Guide to Songwriting in 2021: The Year None Of Us Trust Yet

Over the past 11 months, a platitude I’ve frequently heard is how many great songs and works of art will come from this horrific time. There seems to be a confused optimism about how artists are handling the world events. Do you people not remember that we are the most fragile of you all? I understand that as the resident tragic figure in the shadows, you assume that I am well equipped to deal with the chaos that has existed, but hello, no thank you. I like to be the only one with trauma around here! What exactly do I bring to the table if we’re all equally messed up?

It has been much more difficult than expected to find the emotional energy to write and create, what with the entire world on fire around us. After so long, it almost feels impossible to return to a normal songwriting process. But we must pull ourselves up by the bootstraps- the streaming services simply will not wait. That’s why, for the sake of us all, I put together this helpful How-To Guide to Songwriting in 2021.

1. Categorize Your Art Immediately

First, let’s pick what genre you’ll be writing in. If there’s one thing I learned from High School Musical, it’s that labels are very important. Thanks to Spotify and their list of over 5,000 options (this part is not a joke, there are literally 5,071 options available on Spotify), genres are now very vague and offer no actual indication of what the music will sound like. In fact, you can basically just pick three random words, stick them together and say it’s a genre. No one is going to know. Now let’s get started on your Southern Glitter Serotonin hit single!

2. Choose A Topic That You Are Mildly Passionate About, But Not A Topic That Is Too Uncomfortable for Your Mother, Who Will Want To Share This On Her Facebook

They say to write about what you know, but what I know is how to accurately sort my pets into their Hogwarts houses based on their predominant personality traits. Songwriting is all about saying what other people want to hear, so you need to find a solid topic that will play well with a large audience of people you don’t know, and a disproportionately small audience of people you do know. Sometimes it helps to gather inspiration from the world around you when searching for the right song topic. Unfortunately, the world around us is currently an absurd combination of the absolute nothingness of quarantine and somehow every single bad thing from 1918 on. I implore you, do NOT gather inspiration from the world around you, it will only overwhelm.

3. Cultivate the Perfect Environment

You accidentally looked at the world around you. Now you must stare blankly into the void. Shhhh, it will be over soon. You’re doing great. Do you have a candle? I guess maybe light that.

4. Create Your Chord Progression

As a woman, I only know four chords – making this part of the writing process a breeze! My close friend and accomplished songwriter, Matt, has Synesthesia and can see the colors of music. Matt once told me that his brain processes each note as a different color, so he is able to arrange beautiful melodies through both an audio and visual experience. That sounds way better than what I do, which is generally just scrambling the order of my four chords and hoping for the best. I recommend Synesthesia, if you can.

5. Medicate, But Not Like That

Many songwriting legends have admitted to using drugs or alcohol to fuel their creativity but I’m almost 30 now and I simply don’t have the time or energy for a midday hangover. I don’t bounce back the way I used to; one writing session could put me out of commission for days. Instead, I recommend clinging to the intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Plus, you can drink as much as you want, because at least it isn’t whiskey.

6. Countermedicate, You Moron

Your hand is now trembling with the force of 5 cups of coffee and 100 bad song ideas. You need water. Water is pure, water is elemental. Michelle Obama warned us about this, and like fools we did not listen.

7. Write Your Hook and Forget the Rest

Now we’ve moved on to my favorite part: the lyrics. Everyone knows that the most important thing a song can do is rhyme, so I recommend choosing a few rhyming words and simply making up the rest. Every word that does not rhyme is just filler; they do not matter. As I always say, “if the words don’t rhyme, I don’t have the time.” For an even easier experience, just stream-of-consciousness your entire song onto a sheet of crumpled notebook paper (paper is so retro) and strum languidly as you take time to feel proud of yourself. You’ve created something meaningful.

8. Get Ready To Go Viral

Editing is for chumps, why mess with perfection? This song is DONE. Sit back and get ready to be lauded.

What to Expect During COVID: Symphony Edition

In late September, we told Huntsville that the Huntsville Symphony was back – with a few modifications. And, in mid-November, HuntsvilleMusic.com decided to check these modifications out and report back so you, the lovely people of this weird rocket city, would know what to expect if you decided to hit up the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at the VBC.

Our consensus on the modified symphony experience?

Awesome.

Our night kicked off with a few pre-show drinks at one of our favorite bars, the Poppy. Tom and I had both been to the symphony before, but we wondered aloud what it would be like in this COVID-cautious atmosphere. He guessed that there would be fewer musicians; I mourned the intermission, since we knew that the concert would be one full hour, start to finish, with no break.

After we warmed ourselves up with Guinness, we walked the short distance to the concert hall. Masks were a must, and we were in good company as we stepped inside, noting that the rest of the show-goers were masked as well. According to very clear signage, it was a requirement.

Another requirement was staying in your assigned seat since the seating is spread out to allow for deliberate social distancing. In between each group of audience members were at least two empty seats to ensure the health and safety of everyone in attendance.

We were helpfully directed to ours by an excited usher, who called out after us as we edged into our seats, “It’s so good to have you here!”

