SO HERE'S WHY I SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ARTISTS ... AND WHY YOU SHOULD TOO

There is an endless sea of music out there to choose from and my primary choice of music is the independent artist. Don’t misunderstand, I love signed artists and listen to Top 40 too, but there is something special about an independent artist who hasn’t allowed themselves to get lost in the soul sucking vortex of today’s music industry.

I’m not talking the weekend garage band warrior or the guy who occasionally gets up on open mic night to impress the new girl of the week. I’m talking about the serious and determined artist who is out to make their music more than a hobby and don’t mind doing what it takes within reason to get it out there. They don’t have the backing of big bucks, they’re not the ones who pucker up to kiss the ass of an arrogant corporate suit who’s telling them what to sing, what to wear, how to look, to drop some weight, or that it would be best if you didn’t talk too much about the family because it’s not good for the image. They don’t have high paying radio promoters, they do it themselves and realize that their fans are their biggest and most honest promoters and they don’t have to feel the need to compete with the bigger name on their label.

I love the artists who stand by their creativity and aren’t willing to sell it to the highest bidder who’s going to take control of it and turn them into something that doesn’t even start to resemble who they are. They refuse to stand in line on the musical conveyor belt as another corporately packaged, look alike, sound alike, cookie cutter molded artist who won’t be around in 5-10 years. I love the guys who will play the hole in the wall venues barely taking home tips just to be heard. They realize the size of the venue doesn’t matter and neither does the size of the crowd because all it takes is one person to hear what they have to offer and change their lives. They don’t do it for the fame, the money or the attention, they do it because they love it and because it’s who they are. It isn’t always the voices that turn my head, it’s the drive and the willpower to get in the van and hit the road, not knowing what’s ahead, only knowing they have to move forward. They stand on that stage night after night and sing to a crowd of drunks who aren’t even listening to the music. It’s frustrating, but they do it with a smile on their face. They load up their merch tables with stacks of signed self-released CD’s they paid for themselves, cleverly designed t-shirts that they paid for themselves and signed headshots that they paid to have taken, and then stand at that table exhausted after their show shaking every hand, thanking every person for coming and posing for a million pictures. They don’t just bolt off the stage and become a bus hermit. Why? It’s part of the deal and most of them really don’t mind doing it. They seem to connect on a more personal level with their fans than high profile names. They tend to remember your face and your name and talk to you for more than the standard 5 minute shake and go.

The struggle to be heard is one of the most difficult roads to travel but these artists just pile their stuff in the van and head to the next gig, the next city, the next month, the next year and hope that someone will listen and tell someone about them and that the right ears will eventually hear. They don’t give up easily and if they do, then this wasn’t the right road for them anyway. To them it’s not a hobby, it’s their livelihood and puts food on their tables and pays the bills. They aren’t any less talented than someone in the Top 40 and being played on country radio, some are more talented, sound better and their music is better quality. They just haven’t had that break yet to give them the platform to make that life changing impression but they don’t give up. This is why I don’t give up on them.

Give an unheard name a chance, listen to new music, don’t compare it to what the industry tells you is good music. Every big name started in a small venue, every big name was once a local unknown. There’s room on your playlist for both.

#SupporttheUnderdog

- Jenn

Follow Jenn on Twitter at @Lovinlyrics

CONCERT REVIEW: A NIGHT WITH SKIP EWING AT THE CAROLINA COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS

Artist: Hit Singer/Songwriter Skip Ewing

Event: 2025 Carolina Country Music Awards

Venue: The Highlands Country Club - Fayetteville, NC

Date: 12/10/2025

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

One day you're going about your business and a song comes out of nowhere and stops you in your tracks. That song for me was "The Gospel According to Luke" by Skip Ewing. I remember riding home late one night back the late 80's or early 90's after having dinner with a friend and we were listening to one of a "mix tape" of her favorite songs that she had burned onto a CD. Remember those good old days when you could do that? A song came on, she turned it up and asked me if I had ever heard of Skip Ewing. I told her I hadn't and she said he had recently put out a new cd called "The Coast of Colorado" and she just fell in love with this song. That night was the night I discovered a love of songwriters and discovered one of the best there is to ever put their heart to pen and paper. Through the years and research, I was amazed to find out that Skip was the one who created some of the best and most memorable songs in my playlist:

"Love, Me" - Collin Raye

"You Had Me At Hello" - Kenny Chesney

"Every Other Weekend" - Kenny Chesney & Reba McEntire

"Don't Mind If I Do" - George Strait

"I'm Not Supposed to Love You Anymore", "Someone Else's Star" and "Rebecca Lynn" - Bryan White

"I Would If I Could" - Lainey Wilson (and Ernest too!)

"I Believe" - Diamond Rio

"If I Didn't Have You" - Randy Travis

"Wish You Were Here" - Mark Wills

"Something That We Do" - Clint Black & Lisa Hartman Black

"Little Houses" - Doug Stone

"Answer To My Prayers" - Gordon Mote

There are so many more songs including his own amazing songs like "Wyoming", "Knots", "Road Dog" (cool fact, my dog Charlie is in the video), "Just a Kid", "The Way I Am" and "Always You". He just released a great new single, "I Want It All" from a soon to be released album and I can tell you this album will be one hell of a collection of some great music. The days of the Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Don Henley, Elton John, Willie Nelson, John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Dean Dillon style of classic, simple yet long lasting impactful written classics may be slowing down but there are still writers who fall in those ranks out there and Skip Ewing is one of those names that will stay with you. He is a legend in the making.

