Here in the Nashville music scene plenty people can write. Plenty people can sing and a precious few have that IT factor that makes people stand up and pay attention. In Dana Romanello, you have all three! Originally from Ohio, Dana grew up on Bluegrass and Country! A fourth generation musician and the daughter of a mandolin player, Dana was raised on the likes of Ricky Skaggs and country radio. Her grandfather was an aspiring songwriter who routinely mailed new compositions to the copyright office. He always had the dream of hearing his songs on the radio. For Dana music is in her blood. Now carrying on that tradition, she lives and works in Music City writing, performing and chasing her own musical dreams. Her sound is fresh and original. She affectionately calls it "Sassy Grass" It is a blend of bluegrass and the spark of classic country female songwriters with a modern sensibility.
Her songs speak to the emotional core in all of us. With "A New Perfume" the beautiful melody pines to the listener to be brave, to take a chance and start over. Inspired by her aunt, the song "Cowgirl on a Carousel" which happens to be the song we discuss in the interview, touches on the fact that for some you'll never be able to tame the heart. "No Matter What I Do" was a co-write with her grandfather and I. He passed away some years ago but left behind many notes and song lyrics. These are precious items to Dana and I was honored to sit down with her and finish something that was started so long ago! There is a haunting quality to this song and you can almost feel the spirit of Dana's grandfather coming through.
When Dana isn't working on music she is also the manager of country programming for Cumulus Media Networks and the host ofACC TV Around Town for American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks . Her list of other credits include being a cast member of “Music City on Stage”, spending three years singing backup for Louise Mandrell and is even a former Tennessee Titans Cheerleader!
Dana is one of the hardest working women in this town and is destine for greatness!. I've had the tremendous honor and pleasure to call Dana a personal friend and co-writer! Dana and I have been writing for almost 4 years now so I know firsthand how talented she is. Recently we sat down for an interview to talk specifically about our song "Cowgirl on a Carousel" and also about Dana's past, present and future. Check it out below and we are proud to have Dana as our March 2012 Artist Interview!
Interview with Dana part 1
Interview with Dana part 2
Dana's official BIO
A fourth generation musician, Dana Romanello began singing with her family's bluegrass band in Lucasville, Ohio at a very young age. With her sweet blend of bluegrass and the spark of classic country female songwriters, Dana developed her own original style audiences know and love. Dana likes to call it "Sassy Grass". Along with her career as a singer/songwriter, she is also the manager of country programming for Cummulus Media Networks and the host ofACC TV Around Town for American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks . She was a cast member of “ Music City on Stage” and spent three years singing backup for Louise Mandrell. She is a former Tennessee Titans Cheerleader and graduate of Marshall University , holding a BA in Communications and a minor in Music. Dana has released a live DVD and digital EP titled “Porch Swing Sessions,” her self-titled debut album is available at iTunes, and she has brand new music coming in 2012 courtesy of 1925 Entertainment.
How an artist sees and experiences the world impacts the work they produce. Lori Anne Parker-Danley is no exception. She's a local Nashville artist. Her work is a rich depiction of her mind and her heart full of color, motion, life and death. Her new show "The Garden of Evolution" which opens Feb. 4th at the Twist Etc. here in Nashville, Tennessee is a mix of paintings and mixed media. Lori has a PhD in philosophy, she's a strong naturalist and a heart attack survivor. All of these perspectives are woven into her work with energy and passion. The show is about transformation and growth, death and decomposition, origins and destinations. Her goal is to expose people to the beauty of such things and how our world is an ever changing and adapting garden of life and death. I had the pleasure to sit down with Lori Anne recently to get to know her a little more, talk about this exciting show and her goals for the future. Here is the video! I hope you enjoy!
Artist Bio:
Lori Anne Parker-Danley is a Nashville-based artist with a Ph.D. in philosophy from Binghamton University in upstate New York. Among the artists who inspire her are Hyman Bloom, Chaïm Soutine, Elaine DeKooning, and Anselm Kiefer. She is also influenced by the imagery, ideas, and playfulness of the Surrealists—especially Remedios Varo and Leonora Carrington—and broadly considers her work to be a conversation between expressionism and surrealism, albeit from a contemporary perspective. Despite and in spite of all the pitfalls, exclusions, and erasures associated with creating canons, schools, and art-historical categories, Lori Anne thinks that trying to make art without listening, responding, and acknowledging the artists who came before you is like painting with your eyes closed.
