"Never Say Never"

Carrie Bradshaw writes a blog. Why can't I? I have always loathed and been a bit jealous of Sarah Jessica Parker sporting the latest high fashion trend, killer stiletto, and hair that when it's bigger, it's better. I guess in some way I looked up to the fictional Sex and the City character for being brave enough to wear geometric prints and having the courage to write a newspaper column that expressed everything she loved, hated, wished, hoped for, and dreaded about NYC, Sex, Friends, and, of course, Men. In a sense, Carrie Bradshaw and I are a lot alike. I would choose 1 pair of the sweetest shoes over 10 blouses. I searched high and low for the best boyfriend contender, and finally found my 'Big' (except he's 'Little') after a long line of losers. And I write weekly about the things I find necessary, sometimes inappropriate, always connected to my life in some way. The difference though, is when I blog, when I write, I am doing it for my love of music.

I got my first writer's night invitation from the sweet Johanna Jacobsen, a fellow Nashville resident, a couple weeks ago. Thrilled isn't the word. I've been on the scene since July waiting for this opportunity. In Mississippi, (and other parts), they say, "Oh, hell.. you can sing? Get up here girl. Sing for us a couple hours, and I'll pay you $200 bucks to do it." Here? It's a privilege to even step on the stage, sing 5 songs for 30 minutes and have 7 people looking at you. Sometimes clapping. They are looking for the best. Well, I'm here to be the best, write the best, and sing the best. So when I was asked to play, I jumped at the opportunity, asked the 6 people I knew in town and waited a week until the big day. When it finally arrived I was ready, nothing could get in my way. The only problem was the only 'fans' I asked had a lot standing in their way. Work, school, and other social events prevented me from having ANY support whatsoever at my very first show. ever. in Nashville. Except for my Little, he is always there. But that's okay, I don't need anyone's help, I can do it on my own. I've always been independent, headstrong, don't-help-me-I-can-do-it-by-myself. But I had to admit, a few people there to cheer me on would have been icing on the big, fat cake I had in front of me. It was time to get ready. I turned Family Feud on and watched as the people cheered so loud for their family members no matter how dumb their answer was. Knock, Knock. I looked through the trusty peephole and Flowers!! My sweet family couldn't be there, but they remembered me. I felt a slight feeling of disappointment knowing they couldn't share this moment with me but it was quickly washed away with the hope for one day this was all going to pay off. After putting on the makeup and preparing for the night, Knock Knock. (What now? Who now?) As I opened the door I found the sweetest, most awesome present of all. Out of nowhere, my sister is standing solo on my front door step, jumping up and down in excitement, saying she just drove herself here. I cannot cry, I cannot cry, I cannot cry. My mascara looks fabulous. She is literally sprinting around the room, yelling, while I am crouched on the floor, holding back tears and for.. Knock. Knock. As I opened the door, I screamed so loud out of excitement that my mom had joined her! What an awesome surprise. I am now jumping up and down on my bed and the mascara will have to be reapplied. Knock. Knock. Again? My grandmother. Another series of knocks. My aunt. Knock. Another aunt. KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK. My cousin. How does this get any better? How? Seven of my closest family members drove 6 hours and SURPRISED me on the day of my first show. They wouldn't have missed it. I almost forgot about the dang gig because I was so pumped. But I fixed my hair Carrie-ish, slipped on my heels, got my guitar, showed up at Music Row Bar & Grill and we rocked it. Not just me, all of the writers did awesome. And I had a cheering section all my own. All mine. I was so proud to be seen with such a beautiful group of women and knowing the whole time how much they love and support me. It sure does make this process a lot easier. I have the most wonderful, fun, awesome family ever. That's having a lot, even if you ain't got nothin'.

So the place that I call home now is Nashville. I will continue singing, writing, and working on my dream until it happens. Like Rev Run says, "Success is like being a stamp. Stick to it until you reach where you are going." I know that gig was the first of many, but it was special. On my 13th birthday at Pizza Inn, I got 3 tickets in a box to see Reba McEntire. That moment and this one are on the top of my list for the 'Best Days Of My Life' Category. Now, let's see if we can't get into other categories like 'Female Vocalist', 'Breakthrough Artist', 'Entertainer of the Year for the Whole Planet'. I'll take any or all of the above. And if Kanye interrupts me, he will get smacked.