In 2007, with the advent of social media and the growth of blogs, I felt it in me to do what I could to help those whose names were only found in liner notes or through word of mouth and started "Sound Advice", a promotions site to spread the word about writers as well as new upcoming and veteran artists who weren't getting the attention their music and talent should be. The industry didn't tend to recognize the talent behind the song at the time and the artists trying to build their audiences either didn't have the money to stuff the pockets of the industry "elite" who decide who should be getting the attention, those who weren't in a certain demographic, weren't "radio worthy, didn't have the "right image" to fit the current trend or they have "aged out". Good music is good music regardless of the money behind it, the audience size, the age or appearance of the artist. It's about how a song makes you feel and the impact it leaves with the listener long after the song ends, the radio is silent or the venue doors close. It never gets old and it stays long after the writers and artists are gone. The best songs aren't always on the radio and the best in the industry aren't always the ones standing on the stages winning industry awards. "Sound Advice" morphed into "Lovin' Lyrics" and has played the role of David, standing up in an industry of Goliaths for about 20 years. I will load rocks in my sling and go to battle for these people any day of the week. I want to see artists who have heard "no" for so long realize that the "yes" is out there and it may not be the type of "yes" that results in sold out arenas, multi-million internet streams or a big paycheck. It may be a change in the direction of someone whose life was on the wrong path, it may be the words that someone at rock bottom needed to start the journey upwards, it may be the encouragement needed to start over, and it may literally save a life. Words mean everything. When they are combined with the right notes and the right melody, it is heard by someone and that is the "hit" that matters most. This passion for music lead me right back to Skip.

After connecting with Skip via social media a couple of years ago, I was invited to attend the 2025 Carolina Country Music Awards Christmas Show at the Highlands Country Club in Fayetteville, NC earlier this week where he would be receiving the CCMA Gold Medal and be the featured performer of the evening. I can't even explain how much this meant or how the appreciation for his talent has deepened after spending time with him in person and hearing him sing and the stories behind the songs.

My friend, Tammy, and I arrived at the venue, walked into the foyer, and then into the beautifully decorated ballroom which was full of suits and ties, sparkling Christmas dresses, high heels, new hairdos and holiday finest. Then there was us, standing there in our jeans and gussied up sweaters and thinking "Uh, we aren't blending. LOL". We sat at Skip's reserved table with the best people, Steve the Greek and Rhonda from STG Marketing. Steve and I connected like crazy old friends and laughed literally most of the night. Rhonda was laughing at us, it was great. It's like Skip knew the misfits needed to sit together and it was so much fun. I can't remember a night where I smiled ALL night long. The salad, filet mignon, mashed potatoes, green beans and dark chocolate mousse were AMAZING. I'd like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful wait staff of the night, especially our server William who kept sneaking up behind me and scaring the beetlejuice out of me and making me laugh so hard. He got his payback later when I came back from the restroom and he had his back turned. I win. LOL!

The awards were handed out and Skip took the stage and performed random parts of his hit songs and told the stories before them and it was soooo good. His Christmas portion of the night was exactly what we needed. He sang his rocked out "Better Watch Out", the story of "Christmas Carol" and his songs that celebrated the birth of Jesus, the true joy and reason for the season - "Whenever a Child is Born" and "Just a Kid". These moments truly captivated every person in that room. Being in Fayetteville, the home of Fort Bragg and the 82nd Airborne, he sang his personal version of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" as told through the eyes of our service men and women and dedicated it to those who serve "America the Beautiful" every day and being home for Christmas is only in their dreams, combining the lyrics of "America the Beautiful" and the Christmas classic. I won't lie, I had tears. He then asked the room to be part of his Christmas and he started quietly singing "Silent Night" and the whole room sang with him. There probably weren't too many dry eyes in the house. It reminded us of simpler times, the joy and reason for the season, and when the best Christmas gift wasn't the latest iPhone or the latest video games, it was the love of family and the love of a child that changed the world.

 As a person, he is the same as his songs, authentic and pure gold. I watched him interacting with new artists in the room like Paige King Johnson (Tour of the Year and Music Video of the Year winner), Jason Lee Cook (Male Artist of the Year winner), Katie Caulder Godowns (Female Artist of the Year winner), Michael Schott (an amazing 14 year old songwriter who won the Entertainer of the Year award), Sophie Taylor (Single of the Year winner for "Back to You"), Whiskey Revelation (Vocal Group of the Year winners) and others in attendance and it was really nice to seeing him truly want to connect with these artists and share his thoughts on writing and performing. He did not overlook a single person in that room who wanted some of his time. He is a rare commodity in this world - his heart is genuine and his need to just write and release music that reaches hearts matters more than the numbers he reaches on the charts is something that's been missing from music for a long time. How can you not support that especially in a world where so much new music is trending towards being easily and artificially created, driven by dollar signs and sadly forgettable? Skip Ewing and the music he writes are none of those things and I, for one, am grateful for that night in that car so long ago. 

Music changes lives and I can attest that Skip changed mine. Thank you may be two small words but they can never express the amount of gratitude I have for this songwriter and the gift God gave him.

- Jenn

Please take some time and connect with Skip and if you have a chance, go see him perform. It's worth it.

Website - www.skipewing.com

Social Media - He is on Facebook, Instagram and X

You can find his music on most digital streaming platforms. 

Photo Credits: Jennifer Smith / Lovin' Lyrics 

#REVIEW - "AUTOBIOGRAPHY", THE NEW ALBUM BY JOSEPH HABEDANK: FROM DARKNESS TO THE LIGHT OF REDEMPTION

Listen and experience the power of "Autobiography" here

Author Jamie Arpin-Ricci once wrote that “There is more hope in honest brokenness than in the pretense of false wholeness.” I have been trying to come up with the right words to describe "Autobiography", the new album from Joseph Habedank, and these words seem to say exactly what this album is about.

