Songwriting

Jul 31

Lacy J. Dalton

By Chrissy Bernal Music, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for a heartfelt conversation with country music icon Lacy J. Dalton. She’s the legendary voice behind hits like “Crazy Blue Eyes,” “16th Avenue,” and “Black Coffee.” We’ll explore what drives Lacy beyond her fame, delving into her desire for a real connection through music. She reflects on themes of authenticity, legacy, and personal growth, sharing intimate details about her enduring musical journey since 1976.

This episode is sponsored by:

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In this Episode:

Lacy’s Start: A look back at how Lacy began her career in 1976.
Unique Sound: Recognition of how distinct “Black Coffee” was upon release.
Songwriting Partnerships: Her work with Even Stevens and Hillary Kanter who also wrote hits for Eddie Rabbitt and Kenny Rogers.
Industry Struggles: Discussing obstacles such as being considered too old in the industry and battles to promote her music despite setbacks from label changes.
The success of Black Coffee: Despite initial resistance, it became an international dance hit outselling major artists like Michael Bolton at launch.
Musical Influences & Mentors: Remembering interactions with legends like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and George Jones.
Musical Authenticity: The importance of bringing genuine emotion to performances without over-singing or losing connection with listeners.

Quotations:

“In the old days, the fans stayed with you forever.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton

“Those little great things are the problem, they’re like alien beings in our head.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton

“You can tell an old soldier by the look in his eyes. It’s almost like some of us attain some kind of consciousness of being very solidly and comfortably who we are. And it may be that we may not be the most ordinary people. We may be different in a lot of ways.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton

“I’ve always tried to bring as much of my authentic self to my singing and to my performing as I can.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton

“When I’m there, I want to be 100% there with you. I want to, but it’s not about, stardom was never the thing for me. It’s about the kind of communication that you can have with an audience that will uplift you and uplift them, and where people can feel some joy and feel some connection and get some inspiration to keep going. This is not an easy world.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton

“The music is actually a tool for me.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton

“When I’m gone from this world, I hope they will say that I did walk my talk because my word is very important to me.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton

“You can have all kinds of money and fame and power, and that’s great. But the connection that you have with an audience when you really connect with them, that’s really where it is.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton

“We just need each other. We truly do and we need to learn how to build bridges. We need to learn how to build bridges, meet in the middle, and listen to each other.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton

“Let’s all learn to listen better to the people on the other side.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton

Bio:

Lacy J. Dalton is a renowned American country singer and songwriter. Known as “Country’s Bonnie Raitt,” her soulful, gritty voice has captivated audiences for decades. She gained fame in 1979 with her hit “Crazy Blue Eyes” and won the ACM’s Top New Female Vocalist award.

Lacy’s career highlights include touring with legends like Hank Williams Jr. and Willie Nelson, receiving Grammy nominations, and collaborating with Willie Nelson on his platinum album Half Nelson. She transitioned to the Americana genre, founding her label, Song Dog Records, and releasing several albums.

Beyond music, Lacy co-founded the Let ’em Run Foundation, dedicated to rescuing wild horses, and taught songwriting to inmates through the William James Arts in Corrections program. She’s also an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Reno, contributing to their fundraising efforts with her music.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.lacyjdalton.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacyjdalton/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacyjdalton/

X: https://twitter.com/LacyJDalton

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lacyjdalton

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LacyJDaltonOfficial

May 15

Love22

Scotty McCreery

By Chrissy Bernal Music No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, join our host Gary Scott Thomas and our special guest host Julie Stevens of KRTY.com for an exciting conversation featuring the one and only, Scotty McCreery, the country music sensation behind the songs “Damn Strait,” “Five More Minutes,” “Cab In A Solo,” and many more! It’s an episode about Scotty’s life on tour, the thrill of performing live, and the joys and challenges of parenthood. This one is filled with heart and laughter, so be sure you won’t miss it! Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

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In this Episode:

Scotty shares adorable updates about being a father to his one-and-a-half-year-old son.
Scotty shares how he still gets nervous and excited before performing at big gigs despite a skyrocketing career.
Find out which of Scotty’s songs is the fan favorite and make the crowd go wild.
Discover Scotty’s unique approach to writing new music by retreating and getting insights into his songwriting process, which starts with jotting down ideas on his iPhone.
Hear all about Scotty’s star-struck experiences and lasting friendships within the industry.

Quotations:

“It’s a heartbreak, but he’s finding his way to it; he’s doing just fine.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“I still get excited more than anything. I love, my passion is, to write and sing country music and getting to do that anytime. I love it.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“To actually have people show up and sing a song back to you, it’s pretty awesome.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“Five More Minutes is the song where you see people bumping their neighbors and smiles and phones come up. And that’s the one I think they’re waiting on.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“It’s a heartbreak song, but I swear I’m smiling every night when I’m singing it.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“My goal was always to be a country singer, country musician.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“I had no clue what the heck I was doing, but little by little I started writing songs and, uh, started growing up and having life experience and figuring out who I was as a man first and then as an artist.” ~ Scotty McCreery

“We had like a little retreat and we, most of the songs we wrote, were outside on the back porch around a fire and guitars writing just no phones out, no nothing. It was, it was, uh, it felt like the old days, like how songs should be written.” ~ Scotty McCreery

Bio:

Scotty McCreery is an American country singer. He rose to fame after winning the tenth season of American Idol in May 2011. He captured hearts with his humble demeanor and undeniable talent. Since then, he has released several chart-topping albums, including “Clear as Day” and “See You Tonight,” earning accolades for his distinct blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds.