This level of cheer was infectious; you could tell that everyone around us was buzzing with excitement and had missed attending concerts put on by their beloved symphony. The greeters at the door had been just as peppy, with crinkled-up eyes that belied big smiles beneath their masks. (And all this joy with the concert hall’s cocktail bars closed!)

Even the musicians seemed more animated than usual: fidgeting on stage, jiggling legs, glancing out at the audience. The excitement was palpable. There was distance between them, too – each individual musician was spaced out from his or her fellow artists to allow for social distancing, and I whispered to Tom that I was curious how that would affect the sound. “Do you think it will be thin?” I asked.

But before Tom could answer, the lights dimmed, voices dropped to whispers, and it was showtime.

Music Director and Conductor Gregory Vadja took to the stage and, after a brief introduction, lifted his arms and rounded out a swell of anticipation that popped with the first clear, perfect note.

I can tell you – the sound was far from thin.

It was full and gorgeous and filled up the whole hall, all the way up to where Tom and I sat in the balcony. Our concert was from the Alps to the Appalachians, and I found that I didn’t miss the intermission one bit. Especially not when Aleksandra Kasman, the piano soloist who was resplendent in a gown seemingly made entirely out of winking, glittering stars, took the stage and poured her heart and soul out across the black and white keys.

After, Tom commented to me in a tone of awe, “I wish I could be half as good at anything as that woman is at the piano.”

The concert was punctuated with a tribute to all veterans in honor of Veteran’s Day: a medley of each military branch’s fight song, during which veterans in the audience were invited to stand and received a wave of applause in recognition of their service. It was a tasteful, uplifting tribute.

In short, even COVID-cautious the symphony makes for a remarkable night out. Whatever preconceived notions you have about symphony concerts, throw them out. It’s the perfect reason to dress up (or dress down – there is no dress code!), grab a drink or two, and sink into audible art that will take you to a completely different, stress-free reality. Something we could all use right now.

Thanks, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra – we’ll be back.

To see upcoming concerts and buy tickets, check out the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra online.

Wanda – Huntsville’s Accessible Yet Unattainable Frontwoman

Wanda Wesolowski, frontwoman of eponymously named Wanda band, is the queer girl-next-door you wish you had and the latest musical artist to have Huntsville’s ears perking up.

At just 25 years old, the 256 native has recently dominated the Huntsville music scene with the release of her debut album, One-Hit Wanda, a self-explanatory double entendre. She and her band – comprised of guitarist Jasen Tehan, keyboardist Bransen Edwards, drummer Nick Recio, and bassist Andrew Sharpe – got together in 2019, though Wanda has been gigging around Huntsville solo for the last ten years.

She got her start playing wherever she could – Bridgetreet, Diaper Drives, Panoply – and was well-received by her hometown.

So what made her form the Wanda band instead of just continuing on as Wanda?

“Story goes, Jasen comes to me after one of my concerts in the park and says, ‘your music’s really good, I can hear a bigger sound. You should really have a full-time band.’ I said whatever, but he came in to see me regularly after that. He’d show me a new guitar, he’d ask me to come play. He told me about Nick and Bransen. When I finally went, we had such a blast and we played so well together. And here we are.”

This persistent appreciation and admiration her bandmates have for Wanda is evident the moment I step into their rehearsal space. It’s Jasen’s place and you can tell – the walls are covered with guitars of every different make and color.

“He has over fifty,” Andrew tells me with clear pride and affection, a hallmark of the genuine friendship between the bandmates.

The atmosphere is loose and perfumed with sweet-smelling smoke. Everyone mills about, talking and laughing with each other. But they all speak to Wanda with a particular affection and deference, making it clear she’s the leader of the pack. And it’s easy to see why.

There is something undeniably accessible about Wanda – she carries herself with a humble confidence and smiles easily, greeting me as if I’m a longtime friend instead of a stranger she’s meeting for the first time. Complementing this warmth is a dreamy quality about her that feels just out of reach, as if she moves through a self-created space that’s by invitation only. It’s the entire combination that makes you want that invitation so badly.

She tunes her guitar, glancing up at me occasionally, always smiling, and explains her new album.

“It’s abstract and weird. It goes from genre to genre. There’s a song for everyone. If you don’t like one, you’ll probably like another one.”

Her favorite song on the album is Virginia is for Lovers, a sweet, earnest song about romance, but she recognizes that most people are really digging Lazy Susan. I tell her my favorite is The Slaughter and she indulges me with the story behind it.

WANDA REHEARSES THE SONG SIMULATION OFF THEIR NEW ALBULM.

WANDA PLAYS THE CURE’S JUST LIKE HEAVEN.

“The Slaughter was actually written – it’s a little bit of a story [about heartbreak] where I turned on my voice memos, started strumming out that A minor chord, and went on a tangent of lyrics. I listened to it, took the best verses, and turned it into a song.”

This depth of feeling and honesty in her music is something she’s always valued, though it has taken her until recently to go about finding it the right way.

“When I was doing the brooding singer-songwriter thing, the solo artist, I was definitely feeding into a stereotype. You know, you’re young and naïve and you just do what you see your heroes do and you listen to songs like When I Drink by the Avett Brothers at 17 and you’re like, ‘yeah, that’s gonna be me.’”