My life is a roller coaster. My life is up. My life is down. My life is unfolding right in front of me. Maybe it should be called "Singing and the City"...... Music City, that is.

xo, Meagan Rae

"R.E.S.P.E.C.T"

I have to touch on a story that will be forever remembered and never forgotten. I'm taking time to express my opinion because the subject is not going away and this influenced me in a big way. 

You all saw it coming, the subject for today is no surprise: Taylor vs. Kanye

Let me just say first, if you are one of the 2% that haven't seen Kanye West slaughter Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for Female Video of The Year, take a look, then get back with us. 

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621389/20090913/west_kanye.jhtml

I've never been the die-hard Taylor Swift fan, I admit. I listen to her on the radio, I think she's a great songwriter. Sometimes her vocals could stand a lesson or two during live performances but she's cute and I respect her. But I guarantee that I don't jump up and down on the couch when she's number one on CMT countdown. That said, I don't think anyone, ANYONE deserves to be belittled, pushed aside or interrupted during an awards show in Kanye-fashion. People are fans of different artists, that's the way it works. For the 10% of the world that didn't know Taylor or didn't like her before last night, they do now. I even have a soft spot in my heart that hurt when I watched that. Like Katy Perry said, "F*** you Kanye. It's like you stepped on a kitten." And it is. In Nashville, TN most of all, musicians are family. We stick together. Kanye West has stirred up a whole lot of trouble with the roughest, toughest, most countrified family on the block. Stars, celebs, fans, and family vented their rage via Twitter, etc. to convey their emotions. None were shocking, all were shocked, a lot of them wished they could punch him. 

Music is universal. You probably won't find one person who likes only country, only hip-hop, or only rock. We're humans, we hurt and music heals us. It was an honor for Taylor to be nominated in a category for the VMAs, it was an honor for her to win the category, and it is an honor to have her leading the pack for country music. You can't break down someone's spirit out of jealousy, it will only come back to haunt you. It seems funny that the person Kanye was defending, brought Swift back onstage to relive her 'moment'. Beyonce so gracefully gave Taylor a second chance to say her peace, and while doing so, TS got a standing ovation. So now, Kanye West, your fans and sales have decreased and Taylor Swift is still on top. I, personally, hope you feel an inch tall for a long time. You should probably delete the attempt at an apology you wrote because it was absolutely superficial and a new career might be a good thing to look into. Like I said, people in this industry stick together, and we are all banding together against you. You might still have your Jay Leno gig, but don't even think about stepping foot in Tennessee. 

"I Ain't Settlin'.. For Anything Less Than Everythaaaanng, Yeah.."

I have NOT forgotten I had a blog. I just forgot to update it. (Forgiveness, Forgiveness.. Even if, even if, you don't love me anymore..) Thank you, Don Henley for getting down to the Heart of The Matter. =) So, so many things have been going on that I guess I just forgot to tell you. Well, I'm back, you can love me again, and we can move forward with this relationship. We can even make it official on Facebook if you want. (Just click 'Become A Fan' to the right). See, I'm doing all the work here! hehe.

I love putting my iPod on Shuffle. It's so the best. It plays the good oldies that you might have forgotten about like, Sugarland- Just Might Make Me Believe, Clay Walker- This Woman and This Man, Wade Hayes- In a Chevy, Garth Brooks- Which One of Them, Pink- Like A Pill. Ok, I'm stopping.

In the past couple of weeks I have seen my sister twice, painted my coffee table turquoise, attended the Keith Urban/Sugarland concert, gotten sick, had a bachelorette party, canoed, and played my first writer's night. Painting the table blue was on purpose, singing at a writer's night was not. This is how it went: Me and the boss man go to lunch at Jonathan's and decided to sit on the porch and talk about me becoming a big star and the steps we needed to take. I got my guitar out of the car, sang a few tunes, covers, originals, played some for the staff and the owner, had dinner with the owner (sweetest people ever). So I'm thinking my day is just going awesome. Then we left and went to Dan McGuinness to a writer's night to watch and someone didn't show up to play so Doc asked me if I wanted to play in their time slot. That was a silly question. So I got to sing 6 originals for the first time in Nashville at Dan McGuinness! (I know there will be many more shows, gigs, and writer's nights, but this was the first and worthy of being recognized!) Now I'm thinking my day is just going awesome and lucky. But I know deep down there's no such thing as lucky really.. that's just what we call it when God slips us good things that we deserve. I have to say that Matthew and I are out here trying our best to make a life that we will love every morning when we wake up. He is following his dream too, to be a baseball coach, and I love it. Push the boundaries, break the rules, step outside the box.. that's how I want to live my life. To the fullest. And we both know that if we are sitting behind a desk everyday, we aren't pushing or stepping outside of anything. Now, I'm not saying that isn't for everyone.. this is just our passion. So I believe that I was lucky to get here so quick (or God just made it easy for me to find a place). That's why it's not hard for me to picture big things in the future. I believe it will come with hard work, sacrifice, and thanking Him for every little opportunity I get. I'm so ready for it.