"God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1

Grammy nominated and Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Joseph Habedank struggled with a heavy prescription drug addiction for several years after developing an ulcer in his throat while he was the lead vocalist and songwriter for the gospel music group, The Perrys. During his addiction, he met his wife, Lindsay. He hid the drugs from Lindsay and tried to live a life under the disguise of "false wholeness" until 3 weeks before their wedding. Lindsay found out about the drugs and his addiction. They married, but shortly after their honeymoon, he started taking pills again. His addiction worsened as time went on, eventually leading to his being asked to leave the group. After losing the job he loved as a musician and in the middle of a crippling addiction, he didn't know what to do or where to turn. He was lost. He knew he had no choice but to find help. He reached out to a counselor at Porter's Call who told him about MusicCares, a program run by the Grammys to assist those in the music industry who need help. He contacted MusicCares and they paid for his complete rehabilitation. Up until his recovery, Lindsay was told over and over that she should leave him and get out of this situation but she knew she had to stay by his side. She stayed, they worked together through the worst times and now there they are, nearly 11 years later, still together with Joseph celebrating over 10 years of being clean and with a thriving ministry that travels around the country telling of Joseph's redemption through faith and music in hopes of helping others overcome their own situations. 

"Autobiography" is an extremely personal and vulnerable album of truth, faith and the celebration of victory. His story is one of hope, love and overcoming adversity just when you think you can't handle any more. Each song represents a "chapter" in his life, steps forward, resulting in a change that only comes from believing that help comes from above. He is living proof that Jesus can indeed save you from yourself if you surrender the battle to Him. Opening up, putting it all on the table and sharing his experience may help someone who listens to the album begin to open their own heart to accept hope and to build in their faith. Sharing this truth, as painful as it is, can help others begin to heal. 

Thank you Joseph for sharing your own "honest brokenness" through this album and for being the first step that someone who hears it has been wanting to take. There is something about the power of a song and this album proves it. This is one of the best album releases of the year and I hope that the word spreads about the power of this message.

"Autobiography" Track Listing:

1. Prelude

2. "Worthy" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Andrew Bergthold & Tony Wood

3. "Ain’t That The Truth" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Logan Cain, Madison Cain, Ethan Hulse & Nick Schwarz

4. "Jesus Walked In" (featuring Chris Blue) - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Tony Wood & Nick Schwarz

5. "The Church" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Jason Cox & Sue C. Smith

6. Interlude (Little Me)

7. "Jesus Wasn’t Leaving" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Michael Farren & Tony Wood

8. "Tell The Devil" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Ethan Hulse & Nick Schwarz

9. "Jehovah" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Mitch Wong & Tony Wood

10. "Going With Jesus" (featuring Bernie Herms) - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Bernie Herms & Ethan Hulse

11. "Forgiven" (featuring Houston's First Worship) - Writers: Joseph Habedank & Jeff Bumgardner

12. "The Basement" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Michael Farren & Tony Wood

For more information about Joseph Habedank, visit josephhabedank.com. Be sure to check his tour dates. The personal experience of his testimony is something I highly recommend.

RECAP: "LEAVING A LEGACY" - 1ST ANNUAL MEMORIAL SINGING FOR JESSICA JOHNSON FEATURING JOSEPH HABEDANK - BURLINGTON, NC

1st Annual Jessica Johnson Memorial Singing - Joseph Habedank & The Director's Trio

Sunday, 4/14/2024

Lakeview Community Church - Burlington, NC

When I saw Burlington, NC listed as a stop on Joseph Habedank's current Spring 2024 Tour, I knew this was a performance I could not miss. Little did I know how true that would be, even more so than I could have imagined. His music always changes me in little ways every time I hear it but this night would turn out to be something different and would change me in more ways than even I thought possible.

My best friend and I got in the car Sunday to make the drive to Burlington, looking forward to just a much needed night of worship, praise. music and time spent with good people. We got to Lakeview Community Church, walked in and took our seats completely unprepared for what was about to happen.

Tonight wasn't just another "show" though. This night was a memorial for a local young woman named Jessica Johnson, a 29 year old woman who obviously made a huge impact on the lives of everyone in the room. The service began with some heartfelt, emotional words from Jessica's dad. He spoke of how much she loved the Lord and how much she loved Joseph's music. Her dad handled entertainment bookings for the church and mentioned how he got an email from Joseph's publicist reaching out about possibly bringing his testimony and music to the church. He of course said yes and booked him. Right around the time Joseph was scheduled to perform last year, Jessica found out she had cancer. The day of the show, Joseph spent time with her, prayed with her and made one of her last days one that left her with a full heart and a smile. Jessica passed shortly after. 

The Director's Trio, a local soulful Southern gospel group, opened the service with some great harmonies. They had us smiling, clappin' and tappin' to some fantastic music. What a great way to kick off a night!

Joseph walked on stage and with Jessica's picture behind him on the screen, opened his set with her favorite song, "Big Enough". This brought tears to many eyes in the room. He talked for a bit about the connection with Jessica and her family. It made me think .. how many artists, especially globally known award winners, take the time to do that? How many artists actually choose to make personal connections like that, at least connections that don't "benefit" them in some way? Not many. This is one of the things that makes Joseph a stand out, his giving heart, his authenticity, and his spirit. He sings his heart and he sings his experience. He's someone who will stand at the merch table long after the show is over, talk to each and every person as long as they want to talk, and take all the pictures they want. He doesn't do the typical "flash and dash". It's not who he is, it's not something he has to do, it's something he wants to do. He is genuinely appreciative of each person in that room and it shows. He performed several of his songs like "Here He Comes", "The Beauty of the Blood", "Jailbreak", "Jericho" (now known as "Cherry Coke" or "Geritol" - you had to be there, trust me. LOL), "Religion Isn't Working" and "None of That Here". He told his emotional testimony of breaking the chains of addiction and turning his life around for the positive and starting his ministry to help others turn their own lives around. He has a new album coming out this Friday, April 19 called "Autobiography", the most personal songs he's ever written that tell his story of rising from the ashes to personal redemption through Christ. He sang 3 of the songs from the album, "The Basement" (this is the song that first grabbed my attention when it was released last year and kept me coming back to hear more), "The Church" (LOVE this one) and "Worthy". The album is available for pre-save now, trust me, go get it! Here's the link - linktr.ee/josephhabedank

The night came to an end with an altar call, benediction and a final song from The Director's Trio and Joseph. Jessica's final wishes weren't for herself, they were for others. She asked her dad to make sure people laughed, that they came to know Jesus and she didn't want to just leave a legacy behind FOR others, but IN others. That hit me right where it should. I don't know Jessica but her words were needed in my own life right now and it only reinforced my own determination to be a light in the dark, to show kindness and love and to help when needed. The church was full of people and music, but the presence felt the most were those of Jessica and the Lord. 