In what sense?

“I was definitely a raging alcoholic. A lot of the places downtown give you free beer when you play, and I’d take advantage of that. In a very big way, I did that on purpose. I purposefully chose to go too deep in. And then I realized it’s not going to help me in the long run; I have to get sober. I kind of screwed up an American Idol audition. I actually talked about that [in a different interview] but they didn’t include that I got sober, so make sure to include that.”

I ask if her sobriety is a point of pride for her.

“I’m cool with talking about it because I think a lot of people think alcoholics look a certain way. And they can be anyone. I also want to feel… I want more people to realize that getting sober is a really great decision. If you think you have a problem, just give it up. For like, 30 days. Just to see how much better you feel. My reflexes got better; I was playing more, even my bass player told me I played better. And then I started the band and it was, in a way, the new addiction. Like, okay, time to hustle because if you work hard you will achieve your dreams. And I was doing that crazy thing that entrepreneurs do where it’s like, ‘if you set yourself up for success, you will find it.’”

Wanda is a subscriber to the ideology that if you manifest it, it will come – but with a healthy dose of hard work on the side.

“Manifesting things is something I really believe in. I was listening to Sound and Color by Alabama Shakes – I was driving to Green Hill [to record our debut album] and I was thinking, ‘I love these vibes, I wish we could have these vibes on our album.’ And then we’re like… four hours into this session and we’re playing Talking to Yourself and Jay, our producer, is like ‘hang on, I hear something.’ And he pulls out this big Nord piano and he says, ‘this is the same sample they used on Sound and Color.’ And I was like, ‘let’s make it happen.’”

I make note of her rainbow guitar strap, tripping over my own words in my nerves as I confess that I’m a queer woman, too, but not out. Wanda’s response is instant:

“I suggest anyone be out in Huntsville.”

When I sheepishly explain that I’m bisexual and unsure if it counts, Wanda, in keeping with her ‘accept everyone’ ethos, scoffs and empathizes: “People wanna invalidate that shit. I don’t. I hate that.”

Wanda is open about her own sexuality, candid as she strums the opening notes for Lazy Susan on her guitar.

“This [entire album] is gay heartache in a nutshell. The longing, the yearning, the struggle with self-acceptance and self-love. People being fickle because they can’t accept themselves; their grief and joys. It’s the coming out process. The whole album is my coming out process, in a way. Every song on the album is about some woman I’ve loved in the past five years.”

I ask her how, exactly, she writes her songs, since she wrote all the music on One-Hit.

“You just play what you know. I’ve been songwriting since I was 16. Hopefully for our next album we’ll write all our songs together.”

Will they stay in Huntsville to do it?

“Huntsville is a great place for artists to live because there’s a pretty high quality of life for a pretty decent price. And I see it growing. I’ve seen slow growth – a lot of sideways and a little pivot, but moving forward. I think that Huntsville’s a place where a lot of people have invested in me and I owe it to Huntsville to stay here. I will make my home base here. I’ll stay as ‘from Huntsville.’”

Her influences become clear as the band begins to rehearse: the Alabama Shakes, Gregg Alexander of the New Radicals, the Beatles. They’re rehearsing specifically for their album release show at Gold Sprint Coffee, one of Wanda’s favorite places in Huntsville.

It’s a high energy rehearsal and I watch the way her bandmates all move as she moves, responding to her cues and watching her for instruction. They pause intermittently to tune a guitar, to laugh, to tease one another. All the while Wanda encapsulates that same air of easy, unaffected charisma, a comfortability in her own skin that makes you both want her and want to be her.

During a break, I ask Jasen if they’re all best friends.

“Yeah,” he says, grinning. “I guess so.”

“We go to brunch every Sunday,” Wanda says and Bransen nods as he walks by. “As a band, we’ve sampled every single brunch in Huntsville. We think the best one is Shagnasty’s. Make sure that gets in [to the article].”

When I suggest band friendship bracelets, Wanda laughs and enthusiastically agrees. It’s how the Wanda band seems to do everything – with laughter and enthusiasm. After all, as their van promises, ‘it’s a whole lot of fun.’

At their album release show at Gold Sprint later that week, this laughter and enthusiasm is infectious. It’s a socially distant, masked, inside-outside show with mandatory temperature checks at the door. Even despite these regulations, the show goers are in high spirits.

Them Damn Dogs, another local band, is the opening act, and Wanda is masked at the front of the audience, dancing harder and singing louder than anyone else. The musical community loves her hard and she loves it hard right back, as evidenced when she finally takes the stage and thanks everyone profusely not only for coming but for coming and being safe.

The show is a hazy, technicolor daydream complete with fog machine and most of the crowd singing along, having already memorized the lyrics after just one day of the album being released. Wanda is in a white jumpsuit and her bandmates are in matching navy jumpsuits – “We love Dickies!” she exclaims to cheers from the crowd, playing the opening notes for The Cure’s Just Like Heaven.

When I ask her afterward how the show went, she can’t temper her smile.