NEW SHOW: THE CARROLL COUNTY MARKET, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28th

So, for the ones of you in the Greenwood area, make your reservations because it will be so flippin' fun you can't even imagine. I'm so excited to play for my family and friends close to home and show you all the stuff I've been working on. The CCM is known for its DELICIOUS food, great music, and great times had so come out if you can. There will be some kind of cover charge but I'm not sure how much. That is the weekend of Thanksgiving break so a lot of people will be out and I promise we'll make it worth it. www.myspace.com/carrollcountymarket

Ok, everyone has been asking me to list some more songs that I've found. I love doing this!! (Glad you like it)

• Matt Kearney- Closer To Love Mindy Smith- What Went Wrong
  
• Caitlin and Will- Address In The Stars Tenth Avenue North- By Your Side
  
• Joey & Rory- To Say Goodbye Parachute- She Is Love
  
• Plumb- In My Arms Reba McEntire- Consider Me Gone
  
• Kelly Clarkson- Already Gone Kellie Pickler- Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You
  

Remember to sign up as a Fan on Facebook so you can recieve special updates, schedules and photos. =)

xxxxxxoooooooo, Maaaeeeee

"Give me one reason to stay here, and I'll turn right back around" - Tracy Chapman

"I'm In A Hurry To Get Things Done"

I have a song on my mind and fish sticks in my belly! YUM. I am a big eater-outer. Even if its super cheap, I love dinner out and lunch dates. Living on a budget and learning how to do it has forced me to eat salad daily, fish sticks often, and ramen noodles as little as possible. I've got to find a way to make some dinero. Mucho dinero. I've thought of a few things.. but not all of them are legal. =) Dang you, starving artist. Jk. I am doing fine, just watching my step.

So going on in the world this week: (Locally/Nationally)

1. Reba McEntire releases her 1st CD in six years! Keep On Loving You hits stores today and I am so super excited about my childhood idol's new music. Its been too long. What a wonderful world. =) She did a GAC special Sunday night and said this album is more girl power, she's looking at new TV scripts, and she wants to work with Kelly Clarkson again. We would like that too, Reba.
2. Mr. Brett Farve, are you serious? After all this time, after saying no for once, and after retiring how many times already, you come back AGAIN? I will be honest, I am going to watch you play either way. Whether I am mad at you or not, I will stare at your hind end as you throw the passes, BUT you can only do this so many times. Quit it already.
3. "Music City Madness" is happening now. I haven't really heard of this until moving here but the Grand Prize is spending a day with Reba so I might have to check that out. (Also, recording time and few little perks, no biggie). I'm also trying to play around here at some writer's nights as soon as I can. Getting fit into the schedule may take some time considering most everyone knows most everyone here already. I'm going to have to inch my way in somehow but it can be done! Also, there is a website that I can't wait to be up and running where you, the people can visit and become a fan of new, unsigned artists, including myself! I will have to fill you in on details later but it is genius!
4. My heart goes out to the family of Jeffrey Jones (Greenwood, MS) who died Saturday evening, to the family of Steven Aldridge (Greenwood, MS) who died Saturday evening, and to my own family and step dad whose mother, 'Dot' Flowers (Rolling Fork, MS) passed away Saturday evening as well. I have recently felt the sting of death in a family and it is heart wrenching. When a life is cut too short, it is a hurt that the ones closest to them feel and it lasts for a long time. We can only remember the happy times and know that God needed them up there with Him, that they had done all they could do here on this uncertain earth. I pray for each of these and my family in these hard times.