As a national spokesperson for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign since 2010 and a woman who had two heart attacks and bypass surgery at the age of 38 in 2009 (even though she “never thought it would happen to her”) Lori Anne has been using her art as a way to help get the word out about the risks of heart disease in women. She had her first “Art for the Heart” event in February 2011 at Rumours Wine and aRT Bar, 12 South, Nashville, which was well-received. With The Garden of Evolution, showing at Twist Etc. in February 2012, she is continuing these efforts. In honor of National Go Red month and the American Heart Association, Lori Anne will be “going red” by donating 10 percent of the artist proceeds from exhibition sales to Go Red for Women.
Artist statement about The Garden of Evolution:
Broadly conceived, The Garden of Evolution is an attempt to evoke the phenomenology of human corporeality, its relationships with the non-human natural world, and its place in the history of evolution. The exhibition and series of paintings by the same title are inspired by questions of human/biological materiality that have interested me as an artist and philosopher for many years, as well as the life-saving, emergency heart surgery I underwent in 2009, which focused my attention on these questions in a more profound, directly personal way. One of the most intense moments that happened in the days after my surgery was the experience of seeing my own heart (My surgeon took a picture of it with his iPhone during my operation). Seeing my own heart was akin to seeing my animality: the image of my heart in my cut-open chest, which could have been anybody’s heart in any cut-open chest, was jarring to me because of its biological anonymity. The heart I saw was mine, but I could never know as my own. It was me, but beyond me—the experience of looking into a mirror and staring at a stranger.
To see one’s own heart is an invitation to notice the repetition of forms, to hear the echo that beats in the chests of a billion others, to understand that there is nothing special or significant or even that original about your own heart even though it is necessary for you to live. To see one’s own heart is also an opportunity—to see through it, past it, to notice and recall patterns—such as the chambers of a human heart alongside the heart of a feline or the spiraling twist of the human inner ear alongside the curves of a buoyant nautilus or the branches of alveoli in the lungs of a rabbit that might remind one of a copse of trees. Repeating forms evoke our connections and common origin, our shared animal-plant biology. Repeating forms invite us to contemplate our existence as part of the material world and the fact that human life is but a single, small, beautiful moment in a much larger 4.5 billion-year planetary history. The Garden of Evolution is the place we all begin and a place where everything is made of stardust. The Garden of Evolutionis also a dream, the other side of waking life, the strangeness that is familiar, and the constant striving where forms both old and new emerge, mingle, and transform yet again.
The paintings in this exhibition are a departure from much of my past work in terms of their increased expressiveness and the materials I’ve used. While working on this project, I have tried to simply release myself to the muscularity of the gesture and the physicality of paint. I am after paintings that aren’t representations of bodies but highly physical, bodily moments in and of themselves. This effort has drawn me to new materials: in addition to oil, graphite, and charcoal, some of the paintings in the series include elements such as cat fur, twigs, cicada exoskeletons, human hair, orchids, foliage, moss, snakeskins, and sculpted paper. Instead of using these materials to “augment” the paintings, my intention is to put these additional materials and objects in conversation with the paint and make them part of (or a continuation of) my gestures and brushstrokes. The use of various nontraditional media is also another way of expressing the subject matter of the work itself, generally the connections, transformations, and relationships between natural life forms that are part of the evolutionary process.
The exhibition at Twist Etc. has been an opportunity to push my work even further in direct response to the particular environment of the gallery space. As such, The Garden of Evolution is not simply an exhibit of paintings, but a larger on-site, multimedia art installation that includes the paintings, additional objects and effects, and a sound composition by Nashville-based guitarist and composer John Danley: Another evolution.
Listed in order of appearance:
Lori Anne Parker-Danley. Oscar's Nightmare(The Garden of Evolution #4), 2011. Oil, graphite, leaves, shedded snakeskins, and human hair on canvas, 30 x 40 in.