“I was really pleased with the turnout. I wasn’t too overwhelmed, and it seemed to be a really respectful crowd. Everyone got temperature checked at the door which I think mentally puts you in a different place.”

Wanda Live from Gold Sprint Coffee Playing Lazy Susan.

And the reception to the album?

“Oh, gosh. I’m overwhelmed with the amount of positive feedback that I’ve gotten. A lot of people told me they’ve been listening to it nonstop. I don’t know if they’re being hyperbolic but either way it’s a super great compliment.”

I reassure her it isn’t hyperbole – I’ve fallen victim to the Wanda bug, unable to stop listening to One-Hit on repeat. She laughs, audibly embarrassed by the compliment but still pleased.

“I’m hoping that it can stick. I’m hoping that it can be in someone’s regular rotation. I’m already thrilled – to me, I’ve already accomplished what I set out to do.”

And what she set out to do was make an album.

“That was the point. Because without it, I’m just a musician in Huntsville and you can only hear my music by catching my shows. Now, I actually have a real album, a real product. I can show people my band and what we sound like – and that was the goal. Just to have the product in hand and be able to share it with everybody.”

Her songs are all about real, relatable topics, mostly matters of the heart, and in listening to her album, it’s easy to apply her artfully crafted lyrics to your own personal experiences.

“That is honestly the greatest compliment you could ever give a writer. It’s one thing to be a songwriter that wants to tell everybody how they wrote the song, why they wrote the song, when they wrote the song, but to just release the song and just let everyone else tell you what it means… it’s just so much more special.”

And at HuntsvilleMusic.com, we think ‘special’ is the perfect way to describe Wanda and her Wanda band.

To stream One-Hit Wanda, check it out on Spotify. To grab Wanda merch and stay plugged in to what the band is up to, visit their website at www.wandaband.com and follow them on Instagram @wandaband.

4 Things We’re Thankful For

‘Tis the season to count your blessings and not your calories, at least that’s what we tell ourselves as we reach for one more Good Company pastry.

2020 has been a wild one, but we’re here to say that it hasn’t been all bad. Even in the bleakest of times, we’ve found some key things to be thankful for, from quirky new jams to multi-million dollar developments.

We are thankful for…forward motion

While so many cities have come to screeching halt amid the uncertainty of pandemic life, Huntsville has continued to gain momentum. The Rocket City has taken the time to innovate and reimagine, and because of that we are seeing live music return with safety measures in place. From Mars Music Hall’s local series to Humphrey’s patio shows, Huntsville venues are bringing your favorite Huntsville faces back to the stage for live performances all across town.

But we’re not just returning to the typical — we’re also making moves. And excitement for a big move, the Huntsville Amphitheater, is palpable.

At the start of the pandemic, the fate of the amphitheater, a large-scale project, seemed to be up in the air. But we’re happy to report that Huntsville’s amphitheater-slash-park-slash-community-mecca is right on track for a 2022 opening and slated to give 8,000 music lovers perfect acoustics and uninterrupted views.

We are thankful for…new tunes

Many artists have taken time during quarantine to perfect a plan for releasing new music, and we are loving the additions to our playlists. In the last few weeks alone we’ve been graced with Live Local alum Preston Watts’ long-awaited release, Distractions from the Truth, a new single from beloved duo The Beasley Brothers, and a full-length album from Huntsville transplant Andrew Loehr.

Plus, there’s even more to come in November. WANDA is releasing their debut record this month, with first single Lazy Susan already out and garnering rave reviews. Fans are encouraged to pre-order now and celebrate the milestone release of their album, One-Hit, this Saturday, November 14th at Gold Sprint for their release show.

We are thankful for… tireless supporters:

It would be impossible to have a collaborative music effort in Huntsville without the constant support of community members who work tirelessly to build up musicians and venues. These busy hands are often working long hours behind the scenes with very little personal payoff.

Huntsville locals like Judy Allison, Huntsville Music Board member and Founder of Purple19, which hosts Music Biz Mondays, education for musicians on how to navigate the music scene and SheWrites, a songwriter showcase for female writers.

We also want to mention our friend Tim Miller, who has been busy promoting local artists on his podcast In Tune with T-Mill and has spearheaded many community projects during 2020.

And of course, Mario Maitland, who founded Maitland Conservatory to ensure the future of musicians themselves, helping children pursue their dreams and passions while also cultivating a knowledge and education that assists them in actually achieving their goals.

Of course, Huntsville has many more faces that deserve a full-blown Beaches moment where we sing Wind Beneath My Wings as the sun sets, though this article would go way off the rails if we tried to fit them all into it. Please know that we see you and we are thankful for you.

We are thankful for… deserved recognition:

It’s no small feat to carve out a place for the Arts in a city built on science and technology, which is why it feels like a massive victory to be acknowledged. This is why we are overjoyed that Huntsville just won the national Scout Guide Campaign’s Top Artistic City.

We were placed in this category alongside major locations such as New Orleans, Memphis, and Richmond, so earning the top spot is something that should not be taken lightly. This further proves that Rocket City is on the rise, quickly becoming a destination for arts and music lovers as well as artists and musicians themselves.