So, I'm really excited to keep you all up to date with the exciting things that have been going on. I will let you all know more soon, when I can.

MAE

"You Outta Know"

Other amazing artists who are currently getting in the way of me doing anything productive and running up my iTunes bill:

• Eric Church- Lotta Boot Left To Fill, Where She Told Me To Go
• Safety Suit- What If, Stay, Anywhere But Here
• Love & Theft- Runaway, World Wide Open, Dancing In Circles
• Jason Aldean- Big Green Tractor, Wide Open, The Truth
• Lady Antebellum- Need You Now, Slow Down Sister, Home is Where the Heart Is

"You Shook Me All Night Long"

difference in a New Blog and a New Post? Can't I just write one new paragraph every week on totally irrelevant things and it be good to go? I don't understand. And for the sake of not understanding, we will keep publishing New Posts. =)

Today is a B-E-A uuuutiful day in Nashville. These are days when I think to myself, "Self, you are so damn lucky." I'm laying out by the pool as we speak, as I'm typing this, as the kid in front of me does belly flops and splashes everything I own. Isn't life grand? I decide right now, while listening to the trusty iPod, (Taylor Swift- You Belong With Me) that I'm temporarily tired of songs about high school boyfriends, cheerleaders, drawing hearts on notepads and fairytales that never happen. New Subject Please!!

Dear Taylor Swift,

Although you are an adorable little thing, I would appreciate it if your lyrics would accompany your age in 'growing up'. Everyone knows you aren't afraid to write about old flames or God forbid, put someone's name in the song, but come on, we could all do it. Do you know how many words rhyme with Drew and Joe? (A lot.) If you are going to continue to be a world phenom and have people drool over your average live performances then you need to find a new road to venture down. You were smart enough to convince them to let you perform 3 times at the CMT awards. Now, amaze us once more with new material.

P.S. I believe your writing skills highly surpass your vocal ability but I respect you. And that's very, very nice of me.

I have recently found things that (Finger Eleven-Paralyzer) are probably considered Not Normal. Here's a few:

a.) Forgetting to eat lunch today.

b.) Wearing a dress over bluejeans. (Don't do that.)

c.) The guy at the pool who wears a House Arrest anklet.

(Casting Crowns- Praise You In This Storm) Oh! This song reminds me. I went to Brentwood Baptist last Sunday for church! Let me give you a little advice: If you decide to go to this place, take a friend and use the buddy system. It is the biggest flippin' thing I've ever seen. So I'm standing around with like 200 people waiting for what I thought was the service. Turns out, we were all in the Cafe. Excuse me, a restaurant!! It was amazing. They had that, a library, a bookstore.. who knows what they had to offer on the other wing. I like the feel of small and big churches. I'm good at meeting people and socializing so this didn't bother me so much. The reason I can't make up my (Matchbox 20- Push) mind is because of.. you guessed it, the music. Ok, I grew up traditional of course. But I've had experiences that I want to have again in a church. Pinelake in Jackson, MS is a good example. They have a slight mix of music, but mostly contemporary, young music. It moves me so much that I almost want to cry every time I go. But I'm feeling something, I'm not just going through the motions. Maybe BB just had a (Corinne Bailey Rae- Put Your Records On) traditional lineup for that Sunday, maybe I should try again, maybe I should try another. We'll see..

Side Note: I'm burning.

Last night, Collin Raye came into town to do a show at the Wildhorse Saloon. As part of my job, I got to run him around town, take him to soundcheck and watch him do all the things I hope to do one day. (Rhianna- Rehab) It was amazing to watch a guy I grew up listening to, watching on tv, singing the songs I always loved. The show was incredible. He's in better shape than most 20 yr olds I know. Jumping all over stage, playing on his knees on the floor, dancing.. He's still got it! I had to breathe, and say..ok, you are here for a reason, this is freaking awesome, you are sitting on the stage, this is freaking awesome, look at all those people, this will be you one day, this is freaking awesome. "So, is your last name Rae?.. No (laughs) My middle name.. Oh! So you aren't kin to me! What is your last name?.. Mitchell.. Wow, that's a great stage name (Wink)."