Lori Anne Parker-Danley. Rite of Spring (The Garden of Evolution #3), 2011. Oil, graphite, branches, various foliage, and cicada exoskeletons on canvas, 40 x 30 in.
Lori Anne Parker-Danley. Exuberant Bodies (The Garden of Evolution #6), 2011. Oil and graphite on canvas, 36 x 24 in.
Lori Anne Parker-Danley. Eerie Frondescence(The Garden of Evolution #9), 2011. Oil, graphite, charcoal, sculpted paper, cat fur, twigs, and plants on canvas, 24 x 30 in.
Lori Anne Parker-Danley. Eerie Frondescence (The Garden of Evolution #9), 2011. Oil, graphite, and charcoal on canvas, 36 x 24 in.
Andy sees what many of us don't see when looking at everyday objects! Where most see an old piano, Andy imagines the hours of dedicated study, spent creative energy and all the sing-a-longs! In an old typewriter he can picture the fingers typing the keys writing countless letters; people with a myriad of feelings from brokenhearted or overworked to those just excited to share some great news. He also knows something with character when he sees it. That's the first step, then Andy really works his magic! When he takes a picture of something the character of that object sits center stage. It's the star and we all can see for ourselves just how worthy it is. Andy's work has a life of its own and his pictures sit on the wall like ghosts from another time and another place sort of watching over things. His work ranges from photograph to mixed media and people all over middle Tennessee and beyond are knocking on Andy's door to get his work. Some are evening asking for Andy to use his skills to bring out the spirit of their own prized possessions, instruments and such. Andy is truly an artist on the rise and I know Nashville is only just getting to know the talent of this local artist! I had the pleasure to sit down with Andy recently and you can check out the video below. Enjoy!
Artist Statement
I was born into a family rooted deep in traditional values and heritage, who encouraged me at an early age to follow my dreams. I realized that I was happiest when I was creating something and this creative drive has continued throughout my life as I explored different mediums of oil, glass, and eventually film.
Raised along the coastal plains of the Deep South, I eventually settled in Nashville, TN. Over the past ten years, I have experimented with a variety of photographic styles, including traditional landscapes, soft impressionistic images, and abstracts.
My fine art photographs explore movement and merging layers to produce soft impressionistic images. The traditional landscapes offer visual depth through high contrast. And my abstracts focus on the tonal qualities of light on curved forms and intersecting planes.
More recently, I have begun to experiment with photographic transfers to wood panels in order to gain increased texture and substance in my art. My current works draw on the heritage that was instilled in me, and focuses on the culture that reminds me of my roots. This subject matter works perfectly with the transfer techniques, resulting in distressed images with creased lines that are reminiscent of a favorite photograph folded and kept close in a pocket.
Gallery Representation
Art and Invention Gallery, Nashville TN, September 2010-Present
Solo Exhibitions
Hillsboro Village Art Walk, Rodney Mitchell Salon, January 2011
Rumba, Nashville TN, Feb-March 2011
The Village Chapel, Solo Exhibition, Nashville TN, March-April, 2011
Hillsboro Village Art Walk, Rodney Mitchell Salon, May 2011
Jackson’s Bistro, Nashville TN, June-July 2011
Blackstone Restaurant and Brewery, Nashville TN, July 2011-present
Selected Group Exhibitions
The Village Chapel Group Show, Nashville TN, May-June 2010
Art Flood, Nashville TN, May 2010
Tomato Art Festival, Nashville TN, August 2010
Fight Back Move Forward, Billups Art Gallery, October 2010
The Village Chapel Group show, Nashville TN, July-August 2011
Tomato Art Festival, Nashville TN, August 2011
*Honorable Mention
Welcome to 1979, Nashville TN, November 2011-Present
Donated Work
Art Flood, Nashville TN, May 2010
Fight Back Move Forward, Billups Art Gallery, October 2010
The REIN Event, Nashville TN, November 2010
Overbrook School Fundraiser, Loveless Café, April 2011
This month we sat down with Nashville recording artist and songwriter Bryan Edwards to discuss his song "If She Could See Me Now", his new album "Nothing Left To Burn" and the fact his future is looking brighter than ever!