And lastly and most importantly, we are thankful for you. For all of you who have embraced us and joined our mission to bring Huntsville music to the forefront. Thank you, from our weird family to yours.

Amphitheater To Be Huntsville’s Newest Park

Huntsville’s newest park is set to open its doors in 2022 — and by park, we mean amphitheater.

Ryan Murphy, President of Huntsville Venue Group and the mastermind behind the amphitheater, met with HuntsvilleMusic.com to fill us in on the big things ahead for Huntsville’s amphitheater. It’s a project that’s been two years in the making and which, as of October 2020, has been officially greenlit by Huntsville city.

“It’s going to look like nothing you’ve seen before,” Ryan promises, his excitement contagious.

The amphitheater will be a Romanesque marvel designed to hold 8,000 to 8,500 showgoers with not a single bad seat in the house. The design is intentional; the inside will be a bowl created to ‘hug in the sound,’ ensuring that everyone in attendance will be able to hear the live music regardless of seat.

“We’re lifting [audience members] up and bringing them in as tight as possible. The artist/fan experience is just mind-blowing at that point. Even in the worst seat in the house, you’re seeing the whites of the performers’ eyes.

And those ‘worst seats’ will be made all the better since the higher you climb in the amphitheater’s bowl, the better your view will be of Huntsville’s breathtaking skyline and sunsets.

But it isn’t just Huntsville locals Ryan and his team plan on attracting with the amphitheater. The plan is to draw in big-name performers and eventually host festivals and other events that turn the amphitheater into what Ryan refers to as a “pilgrimage spot,” further cementing Huntsville as a Music City in its own right.

“When Sound Diplomacy was here researching the idea of an amphitheater for the sound audit, my partners flew down and suggested creating an amphitheater that wouldn’t be just one of many but would be the one. The only one like it.”

Currently, the amphitheater is set to begin construction in 2021 with a projected completion date of January 2022. Its open-air structure means it will be a viable venue for socially distant events and allow for safe event-going in the current climate. The first concert won’t be for several months after construction is complete, but Ryan doesn’t plan on waiting until then to open the doors.

“By February and March [of 2022], ideally we’re doing community events. I am very much a proponent of opening this place up and literally anyone who wants to see it – wants to walk around, check it out – you’ll have a couple months to have done that before the first major concert. I wanna open this place and people go, ‘hey, I might not ever buy a ticket to see a concert there, but I can walk through and go grab a sandwich, a beer, I can go have a picnic, I can go do yoga, I can run the stairs.’”

These are the blueprints that decorate the office of The Venue Group.

Ryan’s list of amphitheater activities outside of shows isn’t merely hypothetical; all of these suggestions are rooted in experience. After all, this isn’t the first amphitheater he’s conceptualized and reinvented.

Ryan spent the last decade bringing the St. Augustine Amphitheater – colloquially and affectionately known as The Amp – into a new golden age. Along with booking star-power performers like Stevie Nicks, Steely Dan, and Santana, Ryan introduced community-minded initiatives like farmer’s markets, art shows, and smaller-scale concerts by local artists. It’s this vision he plans on iterating here in Huntsville.

“At St. Augustine, I’d get to work at 7:30 and there’d be people doing yoga in the pit. On any given day, there may be a farmer’s market, there’d be bands, there’s stuff for kids. There’d always be something going on to where you could go and not spend a dollar and still have a full day of fun.”

My question: “So… it’s like a park?’

“It is, yeah. It’s entirely for Huntsville, by Huntsville. We want to really drive home that point – that this is yours. Granted, we’ll still have ticketed events with awesome artists playing, but on any given day, if there’s not a concert, these gates are wide open.”

But it won’t only be big names performing in the 8,000-capacity venue. When asked about other, smaller bands and local acts, Ryan was enthusiastic about involving and showcasing this talent, too.

“We’ll have smaller bands play, too – we’ll get creative.”

Ryan draws inspiration from well-known, community-embracing venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado and Forest Hills Stadium in New York, both of which encourage community involvement and have famously expanded beyond the traditional understanding of a music venue. He believes that with the right mindset and the right community, the Huntsville Amphitheater can be counted among these ranks.

The amphitheater will be located in the MidCity district, tucked into the greenway to enhance the park-going experience. It will attract shows across all genres and be home to future festivals, art installations, farmers markets, and more. To stay up to date on the amphitheater’s progress, visit huntsvilleamphitheater.com and sign up for their mailing list, or follow them on social media @huntsvilleamphitheater.

Ryan’s promise to the community (and beyond) is simple: “On any given day, there’s going to be something.”

And we at HuntsvilleMusic.com cannot wait to go.

Ryan Murphy talks about the future plans for park.

Ryan Murphy talks about the orientation of the amphitheater.

Watch Know Huntsville’s interview with Ryan Murphy.

Interview with SarahJayne of Jayne & the Huntsmen

October 21, 2020 by Alex Hendrix

Artists, Culture, Live Music, Musicians

huntsville, huntsville al, huntsville al live music, huntsville alabama, huntsville artist, huntsville musician, jayne and the huntsmen, live huntsville music, sarahjayne

With a voice reminiscent of Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker and emotional songwriting that blends folksy lyrics with bluesy guitar, SarahJayne has been a staple in the Huntsville original music sector since moving to Rocket City.