Scotty’s journey from small-town singer to country star has been marked by dedication and perseverance. Despite his meteoric rise to fame, he remains grounded in his roots, often drawing inspiration from his upbringing in North Carolina. His music reflects themes of love, faith, and the joys and struggles of everyday life, resonating with audiences across the globe.
In 2024, Scotty received one of country music’s crowning achievements when he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was inducted on April 20 by his childhood hero Josh Turner.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.scottymccreery.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottymccreery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottymccreery

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smccreeryofficial

X: https://twitter.com/ScottyMcCreery

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scottymccreery

Apr 03

Love13

Keifer Thompson

By Chrissy Bernal Comedian, Community, Music, Personal Growth, Politics One Comment

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes back Keifer Thompson from country music duo Thompson Square. Join us for another candid yet thought-provoking conversation as they dive into an array of topics, from tackling parenthood to dissecting political landscapes. Keifer doesn’t shy away from sharing his conservative perspective. They talk about societal issues too. Racism and division are hot topics as he advocates for teaching love over hate to kids.

Don’t miss this rollercoaster ride through politics, society, parenting, comedy, and of course, country music! Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

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In this Episode:

Keifer shares personal experiences dealing with his son’s dental issues, shedding light on the complexities of skepticism towards these industries.
Hear Keifer and Gary talk about how media bias shapes public perception with its misinformation and concerns over agenda-driven narratives.
Explore opinions and insights about political landscapes, current events, and societal issues.
Hear insights addressing racism, its evolution over generations, and the importance of instilling values of equality in children, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue and action.
Discover Keifer’s approach to songwriting and comedic performance.
Hear Keifer and Gary share their personal losses/emotions publicly and how vulnerability contributes to connection with others.

Quotations:

“I feel like everyone’s got to speak their mind. I think, you know, everyone has the right to speak their mind.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“The worst part about what’s going on right now is nobody can admit when they’re wrong.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“When the truth comes out, everyone just kind of ignores it and doesn’t report on it.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“I don’t watch the news. I don’t trust any of the news. We’re just trying to live our lives and do our thing. I just feel like God’s in control no matter what.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“I reflect on a lot of things and I was driving in the day and just looking out across these fields and trees and everything else and I was like, you know what? You know, at the end of the day. I mean, this is still a beautiful world.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“There’s two kinds of people. There are good people and there are bad people. Doesn’t matter what color they are.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“I love thought-provoking things. I wanna talk to intelligent people who have, and you know what, if I’m wrong, prove it to me. You know, if I have to think this way, tell me why. And convince me that I am wrong.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“I see it all the time when people get proven wrong and instead of acknowledging that, they just clam up and just run off.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“You can’t tell certain jokes anymore without making everybody mad.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“Comedy needs to be untouched when it comes to social inequalities. Because the thing of it is, man, is we are all different. White people do things that white people do, black people do black things, Mexican people, they do Mexican, we’re up and they’re like, oh, that’s a stereotype, you’re stereotyping. Yes, because we’re all a stereotype. That’s what makes us special. You guys want us to make us all the same.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“That’s the thing about comedy, if it’s true, and everybody knows it’s true, then it’s funny.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“I have faith in the future, I do, because I think these younger kids are smelling the BS. They’re starting to get a sense of what they missed.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“It seems like comedy is always the one thing that will bring a crowd in if you’re having a hard time with them.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“Whether it’s your true persona or not, you have to become the person that you wanna be.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“We’re country artists or whatever, but we’re still people with feelings and problems and all that stuff and loss and hurt and all that thing.” ~ Keifer Thompson

Bio:

Keifer Thompson is one half of the award-winning country music duo Thompson Square, renowned for their soulful harmonies and heartfelt songwriting. Born on January 24, 1973, in Miami, Oklahoma, Keifer discovered his passion for music at an early age. He honed his skills as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences. In 1996, Keifer met his future wife and musical partner, Shawna, at a singing competition in Nashville, Tennessee. Their instant connection led to the formation of Thompson Square, and together they embarked on a remarkable journey in the country music scene.

Thompson Square’s self-titled debut album, released in 2011, catapulted them to stardom with hit singles like “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Keifer’s emotive vocals and Shawna’s dynamic harmonies resonated with audiences, earning them widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including Vocal Duo of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards.

