashville star who attended the round. They asked me to send in a video of myself, including a 5-minute segment on My Life and a 2 songs (1 original and 1 cover). They called and invited me to the call back last week!
Today I walked in - guitar in hand, hair curled, ready to go! The room was pretty full of other singers, groups and novelty acts. There was a definite energy of excitement all around!
I first met with a group of about 10 producers and casting crew to sing and answer questions - Sell Why I should be the next Nashville Star. It went well, I think! I had butterflies, for sure, so I had a couple flubbed chords. I think my voice stayed strong though. They invited 5 more people in the room to hear me sing my songs again - I sang an original of mine, called "Trophy Wife" and the Trisha/Leann song "How Do I Live." Everyone was very nice and laid back.
Next, I was invited into a room set up for interviews and answered more personal questions - Why am I Living in LA when I'm a country music singer? Where do I get inspiration as a songwriter? etc. I felt really good about my answers and I sang a little bit of "Trophy Wife" again. They loved it!
Later on, I had a camera man film me playing guitar and before I left a cute girl came up to me and said "Hey, I was in the casting room and you did a great job!" That was so very encouraging to hear!
By the way, I figured I'd answer some of these questions for you, since you might wonder what I said:
Why should I be the next Nashville Star?
I grew up in Nashville and I've known since I was 6 years old that I wanted to be a Country Music singer for the rest of my life. I've been performing for over 20 years, writing since I was 15, and have been so close to "making it" many times before. My dream is to be a Grand Ole Opry Member and I want to sing on that stage until I'm too old to drive! I'm going to make that happen and I believe America will see that and vote for me!
Why am I living in LA instead of Nashville?
Nashville is my home, but I moved here 3 years ago in pursuit of a recording contract - which soon fell apart. My husband has a great job managing the West Coast Territory and we thought we'd spend a little time living near the ocean before any kiddos arrive. We will transition back to Nashville ASAP and I hope Nashville Star will help me to do that!
Where do I get my inspiration for writing songs?
I wrote my first song at 15 after a breakup. Since then, I've written about my own life experiences, my friends struggles and stories, and I also get inspiration from Movies and books. Many of my songs - Money and Love, Miracles and Mistakes, Trophy Wife, etc. - are from true experiences. I am an empathetic person and find a way to put emotions others have - especially women's emotions - into my lyrics, giving them a voice.
If my life were a song title, what would it be?
Thank God for Miracles and Mistakes! I wrote this song with Georgia Middleman. It defines perfectly the way the ups and downs in my life have made me who I am today.
I'll let you wait and see the answers to the rest of the questions when the show airs! I'm thinking positively and praying this is God's will for me. I'll let you know as soon as I hear!!
Going for a looooong run now! It's a beautiful day here in Sunny California! Soakin' it up!
Love,
Elizabeth