Stylistically, her solo sets run the gamut from one genre to another, never fitting neatly into one single box. Listeners can expect to enjoy Liz Longley-esque Americana tunes, followed immediately by unusual chord progressions and scatting breakdowns. But one theme remains no matter what song is being played: passion. SarahJayne often gets lost in her own songs in the very best way possible, taking you along with her on a ride through her memories or stories of people she met once who made an impression.

Although many musicians are having to make large changes in 2020 in an attempt to restructure to fit the new world, SarahJayne’s transformation began before quarantine even started. This introspective soul has taken on a new role as frontwoman of Jayne and The Huntsmen, a project that was temporarily derailed when COVID struck.

“Our first show was supposed to be in April, and you can imagine how that went. The guys and I have taken a lot of precautions to continue practicing together to be ready for when everything opened back up.”

After kicking off her musical career 8 years ago, SarahJayne has played across the country at dive bars and proper venues alike.

The places she’s been and the people she’s met along the way have been a major inspiration to her songwriting, which started before she even played shows at all. But she always knew she wanted a bigger energy.

“Since I was thirteen, I wanted to be in a rock band, but I didn’t really know how. There’s a certain ability that a full band has to captivate an audience and I’m a sucker for a good bass line, so to me, there’s no question why I wouldn’t want to front a band.”

Enter The Huntsmen, full of faces already familiar to the Huntsville music scene. Aaron Bradley Anderson, a fellow singer/songwriter and soloist who you’ve undoubtedly seen playing around town, takes up lead guitar and showcases his knack for distortions and twang. Spinships member Michael Cummings grooves on the bass, and Jake Tucker keeps the rhythm on the drums (often with his boots sitting next to his kit).

We can expect exciting things from this dream team going forward, as they are actively booking shows and preparing to record an EP. They’re buzzing with excitement to bring their new sound to Huntsville music lovers. Most recently they played a gig at The Camp, and SarahJayne relayed her enthusiasm: “We’re still encouraging people to social distance when they come to our shows, but we’re so happy to see faces and hear everyone singing back!”

So what makes the Huntsville scene so perfect for a new endeavor like this? Cooperation.

“I’ve played in lots of cities across the US, but when you look at Huntsville, it’s so unique. It’s not a competition here. We’re cooperative. You see artists coming from various genres who all uplift each other. Go to the R&B show and find a folk songwriter there. Go to see that aspiring pop artist and you’ll find a metal guitarist in the crowd. That’s endlessly inspiring, to see people lifting each other up and wanting each other to succeed. And this all is not to mention the fact that – if you put in the hustle – you can make music your full-time job here. I have truly found the right place here in the people who appreciate eclectic song choices and the venues that let me do my thing.”

Photo credits to Eric of @hsvphoto

Turn Up for Huntsville Arts Week 2020

October 14, 2020 by Grace Treutel

Art, Culture, Live Music, News

arts huntsville, hsv, huntsville alabama, huntsville arts week, huntsville culture, local arts, local culture, local music, north alabama

Great news, Huntsville: Huntsville Arts Week is on, and Arts Huntsivlle says it’s going to be awesome.

We all know 2020 has been a year of pure chaos. A global pandemic swallowed up our lives, Joe Exotic inexplicably became part of the zeitgeist, and this sexy hand sanitizer costume exists.

But, instead of fighting against the weirdness, Arts Huntsville has decided to embrace the madness during this year’s Arts Week by gathering together an eclectic roundup of participants and changing up the format. And we at HuntsvilleMusic.com want to make sure we cover it, since music is a key part of our arts and culture scene.

Here’s the what, when, who, and how of Arts Huntsville’s Huntsville Arts Week so you can stay plugged in to the Huntsville arts scene.

Patrice Johnson with Arts Huntsville says this year, Arts Week is going to be “kind of virtual, kind of in-person – it’s a mix!”

She’s referring to the many vendors who are participating in Arts Week this year, including Spirited Art, Burritt on the Mountain, The Camp, Lowe Mill, and Maitland Conservatory.

According to the Arts Huntsville Facebook page, “This year, much like everything else, Huntsville Arts Week will look a little bit different. However, we are still shining a spotlight on the Huntsville arts scene and showcasing ways you can connect to the arts…even while staying safe and social distancing. There is so much to discover!”

Here’s an overview of the events slated for the 2020 Huntsville Arts Week.

“Amelia and Harriet’s Magical Adventure” – Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy‘s Virtual Production on Facebook Live October 17th at 2PM. This virtual event is free, however, FPCTA is accepting donations if you are able to contribute.

Painting Pumpkins – On October 18, kiddos ages 3+ along with their family can enjoy an afternoon of painting pumpkins with Spirited Art Huntsville at Salty Nut Brewery. More information can be found https://bit.ly/33TOqPn

Registration Is Required

Get hands-on at Huntsville Museum of Art – CREATE Saturdays –Kandinsky Tree Art

CREATE Saturdays offer, FREE, fun, interactive art-making activities for families with children ages 3 and up that will sure to spark one’s creativity! Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. There will be two sessions, one at 11 a.m. and one at 1 p.m. with each session lasting 45 minutes on October 17th.