Thank you, Jessica, for leaving that legacy in me and many others in that room. Thank you Joseph and his wife Lindsay, The Director's Trio and Lakeview Community Church for a wonderful evening with an uplifting, positive, lasting message. 

Pre-save "Autobiography" - linktr.ee/josephhabedank

"SAVED BY GRACE" - MUSIC FOR HEARTS THAT NEED HEALING AND FAITH THAT NEEDS RENEWAL

Sometimes in this chaotic changing world there is a lot against us - finances, unemployment, politics, broken relationships, illlness, loneliness, addiction, low self-esteem .. you name it, it's out there. Maybe you just feel like you'll never get the break you deserve or that prayer answered. We all need a reminder that there is something bigger than all of us and a little personal forgiveness. Regardless of how you believe, it never hurts to have faith and believe that there is something better out there for each of us. We need to be reminded of the goodness that surrounds us regardless of how dark it might seem. When something in this world brings us to our lowest and we don't think we can stand back up, the right song can come along with a message that lifts us back up. Don't just let songs like this play in the background, stop and listen to what it's saying. You might just find His grace in the words and peace in the silence between them. We could all use a little more faith.

Tune out the negative around you and tune into some of these positive messages.

"To the Table" and "Rescue Story" - Zach Williams

"That's What Love Is" - David Phelps

"I Love You More" - Jimmy Fortune

"God Can Use a Broken Man" and "Love is Stronger" - Jason Crabb

"Somebody Died for Me" - Triumphant Quartet

"Gratitude" - Brandon Lake

"Who You Are to Me" - Chris Tomlin featuring Lady A

"Changed" - Rascal Flatts

"Hold Me Up" - Gordon Mote

"One Wave at a Time" - Cash Creek

"Wine Into Water" - T. Graham Brown

"24 Hours" and "Shame on Me" - Joseph Habedank

"Love is a Cross" - Chris Golden

"Long Way Home" - Todd Tilghman

"Where I Find God" - Larry Fleet

"We All Carry Something" - Joe Nichols

"The Building" - Emily Ann Roberts

"Broken People Like Me" - The Old Paths

"God Still Has a Plan" and "If That's What It Takes" - The Isaacs

"You've Already Won" - Shane and Shane

"Kind" - Cory Asbury

"That Old King James" - Scotty McCreery

"Talking To Jesus" - Thomas Rhett and Brandon Lake

"Mercy" - Ben Fuller

"Three Nails and a Cross" - George Strait

"Five Dollar Bible" - Tony Jackson

"Anywhere Jesus Is" and "My God" - Scotty Inman

"Man on the Middle Cross" - Rhett Walker

"A Hundred Different Altars" - The Steeles

"God's Been Good to Me" - Josh Kiser

"Jesus is the Door" - Matt Winters

"Unheard" - Brian Free and Assurance

"Good Ol' Dogs and God" - Pryor & Lee

"When I Get There" - Will Bannister

"That's God" - Jodee Messina

"Thank You Lord (For Your Blessings on Me" - Chris Else

"How Great Thou Art" - Clark Hill

"I Can't Even Walk (Without You Holding My Hand)" - Cody Johnson

"Don't Stop Praying" - Matthew West

"Thank You for the Blood" - Charity Gayle

"Real As I Believe" - Ben Waites

"A Little Right Now" - Charles Esten

"Strong" - Anne Wilson

"Lead on Good Shepherd" - Patrick Mayberry

"My Life is Proof" - Stephen McWhirter

"Jesus Is" - Travis Mobley featuring Marty Raybon

"Confidence" - Sanctus Real

SOME SONGS TO ADD TO YOUR VALENTINE'S DAY PLAYLIST ...

Today is the day to recognize and appreciate the love in your life. We should do this everyday but today is a reminder of it's importance. With so many love songs out there, I thought I'd add some to your playlists that you may not have heard before or a version of ones that you have but by someone else.

Enjoy the gift of love, even if it's walked away. Whether you have it now or you've had it in the past, you had it and it taught you something.

"Roller Coaster" - Brothers Osborne

"Perfect to Me" - Clark Hill

"You Are So Beautiful" - Gaither Vocal Band

"I Didn't Mean to Love You" - Teea Goans

"Let Her Go" - Glen Templeton

"I'd Really Love To See You Tonight" - Brady Seals

"More Hearts Than Mine" - Ingrid Andress

"That's What Love Is" - David Phelps

"You Don't Have to Love Me" - Restless Road

"What Am I Gonna Do" - Chris Stapleton

"When She Wakes Up and Finds Me Gone" - Trent Tomlinson

"Mine Would Be You" - Jessi Alexander

"If They Could See You Through My Eyes" - Gordon Mote

"Clean Up on Aisle Five" - Mo Pitney

"Break Up in the End" - Jon Nite

"Keeper" - Ray Scott

"Love Don't Care" - Becky Denton & Brent Rader

"Wanna Make You Love Me" - Andy Gibson

"Anymore" - Will Dempsey

"One Mississippi" - Brett Eldredge

"Ran Into You" - Tommy Karlas & Karyn Rochelle

"That 100 Miles" - The Farm, Inc.