It's been a great year for Bryan. His song "If She Could See Me Now" was cut by Country superstar Jason Aldean on Jason's latest double platinum record "My Kinda Party". The song was written by Bryan along with Bill Luther and Justin Weaver back in 2007. Like many songs in this town it spent some time being pitched and performed looking for that one break. When Justin Weaver was able to play the song for Jason Aldean while he was with Jason on tour, the break arrived. Jason heard it, Jason loved it and now YOU can buy it!
It's a great song about regret and reformation with a melody made for the radio. The lyrics are clear and concise with an opening line which paints the perfect picture to open the song. Below are the lyrics:
If She Could See Me Now
(Bill Luther, Justin Weaver, Bryan Edwards)
Wasn't a stone I wouldn't throw
When I wrecked it
My foolish words so cruel and cold, were disconnected
Tell me why when she cried all I did was close my eyes
If she could see me now
If she could see me breaking down
Maybe she'd turn around
If she could see me now
Now the sunshine feels like rain trying to drown me
and the world feels out of place all around me
So I wait and I pray, I'll run into her someday
If she could see me now
If she could see me breaking down
Maybe she'd turn around
If she could see me now
So many things I want to tell her show her
Just how bad I need her, miss her, lover
If she could see me now
If she could see me breaking down
Maybe she'd turn around
If she could see me now
If she could see me breaking down
Maybe she'd turn around
If she could see me now
***End of lyrics***
Like many of the songs that Bryan has written over the years it deals with people, love, life and what happens when they collide. From the fireworks to the embers Bryan has a talent for crafting songs that touch on the feelings in between. Check out part 1 of my interview with Bryan where we focus on what it was like to write the song and all that has changed since it was cut by Jason Aldean.
All About the Song "If She Could See Me Now"
Part 1
Part 2 of our interview focuses on Bryan's new record. His first full length studio album is titled "Nothing Left to Burn" produced by the very talented Mark Lonsway and Bryan as well. This debut set is a bold statement from a talented artist. Bryan proves he's not afraid to take chances and speak to the heart of an issue even if takes us into the shadows.
For a record burning with desire and tragedy, the match is lit with the opening track "Bridges & Fires". Immediately you can tell these aren't songs about easy love. They're about all the passion, conflict and fireworks that follow when two people collide. The second track "Still", will keep playing in your head as it reminds us that with heartache comes revelation and that any regrets should always move us to forgiveness. Songs like "Broken" and "Leaving Easy" survey the battle field of a failed relationship while Track 5 "Ain't Nobody" provides an eye in the storm. That comes in the form of a sweet little love song that almost feels like a look back to the beginning of love when forever seems certain and that innocent hope still was at the helm. "Only Lonely" brings you back to reality with an infectious groove and solid melodic hook. The last Bryan Edwards original on the record is "You Win the War" which plays like a musical tap out. The battles are over, the casualties assessed and the white flags are raised. Bryan closes the album with the Chris Isaaks classic "Wicked Game". It serves as a perfect summation of the struggle and almost leaves you with the feeling that Bryan is about to start the whole process over again with someone new. Overall it is the best "concept album" that isn't a concept album I've ever heard from one of Nashville's brightest up and coming artists. This is an album that won't disappoint! Make sure you get your copy!
Overall it was great to sit down with Bryan and talk about his recent success and we look forward to touching base with him in the future as he continues to make progress in Music City and beyond. We wish Bryan the best of luck and we hope you have enjoyed the interviews and getting to know him a little more. We'll see you next month!
Nashville Art Makers presents
Talking About the Song: "San Diego Sally"
Here in Nashville they say it's all about the song! Well with that in mind this month were going to explore that a little, get to know one song in particular and the artist who brought it to life. Recently we sat down with Adam Burrows to discuss his song San Diego Sally of his new album Tall Tales. It is a simple tale about a brother who misses his sister and Adam weaves this story with elegance and grace. When you read the lyrics you can just picture these two, when you hear Adam sing the song, well you can feel them too. Adam and I talked a little about this song and more.