Registration is Required

“Drive-In Cabaret titled The Villains of Broadway- Independent Musical Productions presents a cavalcade of musical theatre bad guys (and girls) whom we simply love to hate Sunday, October 18, at 7:00 pm.

Halloween Block Party – Print a spooky Halloween keepsake with original, one-of-a-kind Green Pea Press blocks! Pick any block you like from our Halloween selection, and help run the press to print your item on the spot. Saturday, October 24th at their Lowe Mill location.

To follow along and see who else joins the Huntsville Arts Week lineup, check out the full list of the events and participants on the Arts Huntsville site here.

Mask up, practice safe sound, and get out to support the arts, Huntsville!

Local Artist Lana White Releases EP

October 7, 2020 by Grace Treutel

Art, Artists, Musicians

huntsville, huntsville al, huntsville alabama, huntsville music, lana white, local artist, local music, local musician, support local art

Huntsville’s own Lana White has a new EP out titled ‘Evergreen’ and I cannot get enough.

‘Evergreen’ is the kind of collection you listen to during an evening alone, when you’ve lit one too many candles, poured a glass of dark wine, and invited introspection in.

Says White of the EP, “The songs contained in Evergreen are very vulnerable, raw snapshots of what life is like for people who are in long-term relationships, pondering life’s meaning, dealing with mental health issues, and trying to live as authentically as possible.”

Vulnerable is an apt description. There are five songs on Evergreen, all threaded together by White’s signature indie-acoustic sound though each strong enough to stand alone.

“Making Up” has a rock edge to it, White’s voice earnest with both pain and accusation. “Wither” is a soft, mournful song where White’s vocals gentle into something defiant and heartbreaking. “Leave it Broken” goes more soulful, while “Rows to Hoe” slips into a narrative that captures White’s southern influence. The titular track, “Evergreen,” is reminiscent of early 2000s indie-rock, calling to mind the Goo Goo Dolls and Sheryl Crow all tied up with a sweeter, more feminine bow.

When asked about her songwriting process, White was forthcoming. “I write regularly, sometimes in just little segments of words and phrases, just to build ideas and subjects. I don’t always write from personal experience. Oftentimes, my muse is a friend’s experience. Social media is also a treasure trove of ideas!”

But why an EP? Why not release a full album? Like everything about White’s songwriting process, this decision was a purposeful one.

“I’ve written around 25 new songs over the last year and decided early on to release them in groups of 5 or 6 as EP releases because with streaming services, people have gotten used to skipping around. The thought of having 10-12 songs in a release made me feel like they wouldn’t get enough time from the listener.”

When it comes to the sound of ‘Evergreen’ versus past and future album releases, White has an explanation for that, too.

“My idea was to group the songs by how well they flowed together sonically regarding the theme, tempo, and overall vibe. I have a tendency to be very inconsistent with sticking to a particular genre, so releasing smaller groups of songs at a time helps me create a specific niche with each release.”

As far as what’s up next for Lana White and her advice for up-and-coming songwriters?

It's Not Over Yet

Beautiful Secret

Bridge Between

Better

“I’ve made 4 music videos for my new songs which are all on my YouTube channel and social media. I used my phone, a GoPro, a website called Canva for stock footage, and video editing software called Wondershare to create my videos. I have received such positive feedback from fans saying they connect to the songs even deeper with the imagery from the videos, so I encourage all indie artists to make them!”

She isn’t playing any live shows just yet due to COVID constraints and safety concerns, but White is optimistic that once the climate is a bit more secure, she’ll finally be able to showcase her new EP.

As for the local music scene, Lana sings Huntsville’s praises and offers a single suggestion: “We need more venues [in Huntsville] that will showcase original artists. I spent a lot of time doing cover shows last year, but I really want more opportunities to play my originals!”

To learn more about Lana White including an overview of her accomplishments (like radioplay and podcast theme songs), check out her website at LanaWhiteMusic.com.

To listen to the Evergreen EP, you can visit Lana White’s website to purchase the album or stream it on Spotify and iTunes.

Follow Lana on Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook to check out her music videos and stay up to date on live show updates.

Lana performing with Billy Pettinger on Know Huntsville below

Huntsville Symphony Returns

September 30, 2020 by Grace Treutel

Art, Live Music, News

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Break out your cocktail dresses, three-piece suits, and elbow-length gloves, Huntsville – the symphony orchestra is back.

Okay, so maybe that isn’t a completely accurate representation of the dress code at a symphony concert (although a girl can dream). However, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra does provide an option for an elegant night out, and this fall, it’s returning with two free shows.

The HSO officially resumes its 2020-2021 season on December 31st, but you don’t have to wait until New Year’s Eve to luxuriate in live symphony orchestra sounds. Instead, the orchestra is holding two Fall Festival Concerts in November, both of which will be ticketed for in-person attendees as well as streamed for at-home listeners.