I'm getting in the pool before I fry. BBBYYYEEE. (Jason Aldean-Relentless)

MRM

"How Do I Live Without You"

I have a confession: I have 2 boyfriends. One is Matthew and one is music. This is no joke, it's true! I put any time that I'm not with my real human boyfriend into my love affair with any and all genres of music. ...ok, I take that back. I do not listen to Swiss Death Metal. =) I'm going to take a minute, because I'm feeling adventurous, and talk about some music I've recently uncovered. 

1. Sugarland- Joey, Wishing

("Yeah, yeah.. Sugarland?? Again, Meagan Rae? Come on!!" ... ok, i know, but seriously, if you've been under a rock and haven't heard their new cd 'Love On The Inside', i feel for you. You are missing out on some serious tunes, my friend. Joey is the new single out and Wishing is just UH-mazing. Pure, raw, real feelings. So.. I know I like Jen Jen and Christian.. and one day we will be bff's and travel to Hawaii together.. but until then, i feel that it's my duty to get you, to love them. If you like me, you will like them =)

Ps. If you've never been to a concert, follow these simple steps:

1. Slap yourself.

2. Buy the "Live On The Inside" DVD. It will change your life. 

2. Kings Of Leon- Cold Desert, Notion

(Two great pieces of work from the 'old, but new' group we like to call KOL. Ironically, they have been around for quite a while, yet just hitting the charts with their hits 'Use Somebody' and 'Sex on Fire'. They've continued to perform their songs, their way, and that's why we love them.. and why they will stick around for a while.)

Ps. Again- Sugarland covers KOL's 'Sex On Fire'- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4ldVNVrBHE

3. Dierks Bentley- Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes

(Hello, Hotness. If you thought Mr. Bentley made you melt before, wait until you hear this one. It's off his brand new cd, 'Feel That Fire'. It's slow, sexy and all I wanted from this little piece of perfection.)

4. David Nail- Red Light

5. The Fray- Never Say Never

(Ahh, one of my favorites. You can't listen to a 'Fray' song and not want to press Repeat at least twice. Catchy, emotional and to the point, these boys know how to do it. Never Say Never will pull at your heart.  "Some things we don't talk about, rather do without, just hold the smile.." It may be a generalization of a relationship trying its best, but at the end it will leave you wanting it to last. Repetitions of "Don't let me go, don't let me go.." puts you in the place of a person whose heart is wishing. Maybe for a second chance.. maybe to play the song again..=) I bet you press Repeat.)

6. Rob Thomas- Snowblind

(With a brand new cd, 'Cradlesong', I had to do some thinking over which song I was going to put in this here blog. You see, Rob Thomas does it like no other. He has a way of singing the songs that everyone wishes they were singing. Snowblind is an upbeat eye-opener. Discussing the issues of a relationship that "can't see where we are".  But not just this one, the entire cd is legit. Thank you, Rob, for making a record that has more than 2 average songs. All 14 are worthy.)

7. Jeremy Camp- Fade

(One of my favorite Worship musicians is Jeremy Camp. Ones of you who think worship music is always traditional and hymnal-type, it's not. You will be so surprised how contemporary people like Jeremy, Third Day, Casting Crowns, and Chris Tomlin make it. It's absolutely amazing and uplifting. Everyone wants a little uplifting in their life, I don't care who you are. Fade talks about letting the old life of sin fade away.. letting God take over. Rock on, JC. I'm forever a fan.)

8. Theory of a Deadman- All or Nothing, Wait For Me

9. Keith Urban- Only You Can Love Me This Way, Thank You, If Ever I Could Love

(I tried to tell him I could make him much happier than that Nicole girl.. whoever she is.. but considering they have a kid, he decided to stay with her. ;) I've been a long time fan of this Aussie hottie and even though he will never have my name tattooed on his arm, I will still show him love. Only You Could is the new single. Thank You was written for his wife, Nicole Kidman, and it is so packed with powerful lyrics, it's unbelievable. This one talks about the personal things and leaves nothing out. If Ever I Could Love is my favorite of them all at the moment. Learn it, Love it. It will be out soon as a single. I can feel it.)

10. Zac Brown Band- Free

(I've played it at least 99 times, so it's worth your 99 cents. Do it, you won't regret it.)

I hope all of you have a great week. And I hope all of these hit the charts. =)

           Meagan Rae