"I'm Gonna Love You" - Lance Carpenter

"Not Letting Go" - William Michael Morgan

"Lovin' Not Leavin'" - Wade Bowen

"The Last Man Committed" - Eric Heatherly

"Promise to Love Her" - Blane Howard

"She's More" - Andy Griggs

"When the Right One Comes Along" - Striking Matches

"Beautiful You" - Mason Douglas

"Maybe You Should" - Taylor Hicks

"Best of Me" - David Nail

"It's You" -  Cash Creek

"Girl's Gotta Know" - Rachel Wammack

"Can't Have Mine" - Dylan Scott

"If I Met You Now" - Austin Brown

"She Could Take Me" - Jason Marks

"Just a Phase" - Adam Craig

THERE'S JUST SOMETHING IN THE WORDS: PART 3

Words matter. It doesn't matter where you hear, see or read them. They affect us in so many different ways. These days with the negative pull of the world around me, I choose to find those words that breathe life into me, not suck it out of me. I find myself pulling further away from mainstream music and finding more music that lifts me up and gives me pause to think.

Anyone that truly knows me, knows that music isn't just what I talk about, it's who I am. I love everything about it but the thing I love the most is the power of a song, it's ability to stop me in my tracks and hear the message and it's ability to change lives. These days, those kind of songs seem to be a bit harder to find but they're out there if you listen beyond what radio is selling. If you search, you'll find them. The words matter. To me, a song isn't just background noise, it's much more than that.

Here are a few of the songs that made me rethink things, find a new perspective and realize my own strengths, weaknesses and my purpose. These had a part in making me who I am in this moment and these newer ones are helping build me into the person I want to be moving forward. Thank you to the artists and writers for putting the words on paper that connect with hearts and will be here making a difference long after they have left the world.

**************

"Remember How To Pray" - Randy Houser

Writers: Randy Houser / Kendell Marvel

"Forgive me, I know I'm not perfect but Heaven knows I know someone who was

And sometimes when everything is workin', I look up and thank Him just because

sometimes I forget and that's okay ... I still remember how to pray."

**************

"Good Ol' Dogs and God" - Pryor & Lee

Writers: Doug Johnson / Trent Fisher / Elvie Shane / Adam Wood

"Good ol' dogs and God won't ever let you down. They listen when you're talkin', just happy you're around. I don't know why they love us, but they do no matter what. Two things you can count on, good ol' dogs and God."

**************

"Sometimes It's the Radio" - Joseph Habedank

Writers: Joseph Habedank / Jimmy Yeary / Tony Wood

"Everybody has a bad day, when they're feeling like no one cares. 

Everybody needs reminding that Someone sees and Someone's there. 

Everybody gets a little down and they need to be picked back up

Sometimes by a preacher man, sometimes it's a real good friend.

But sometimes it's the radio, sometimes it's a song of hope.  It's the right tune at the right time with the right words and the right rhyme with a melody that takes you were you need to be.  Sometimes it's the word that you heard at the church that soothes your soul, but sometimes it's the radio."

**************

"Tomorrow Will Be Kinder" - Kaitlyn Butts

Writers: Laura Rogers / Lydia Rogers

"Tomorrow will be kinder. It's true, I've seen it before. A brighter day is coming my way.

Yes, tomorrow will be kinder."

**************

"Just Ask" - Lance Carpenter

Writers: Lance Carpenter / Liz Hengber / Kelly Collins

"Cause every sinner has a future, every saint has a past.

So, before you go and label me a loser for pouring all my pain into a glass

Don't judge, just ask."

**************

"Keep On" - Emily Ann Roberts

Writers: Emily Ann Roberts / Chase McDaniel / Chris McKenna

"Tears are made to cry, rain was made to fall, mornings turn to night

This big ol' world can make you feel small. Backs aren't made to break, but after years of work they do. You're gonna wanna walk away, but you were made to make it through."

Keep on going, your wheels were made for rolling down the road, keep knowing there's better days ahead. Don't stop trying or quit the hill you're climbing, on the other side that view will steal your breath. 

If your heart's still beating, you ain't got a reason to give up yet."

**************

"Girls" - Rachel Platten

Writers: Rachel Platten / Sean Myer / Ferras Alqaisi / Meghan Kabir

"Girls, you were born to run, to reach the stars and chase the sun.

Girls, you are wild and free, the wind is at your back, the world is at your feet.

Sometimes life can feel unfair, broken hearts you can't repair.

Sometimes you might be scared that no one gets you.

It's not easy being brave when tears are falling down your face. 

but that's how you'll find your strength, so I'll let you."

**************

"Shine On" - Jeff Carson

Writers: Jim Daddario / Tony Marty

"Wherever you go, whatever you do, don't ever forget there's someone who believes in you

When you're lost and weary, follow your heart 'cause you have a gift, you're one of a kind

God put you on this Earth so you could shine. You don't have to be afraid of the dark

Shine on, light up the world with your love, with faith and desire, you can build a fire

Shine on and let your dreams keep burning strong. Oh, shine on."

**************

"Girl's Gotta Know" - Rachel Wammack

Writers: Rachel Wammack / Jim McCormick

"The girl's gotta know - Do you hug your mama? Do you like dogs? Do you love Jesus?

Are you good with a red-wine Friday night laughin' 'til you fall to pieces.

The girl's gotta know - Who you say she is when you talk to your friends

If you feel it when she walks in. You don't have to say it, but it better show

'Causе the girl's gotta know."

**************

"While You Still Can" - Brothers Osborne

Writers: John Osborne / Travis Meadows

" Make amends with that old friend you swore you'd never talk to again, 'cause you miss him. Call up your mom on the telephone talk a whole lot of nothing til the cows come home and listen.  Cross every T, dot most the I's 'cause years grow wings and fly on by and time slips through your fingers just like sand.

'Cause everything you thought would last forever never lasts forever, like you plan. Don't let your now become a never so take life by the hands while you still can.

Get your dad to tell that same old joke and laugh between the jack and Coke and hope one day you'll be half as funny. Count your blessings, thank the stars, 'cause in the end who you are is about the love you give, it sure as hell ain't about the money.

'Cause everything you thought would last forever never lasts forever, like you plan. Don't let your now become a never so take life by the hands while you still can."