Fall Festival 1:

The Four Seasons

Sunday, November 1
1:30 pm and 4:30 pm
Featuring: Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin

Fall Festival 2:

From the Alps to the Appalachians

Friday, November 13, 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 14, 11:00 am
Featuring: Aleksandra Kasman, piano

Current 20-21 Season Subscribers (Classical or Pops) can request tickets to the Fall Festival Concerts here.

The first Fall Festival Concerts will be offered to the community completely free, and will also be streamed for free. Subscribers will be offered tickets first, then additional seats will open up for public reservation. The second Fall Festival Concerts will be free for subscribers, then we will offer any additional seats for $25 each.

For those attending in person, both attendees and musicians will be following COVID-19 procedures to ensure everyone’s safety. According to the HSO, “These two concerts will be around an hour each to avoid an intermission, the audience and musicians will be socially distanced, and masks will be required.”

Gregory Vadja, the Music Director and Conductor, says, “The HSO staff and I are excited about being able to present live concerts to you soon, in a safe environment. We are all looking forward to returning to the stage.”

And he isn’t alone in his excitement. HSO subscribers have already been grabbing their tickets to the first Fall Festival Concert, and the musicians themselves are eager to get back on the stage.

Kaitlyn Vest, a contracted cellist with the orchestra, has a unique insight into the difficulties of COVID as a performing musician. She says, “Finding musical goals during this time away from orchestral (and all live) performing has been a unique challenge, and I definitely look forward to playing in person. I find inspiration in collaborating with other musicians in real time, as well as the irreplaceable feedback and energy from a live audience.”

As far as safety procedures go, Vest is confident the HSO will ensure the health and wellness of its members – both musicians and showgoers alike.

“The modified schedule [in November] allows for both the musicians and audience to be spaced apart, as well as an option for online attendance. I am hopeful that the Huntsville Symphony can continue to adapt and find new ways for music to continue as we navigate going forward!”

The 2020-2021 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra season will officially resume on December 31st, 2020.
To learn more about the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra including upcoming shows, ticketing information, musician information, and more, follow their season updates here.

Below is a little sample of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra with Andy Akiho percussion concerto from last year. Enjoy!

HOW HUNTSVILLEMUSIC.COM HELPS ARTISTS

September 24, 2020 by Alex Hendrix

Artists, Musicians, News

alabama, artists, huntsville, huntsville artists, huntsville music, huntsville music live, huntsville musician, huntsville musicians, live huntsville music, local musicians

2020 has not been kind to musicians. We’ve seen months of gigless confusion, loss of income, and now uncertainty surrounding new live stream rules (thanks, Facebook). Growing concern over impending small venue closures is pairing well with our generalized anxiety disorders, but hey- at least we’re writing songs about all our feelings of dread! It seems like the entire music industry is collectively waiting for the next shoe to drop.

This, strangely enough, made it a perfect time for the new HuntsvilleMusic.com to appear. Being able to lay all the groundwork before the industry is fully reopened ensures that everything done on the new site is proactive instead of reactive. This leads to mindful moves instead of scrambling, and lets you know that everything being set in place is a conscious decision made to help Huntsville’s Music Scene.

I know what you’re thinking- sure, but how will HM help Huntsville’s music scene? Oh, let me count the ways.

Visibility

A city-wide music calendar has no downside. You’re a musician wanting to get your gigs out to a wider audience? This benefits you. You’re a music lover wanting to see when your favorites are out and about? This is for you. You’re a visitor to the city and have no idea what’s going on, but are able to Google the words ‘Huntsville’ and ‘music’ in conjunction? This will make all your dreams come true.

The new site design offers a sleek, visual calendar that is easy to navigate on desktop and phone, so you can make music-related plans on the go. Make sure your upcoming gigs are on our calendar.

Promotion

This site is run by social media and marketing professionals, so content strategy is kind of a big deal here. Artist Spotlights are already happening on Instagram, with blogs and videos to come. The great part about operating as a general community resource is that there’s no ulterior motive. There’s no pay-to-play tactic, there are no ticket sales, there’s nothing to gain other than a thriving music scene.

As a musician, I cannot stress enough the importance of features by official, branded sites and organizations. This gives credibility to you as an artist in a way that your own outlet can’t always do. It also continues to place your face in front of new listeners, who quickly turn into fans and friends. If you have an album release or big upcoming show that you’d like to submit for featured content consideration, email us!

Collaboration

John F. Kennedy once said, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” This is a quote I return to time and time again when thinking about Huntsville’s culture. We are at a true turning point, and that feels scary and exciting. But JFK was spot on when he said that whatever is good for one is good for all when it comes to drawing attention to our little scene.

Every time music lovers are directed to Huntsville, it’s a win. Becoming a force in the national music scene doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a thousand little steps that lead someone (accidentally, sometimes) to our door. HM will continue dropping those breadcrumbs.

More To Come

These are just some of the strategies HM has up its sleeves. You can expect more from us: more content, more promotion, more passion, more commitment. As we work toward our official launch, we will stay communicative and keep you informed on all the cool projects we’ll be rolling out.
Until then, make sure you’re getting free promotion by being listed on our Artist page and stay connected on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming artist spotlights!

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