Throughout their careers, Keifer has showcased his exceptional songwriting talent, penning heartfelt lyrics that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. With a string of chart-topping hits and a reputation for electrifying live performances, Thompson Square continues to captivate audiences around the world, cementing Keifer’s status as one of country music’s most beloved artists.

Guest Contact Info:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keifercomedy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeiferThompsonComedian/

X: https://twitter.com/keifercomedy

Website: https://thompsonsquare.com/

Thompson Square Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thompsonsquare/

Thompson Square Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thompsonsquare

Jan 24

Love11

Matt Stell

By Chrissy Bernal Music, Personal Growth No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, host Gary Scott Thomas had a fun and candid conversation with the country music singer, guitarist, and songwriter, Matt Stell. Join us as Matt shares stories from his roots in Center Ridge, Arkansas, to the bustling streets of New York City. Matt isn’t just carrying his guitar on tours; he brings along memories, aspirations, and heartfelt stories that resonate across every destination he has been to! We are sure that this podcast episode has something delightful for everyone. Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

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In this Episode:

Discover how people from small towns like Center Ridge “round up” when explaining where they’re from.
Get a taste of city life through Matt’s eyes and why he appreciates visiting places like New York but prefers living elsewhere.
Learn about being a “professional traveler” as part of a singer’s job and why sometimes life gets in the way of exploring new cities.
Gain insight into his record label experience with Sony in Manhattan and how his authentic style resonates beyond traditional boundaries.
Pizza talk! Find out if New York really does have better pizza and what constitutes an acceptable topping, according to Matt.
Explore destinations still on Matt’s bucket list.
Understand the allure behind festival shows both as an artist performing for large crowds and as a fan enjoying other musicians’ sets.
Delve into who inspired him growing up (hint: ’90s alternative bands) and who he’d love to collaborate with today.
Peek into the creative process behind hits like “Prayed For You” starting with just one line that sparks an entire song narrative.

Quotations:

“The thing about New York is their bad pizza is good. You know what I mean? Like the floor is so high. You can walk into anywhere and get a slice and it’d be amazing. Uh, and quick and ready to rock.” ~ Matt Stell

“I really want to go to Japan. I want to see, I want to see, uh, Tokyo. I want to, I want to just see how other people do it.” ~ Matt Stell

“Even on the other side of the world, you know, we’ll have some things in common for sure.” ~ Matt Stell

“Well, it’s better to be lucky than good. Sometimes for sure.” ~ Matt Stell

“It’s just such a vibe when people show up to listen to the live music and I want to be there all day and you get to be a part of it. And then also I get to be a fan. You know, I get to see these bands that I’m a fan of that. I usually don’t get to see ’cause we’re on the road.” ~ Matt Stell

“It just makes you appreciate all different kinds, you know, and I always make you appreciate how, uh, a lot of people can like a lot of different things, which is, you know, variety is the spice of the spice of life.” ~ Matt Stell

“I always love to get a ball in my hand and, uh, get some shots up for sure.” ~ Matt Stell

“Most of the time you start from the chorus and kind of work your way out.” ~ Matt Stell

“When I have kids, they’re not gonna have any choice. They’re going to love those garden greens.” ~ Matt Stell

“That’s just great to see music resonate with people all over the place, man, for sure. I didn’t know that song was going to do that when I wrote it, but man, I sure love it when it does.” ~ Matt Stell

Guest’s Bio:

Matt Stell is an American country music singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Matt began releasing music in the early 2010s after teaching himself guitar while in college. He had a breakthrough with the streaming hit “Prayed for You” in 2018, which topped the Country Airplay charts in 2019, a position matched by “Everywhere But On” that year. After a couple of quiet years, Stell delivered the One of Us EP in February 2023.

Raised mostly in Center Ridge, Arkansas, with some time spent in Central Florida, Matt Stell grew up listening to a mix of classic country, country-rock, blues-rock, and rap while making a name for himself in basketball. He went on to play college basketball at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, where he started playing guitar between school and team obligations. As soon as he could play barre chords, he began writing songs and performing at a local bar. Music quickly became a passion, though he finished a master’s degree in communications at the University of Arkansas, made missionary trips to Haiti, and considered medical school before deciding to pursue it as a vocation.

Talking about the beginning of his career as a singer, he was the lead singer of the band “The Crashers” in the late 2000s and early 2010s. This personality released three albums independently while being involved with the said band. Those albums were The Sound & the Story, Vestibule Blues, and A River Through It. Followed it with the single “Country Love Song” in 2015. In the meantime, he opened shows for headliners including Luke Bryan and Eric Church. An offer from Wide Open Music in Nashville, Tennessee, led to the release of the single “Prayed for You” and the EP Everywhere But On in 2019. “Prayed for You” went viral, amassing over ten million streams across platforms before the end of the year. The single’s success translated to the charts: it topped Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, as did “Everywhere But On.” Another EP, Better Than That, arrived in October 2020 and included the song “Look at Me Now.” The non-LP single “That Ain’t Me No More” followed in 2021, with 2022’s “Man-Made” teasing the early 2023 release of the One of Us EP.