JOE BONSALL: WHAT HE IS TO ME

One word usually comes to mind when one mentions Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys - legendary. I mean he has accomplished so much in the past 50 years with the group: surviving multiple lineup changes, winning every award a musical group can win, performing in Russia, multiple #1 hits including "Elvira", one of the most played songs of 1981, sold over 40 MILLION albums, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, performing for various US presidents and so many other things I can't even begin to name. He's done it all and seen it all. Legend is described as "an extremely famous person or notorious person, especially in a particular field". Sure, that describes Joe pretty spot on but there is another word that I believe defines him even more accurately - hero. The definition of hero is "a person noted for acts of fine quality and greatly admired." THAT is my friend, Joe Bonsall.

I am somehow blessed to call this man a true friend, not sure why God thought I was deserving of this but He did.  I was 11 years old in 1981 when I got hooked on "Elvira" so my dad bought me my first country music album for Christmas that year, "Fancy Free". I listened to it and sang really badly to it nonstop. I loved the Oak Ridge Boys the first time I heard them and haven't stopped. I could never have dreamed that 13 years later I would be blessed to meet one of my "heroes" and find out through him what that word really means. 

Joe and I met via Twitter in 2010 when I posted a random tweet laughing about a guy in my apartment complex outside yelling "Scott! Scott!" and I volunteered to help him find his son and he looked at me and said "Scott's my cat." Of course I was like "Who names a cat Scott?" Into the tweet pops Bonsall laughing and telling me "My cat is named Ted." I had no idea this man even knew who I was or that he noticed any nonsense I tweeted so ya'll know I about fell outta my chair. We started a conversation and a few weeks later, he sent me a message asking if I lived near Smithfield, NC because the Oaks had a show coming up and he would love to meet in person. I happened to live about an hour away at the time and there was no way I was turning down an opportunity like this so I said yes, about a month later made the trip to Smithfield and a friendship was started. 

Since that day in November 2010, I have only missed one show in my area. I do not take any opportunity to spend time with Joe for granted and to horse laugh like we tend to. This man isn't just a friend, he is family (but kinda like that cousin you hide in the attic). We've shared the best conversations, the deepest laughs, eye rolls (like when Billy Dean busted in our interview in Kenansville, NC), late night butt dials when he would dial my number instead of his daughter's, strange gifts like a singing and dancing rabbi doll, a hand painted rock that looks like an owl that I named "Owlvira", a huge stuffed owl that I sent to the office, a funny "no trespassing" sign for his farm, a book about his cat probably plotting his demise and so many other laughables I can't even remember them all. What I do remember is the special place in my heart that only Joe will have. He was the first person to give this NC girl who just loves music a chance to grow a promotions 'business". He never hesitated when I asked him about an interview, he would create videos telling people about my promotions website and he was always there to help me, something very few in his position have ever done, much less even paid attention to an independent blogger who didn't have a million followers or corporate backing. He gave me time and that means the world to me.

While I am sad that I won't see him on the road when the Oak Ridge Boys come around and that I won't hear that recognizable tone that permeates the air like only his voice can, I am so happy that he is at home spending time with his biggest fans, his cats. (Oh, and Mary, his daughters, grandkids and the various wildlife like the deer on his farm too). He's given the world more of his time and attention than we deserve and it's time for him to rest, to be a dad and a husband and to enjoy the quiet. 

Thank you for always just being Joe, not just the Oak Ridge Boy, but the wonderful, caring and loving person that you are. I love you buddy and wish you the best. You are a blessing in my life that I say thank you for every day. I can only hope that I can be the blessing to others that you have been to me. I will always have a smile in my heart when I think about you.

 

Love,

Jennifer (the other one ... LOL)

#CONCERTREVIEW - LESSONS FROM A BACK ROW PEW: JOSEPH HABEDANK - GOLDSBORO, NC

Artist: Joseph Habedank

Date: 1/7/2024

Venue: Faith Free Will Baptist Church - Goldsboro, NC

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

Most of the time, you'll hear a song and you'll think "Hmmm, I like that song" and you let it run as background music while you do other things. Then if you're lucky, a song will come along that makes you put whatever you were doing to a stop and you really listen to what it's saying and all you can say is "Wow." I wasn't just lucky, I was blessed because I had 2 of them hit me that way from the same artist -"24 Hours" and "The Basement" by Joseph Habedank. When you're going through something and you're really struggling, it's songs like these that completely change your perspective on things.

I immediately wanted to find out more about this guy - who he was, his story, did he write his own music. I did my research, read old articles, watched some of his interviews and performances on Youtube and talked to some friends who knew him on a more personal level. As someone who is getting her own life back on track and focusing on her faith, I knew Joseph and his music would be an integral part of that process as his music is based on his own faith and he doesn't just write and sing about it to bring in a buck, he lives it "24 Hours" a day. 

Joseph, a 2 time Grammy nominee, 3 time GMA Dove Award winner, 6 time fan voted solo artist of the year and former lead singer-songwriter of the gospel group The Perrys,  developed an ulcer in his throat in 2008 and began using prescription opioids for his pain. This turned into a years long addiction to oxycodone and hydrocodone. In the middle of his struggles, he met his wife and best friend, Lindsay, who loved him and stayed by his side through the battle which he eventually won with the help of Musicares, who paid for and helped place him in a recovery center, and through his trust in God. His story is a life changer, not just for him but for the many out there who have heard his testimony, his music and have come to his shows. I knew I had to go to a show if he ever made it out my way. I got that opportunity last night when his 2024 Winter Tour included a stop at Faith Baptist Church in Goldsboro, NC.