SAN DIEGO SALLY - lyrics
SAN DIEGO SALLY COME EAST YOU'RE OVERDUE A FRESH BREATH OF APPALACHIAN AIR
I'VE BEEN WORKING OVERTIME AND MISSING MY BIG SISTER COLOR FADED AFTER YOU LEFT HERE
REMEMBER JUMPING OFF THE ROCKS AT SUTTON DAM WATCHING THE WATER WASH AWAY OUR WOES
FLOATING ON AN INNER TUBE AND LISTENING TO THE BLUEGRASS STATION ON THE RADIO
PEOPLE ASK ABOUT YOU IN THE SUPER MARKET CHECKOUT LINE
I TELL 'EM YOU'LL BE COMING 'ROUND THE MOUNTAIN THROUGH THE VALLEY
ANY DAY AND I'LL BE WAITING FOR YOU
SAN DIEGO SALLY
SAN DIEGO SALLY THEY SAY THAT CALIFORNIA CAN CHANGE A PERSON THROUGH AND THROUGH
I DON'T FOLLOW THE NEWS BUT I SUSPECT THAT CALIFORNIA MIGHT BE CHANGING ON ACCOUNT OF YOU
WE ALWAYS KNEW YOU'D GROW UP AND GO AWAY YOU WERE TOO RESTLESS FOR THIS SLEEPY TOWN
NO MATTER HOW FAR UP THE LADDER YOU CLIMB REMEMBER WE'LL ALWAYS BE HERE WHEN YOU COME BACK DOWN
PEOPLE ASK ABOUT YOU IN THE SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE CHOIR
I TELL 'EM YOU'LL BE COMING 'ROUND THE MOUNTAIN THROUGH THE VALLEY
WHEN YA COMING WE'RE ALL WAITING FOR YOU
SAN DIEGO SALLY
ALL THESE COMPANY HOUSES THEY STILL LOOK THE SAME
HARD LUCK PEOPLE WITH BLACK DUST SMILES
I'VE BEEN DIGGING COAL AND MISSING YOU LIKE CRAZY
SALLY COME BACK EAST FOR JUST A LITTLE WHILE
SAN DIEGO SALLY BRING A SOUVENIR MAYBE SOME SEA SHELLS OR A PADRES SHIRT
WE'LL HAVE CORN BREAD AND TOMATOES AND WE'LL STAY UP LATE TELLING STORIES AND LAUGHING 'TIL IT HURTS
Check out the interview and I hope you enjoy!!
A Live performance of San Diego Sally by Adam Burrows
Artist's have always throughout time taken pieces of the past and married it with the present. Why not? Those days are as much ours as the ones we live in now. In reality without it there is no today and it's vital for us to observe and learn from those who gone before us. At least logic would suggest! We also as artists are called to show the world new ways of looking at itself. One way of doing that is through irony and humor. Nashville artist and sculptor John Donovan does just that.
Originally form Florida and the Gulf Coast, John brings that quintessential touch of subtle humor that region is known for to his work as he highlights some of the fascinating dichotomies that exist in our "post modern" world. His work is a union of history and fantasy, past cultures and modern cartoons. His craftsmanship is superb and his vision is focused and clear. He's also a family man and a really great guy! What else could you want or expect from a Nashville artist! I sat down with John recently and had a wonderful conversation. Here is the video, enjoy!!
John Donovan Interview
John Donovan Artist Statement:
My current body of work recasts Pre-Columbian clay warrior figures, Japanese Haniwa horses, colossal Olmec heads and primitive weapons and armor as reflections upon contemporary concerns. The human propensity toward violence and war serves as a starting point for this work, as does the role of art to provide a cultural record and invite community members to engage in self-reflection. These pieces appear light-hearted and reminiscent of dolls, toys, cartoon icons or action figures. A narrative thread can be drawn through this work, casting individual pieces as somewhat playful interpretations of warriors, heroes, deities or rivals. This work is ultimately to enjoy, and hopefully to instigate a dialog with the viewer.
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