When I arrived at the show, the parking lot was PACKED. I knew this was going to be a special night. I walked into the auditorium and grabbed one of the few available seats and met Lindsay at the merchandise table because I had offered to help sell merchandise after the show. While standing in the lobby waiting on Lindsay, I talked to an older gentleman who asked me if I knew who this Habedank guy was, he'd never heard of him and he hoped he was really a Christian singer because so many that claim to be for the sake of the spotlight turn out to be something different than how they portray themselves. I told him that I was familiar with him and I could promise him that he would leave the show a different person that he was when he walked in the door. He said "I hope you're right because I need a change." 

The show started and you could feel a different energy in the room, a stronger energy than you usually encounter at a church performance, a deeper energy. I knew this was going to be special and I was not wrong. He came on stage and started the set with "Welcome Home" and followed it up with "Religion Isn't Working" which scored a huge round of applause. He talked about his life growing up in church, how much he loved it and debuted a new unreleased song about his home church. It made me think of my church growing up and sitting in those pews. I didn't know it then, but those pews were more than just a place to sit and hear some man talk while your stomach growled but they were life lessons that most don't appreciate until years later.  I know I sure appreciate it now.

He told his story about addiction and how he recently reached 10 years sobriety and since kicking his addiction, his shows are now testimonies set to music, not just another concert. He's wanting to make a difference in lives by talking about the difference in his. That's certainly something this world needs, honesty and vulnerability and the want to help others. He sang one of his newer songs, "The Basement" and you could literally hear people paying attention. Yes, hear them because it was so quiet other than his voice singing about what goes on in that dirty, dingy room of redeeming therapy that no one wants to talk about. He talked about it and people listened. There were many in the room who were either addicts themselves to something or they loved someone who is dealing with the battle and you could see the tears in their eyes as the intently listened to the message. There was a group of women from a local recovery center in the audience who gave him a standing ovation with their most heartfelt applause. It made him emotional. 

Before he got into more music, he brought out Pastor Marc Pritchett from the Northridge Church in Thomaston, GA who also helps run "Destiny Rescue" which is an organization that operates rescue, reintegration and prevention programs in multiple countries to help save child sex trafficking victims. Their story was a realization of just how big this problem is, not just in other countries but here in the United States. If you want to find out more about this amazing group of people and help the cause to save our children, go to www.destinyrescue.org.

Joseph came back out and sang "The Beauty in the Blood", "Never No Never, and wrapped up the night with "Here He Comes."

I went back out to the merch table and that same man from the start of the show walked up to me and thanked me for telling him what I did about Joseph because he almost got up and left before the show even started because he had been turned off by so many other artists. He purchased all 5 CD's. Joseph came out a little while later, stood at the front door of the church, made sure to thank each and every person for coming, he took pictures and just stood and was "one of them" for awhile. Everyone left with a smile on their face and I promise you that just as I told that man, everyone that walked out that door walked out a different person than they were when they walked in. THAT is testimony. THAT is what music with a real message does. It changes people. It changed me.

Thank you Joseph for just being the best kind of human being and for your kindness, for writing and performing music that makes a difference and for a night I'll never forget.

Go to www.josephhabedank.com for more information on Joseph and his music as well as his current touring schedule.
Stream his music on Apple Music and Spotify

Social Media - X (formerly Twitter) / Facebook / Instagram / Youtube

#CONCERTREVIEW - IF PICTURES PAINT A THOUSAND WORDS, JIMMY FORTUNE'S MUSIC PAINTED A MASTERPIECE AT THE LIBERTY SHOWCASE THEATRE

Artist: Jimmy Fortune

Venue: Liberty Showcase Theatre - Liberty, NC

Date: 12/9/2023

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

Photos: Jennifer Smith / Lovinlyrics

I don't even know where to begin with this review because when something is perfect, you just can't do it any more justice than that one very word, but I'm gonna try my best.

The top item on my musical bucket list has always been to have the opportunity to hear Jimmy Fortune perform live and I was "fortunate" enough to be able to check that box off Saturday night when he brought his Christmas show to the Liberty Showcase Theatre in Liberty, NC. Not only was I blessed to be able to attend the show, the planets lined up for me and I was able to spend a few minutes in private with him before the show and to let him know personally how much his songs and gift of songwriting have meant to me, to thank him for years of personal memories and for caring about the message in his music. What a gracious and genuinely kind man he is. I will forever consider him a blessing in my life even if I only met him one time for 5 minutes because his music represents who he is and his music has blessed me and so many others.

A little background on Jimmy's career:

• Jimmy toured, sang and performed a member of the legendary Statler Brothers for 21 years, writing their #1 hit song, “Elizabeth”, following that up with 2 more #1 hits, “My Only Love” and “Too Much On My Heart”. Jimmy also wrote the Top 10 song “Forever” and was a co-writer on another Top 10 hit, “More Than a Name on a Wall”. Jimmy is a member of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Virginia Musical Hall of Fame.

• When the Statler Brothers retired 23 years ago in 2002, Jimmy went solo and became one of the most loved voices in gospel music. He partnered with the Gaither Music Group and has released many chart busting albums and DVDs. His "God and Country" CD secured a Dove Award win in 2020 for Country/Gospel/Roots Album of the Year.

• 2020 also brought Jimmy the opportunity to form Fortune/Walker/Rogers/Isaacs, later to become known as "Brothers of the Heart" releasing  CD and DVD called "Brotherly Love" that debuted #16 on the Billboard All Genre Chart. Their latest project, "Listen To The Music", was recently released and debuted at #32 on the Billboard All Genre chart and #1 on the Christian chart.

The Show:

Jimmy, his fiddle player/vocalist Jenifer Wrinkle, guitarist Stuie French (of The French Family Band) and the bass player whose name I unfortunately missed (but he was outstanding) took the stage which was decked out in all it's beautiful Christmas glory. A night filled with top shelf music, stories, laughter, fellowship and memories with other fans and a thoughtful celebration of the birth of Christ and the Christmas season was just beginning. This year, having been a tough one for Jimmy who recently had a quintuple heart bypass, seems to have brought a new meaning to several of the songs he's sung for years because tonight he sang each one like it was the first time and he sang them with a strong obvious emotion which brought tears to many eyes in the crowd. 

Jimmy started the night with a song that he wrote for everyone his music touches personally and I hope he releases it, "One Song at A Time". The lyrics of this song are so true

"Hello, it's good to see you. 

 You know it's been way too long.

  I've been out here making music

  I see a face in every song

 You're the reason I keep singing

  Love to hear you sing along

  And now I want you to come with me

  In this journey that I'm on.

  So let's sing to all the good times

  Sing to everything that's good in this life

  Change this crazy old world around us

  One song at a time."

He sang songs that made you think of and truly appreciate the reason for the Christmas season with"It's Christmas Time Again", a beautiful rendition of the favorite classic "Silent Night", a new one which I also hope he releases called "The Road to Bethlehem", another beloved classic "Away in a Manger" which was sung beautifully by Jennifer Wrinkle, a fantastic rockin' version of "Daddy Looked a Lot Like Santa" performed with Stuie French, and an emotional newer Christmas classic "Mary Did You Know" that didn't leave too many dry eyes. As someone who has changed my heart and my perspective and started my long overdue journey back to Jesus this year, this will forever stay with me.

He also sang the hits and the crowd was enthusiastic, singing along and you could see expressions of appreciated memories on the faces around me, as well as my own. "Flowers on the Wall" filled my heart with the memory of being a little girl on a road trip with my parents, standing on the hump between the seats, singing with my dad in my off key little girl voice and just having the best time. That will stay with me every day of my life. The room fell silent as he sang of the emotions after the loss of "Elizabeth". You could see people in the room remembering the love of those they also lost. He sang of struggling with the pain of a love gone in a different direction and trying to find the reasons why with "Too Much on My Heart", a situation that most of us have unfortunately experienced. He brought the crowd to it's feet with the classic Michael Martin Murphey song, "Wildfire" about the love between a young woman and the horse she loved that escaped and went missing. This is another song that I can't hear without thinking about singing with my dad. 

He brought the night back to Jesus with my personal favorite, a song inspired by his granddaughter, "I Love You More." This is something I have always said to my mom every night before bed. She tells me she loves me and I always come back with "I love you more." This song also has a deeper meaning than the obvious, the meaning of a love stronger than any love we'll ever have on earth, the love of Jesus and how He loved each of us more as He hung on the cross. He made this one even more special by adding it as an extra last minute song and dedicating it to me because I had simply asked if it was on the setlist. To hear him sing this amazing testimony of love to a room full of silent listeners is something that will always mean the world to me and never leave my heart. 

"I love you more than you’ll ever know

 When you can’t hold on I’ll never let you go

 So let me love you until you love you again

 For everything you may hate yourself for

 I love you more"

He closed out the night 2 songs. He started with "I Believe", a song inspired by the prayers of his mother and how she deeply believed in the love of Christ and that place called Calvary. He talked about how Jesus saved his life this year and talked about how strongly he believes that He is saving each of us every day. He said it perfectly when he said "If you have someone who prays for you, that is the biggest gift." Pray for someone - it doesn't have to be a long prayer, a rehearsed prayer or a perfect prayer, only sincere. The last song was a true song of worship and praise, "Joy to the World". He had everyone on their feet and you could feel the power of the Holy Spirit in the room. I can promise you that not one person in attendance walked out of that theatre the same person as when they entered. Good music has a way of changing you whether you realize it or not. Tonight was a night of change, a night of love and night that won't be forgotten. Thank you to the wonderful staff of the Liberty Theatre for bringing in the best performers.

Thank you Jimmy. 

We love you more.

CREATING A SMART BUZZ ABOUT YOUR MUSIC - INCREASE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA "VALUE"

"Once your products are created, simply write about them, talk about them, and create articles from the content and say “Yes” to interviews. The buzz created will point people back to your site." - Kytka Hilmar-Jezek

Same goes for music. Once you have a new "product", begin a smart and well thought out buzz to get it heard and increase your social media "value".

1.) Tell your fans, promote the heck out of it in new, creative ways, not just "here's my new CD" or "check out my video." 

 Create contests that involve fans. Put them in your videos to promote the music. Here's an idea, choose a few random fans that are regular hardcore promoters of your music, pick up the phone & call them, ask them for ideas, get quotes to use in trade publications. Don't just rely on industry quotes. There is no bigger promoter than your fan base. They'll be honest about your music.

2.) Connect w/ bloggers, journalists, and local media. 

Don't turn down an interview request because you don't think the audience won't be big enough - do you really want to put limits on your publicity and possibilities? Anyone willing to genuinely help you and is interested enough to talk to you about your music is a good thing.

3.) Respond to as many tweets and Facebook comments as you can personally without relying on a social media manager all the time. 

A social media manager can never convey the same emotion as you can when it comes to what you want to say and what's on your mind. If you're proud of your new project, take the time to tell people why it means so much to you. If you have time to read your timeline, you have time to interact on it. When fans and potential fans see that you take the time, they'll take the time in return. Nothing means more to a fan than a personal connection. So, 3 things - FIND the time, MAKE the time, TAKE the time.

4.) Don't oversaturate your or your fans timelines and don't swim all into their DM's with the same spam posts over and over. 

There's nothing more of a turn off than constant spam about a new project or show. When you look at an artist's timeline and it's nothing but the same tweet over and over, it's honestly annoying as hell and the quickest way to get someone to move on. Change it up, post about it a few times during the day but differ the wording, make it less "robotic" and make it more personal. You want to create a buzz, not put people to sleep. Also, if you're going to send someone information about your music, take the time to introduce yourself and thank them for listening, don't just DM a link and "Here's my new single." That is the surest way to get the opposite reaction than the one you hope you'll get.

This is your product, your music, your name, your reputation and fans are the ones who make the difference between your career and your hobby. Be buzz smart.

- Jennifer Smith
Follow Jenn on Twitter at @Lovinlyrics