Sunday, May 28, 2017

Escape Experience

Nashville

Do you love to solve puzzle? Work better on a tight deadline? How about creating your dream team where you are locked in a room and challenged to escape in sixty minutes or less?

Escape Experience Nashville is your ultimate destination, and was nominated for best Escape Game in the U.S. by "USA Today" in 2016. Spencer Rowland, one of the owners of Escape Experience, was nice enough to invite us over to the Nashville location, at 501 Union Street, try to escape. We didn't escape, we did however have a great time and will definitely be going back to try again! We were also able to briefly interview Spencer, here’s what he had to say:

What is the most popular experience chosen?

It's hard to pin point one experience that people like the most. People have always had a fascination with busting out of prison so a lot of people love C-Block for that reason along with the mug shots before hand. For those who love a challenge (and the Back to the Future series), The Inheritance is the favorite. And if you're into a more physical/intense experience, Vaccine is a must do.

Are there other experiences, maybe for the future? Chattanooga has The Bunker coming soon.

Absolutely, yes. Our Chattanooga location is finalizing The Bunker which we believe will be the most immersive and expansive escape room in the country. In Nashville, we have just started development on our fourth experience. We are not ready to release the theme or story line on it yet but if you're a fan of the movie Memento, get excited.

Has any one group escaped all three experiences?

Yes. The escape room industry has developed a hard core enthusiast community around it which has been fun to watch emerge. Within it, people band together to form teams where they go around the country/world to face off against escape rooms. We've had teams come through many times and do all three of our experiences back to back to back. Several have escaped all three. One of these teams currently has two of our existing records (C-Block and The Inheritance) and narrowly missed the record for Vaccine.

How do you come up with the ideas for new experiences?

A lot of our design is scratching our own itch. We start with what we would like to see ourselves in an escape room and build a story and narrative from there. Once we have a story line in place, we begin to build the environment in which it unfolds. Within that environment, we try to stuff as many puzzles, challenges and surprises as possible to make a truly memorable experience. We believe this design flow fosters the development of what is most important in an escape room - environmental authenticity and immersive story telling.

How long does it take to pull an experience together from start to finish?

Our design team is a stickler for detail so a lot of thought and effort is put into each experience. Typically, the complete development of an experience takes about three months. However, we're getting better at streamlining production which has allowed us to be more efficient. To counter that, we are always upping the complexity and technological innovation of each new experience which adds time to the development process.

What do you want people to know prior to starting an experience?

As little as possible. The surprises and spontaneity of our experiences is what make them such a blast. If you're new to escape rooms, be prepared to have your mind blown.

How long have you been located in Nashville?

My brother, cousin and I (owners) have lived most our lives in the Nashville area. We opened the doors to the Escape Experience - Nashville in February of 2016.

Whether you are looking for a venue for a team building event, an amazing activity for a birthday party, or just a challenging but unforgettable outing in Nashville, Escape Experience is prepared to meet all of your expectations.

Do you have what it takes? How well do you really work under pressure? You have only one hour. The countdown starts in 5…4…3….

Escape Experience Nashville is located at 501 Union Street. Reservations may be made online or calling (615) 891-7929.

Follow on Facebook, Twitter , and Instagram. Visit their website for photos, FAQs, and Experience descriptions.

Written by Heather Clift for Live Laugh Love Nashville

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Making Mental Health a Priority

When it comes to our wellness, it’s easy for us to focus on the apparent. You know? The things that are easily seen by the naked eye and require little in the way of investment to manage. We try to be careful of the things we eat and we make sure to get our bodies even just a little more active to maintain our physical wellness. We are socially encouraged to get regular physical check-ups and most schools require records of said exams and records of immunizations to further our education. We talk about washing hands to prevent communicable disease; we encourage rest when we catch the common cold. It almost seems we have concluded, as a society, that wellness isn’t just about treating major illness but preventing it, and addressing minor infections before they become big.

This awareness, however, stops a few paces short of being holistic because the same approach isn’t being used for mental wellness. We’re getting to a place of awareness in our society as it pertains to mental health, and that is a good thing! Unfortunately, we are still approaching it from the vantage point of mental illnesses rather than on a continuum of wellness. As it stands, many healthcare plans that cover regular physical examinations exclude counseling. At work, we can call in sick for fevers or vomiting, but if we aren’t having a healthy mind day, we are often reduced to feigning physical illness to be excused. The same schools that require batteries of physical exams and preventative shots for admission have students on roster that have never even had a psychological evaluation, let alone 30 minutes of counseling.

Let’s be very clear. Just like every human being hiccups, coughs, encounters bouts of the common cold, food poisoning and the like, EVERY SINGLE human being experiences mental un-wellness. Every single human being and subsequently our society would benefit greatly from a yearly mental wellness exam. How many people found, in a simple routine examination, the early stages of cancer and could tackle it head on because it was caught early? Would not the same happen with fatal mental illnesses if we caught the early stages in routine exams? What would it look like if we could rest through a heavy anxiety day in the same way we rest through a feverish one? What would it look like do things DAILY to maintain our mental wellness in the way we wash hands to maintain our physical wellness?

Our beings are whole entities. We are body and mind. We must tend to both our physical and mental selves to attain to our highest level of wellness. Sometimes that means looking past the readily apparent and taking time to sit with the tougher sides. At the end of it all, our lives depend on it. Let’s be well!

Written on 05/15/17 for Live Laugh Love Nashville's Wellness Wednesday Blog by Del-Amina

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Hailey Verhaalen

-Hailey Verhaalen-

Hailey Verhaalen is an authentic talent whose inner flame shines bright; a young woman with deep, family roots that keep her grounded, heart-driven and full of excitement for a promising, musical future. Along with being a gifted, natural singer, Hailey’s ability to weave her experiences into tightly crafted, catchy songs lifts her above the norm of today’s it-all-sounds-the-same country. [Source: haileyverhaalen.com]

Born and raised in Oregon City, Oregon, in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Hailey’s passion for music has driven her since she stepped in front of her first large audience at a third grade talent show. Since her early days, Hailey has opened for big time acts such as Love and Theft, James Otto, Craig Wayne Boyd, The Moonshine Bandits, and Sunny Ledfurd. She has performed at Oregon’s biggest festivals, rodeos and center court at the Moda Center. While in Nashville, Tennessee Hailey has taken center stage at The Bluebird Café, The Famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and many other well-known venues in Nashville. Today, one of Hailey’s favorite places to share her songs is in increasingly crowded local venues. Her growing legions of fans, thanks to a solid following on social media, gather and sing along to her original material.

Hailey’s debut EP Whiskey and Fire was released in 2014 and contains 4 songs. Hailey gave me a small tidbit of information on “My Family Name” the first track from the EP.

“We released a single on that EP called “My Family Name” which talks about how I was raised, what I believe in and where I came from. This song is typically my "intro" song at shows because it paints a picture of who I am and where I came from!”

“My Family Name”

“Whiskey and Fire”

“Should I Fall” [Linked to Official Video]

“You on My Mind

Her second EP titled Girls Night Out was released in 2016 and contains five songs which can be heard on her Website.

“Pretty Girl”

“Midnight Cigarette”

“Girls Night Out” [Linked to Official Video]

“The Answer”

“Broken Home”

The songs, “Pretty Girl,” and “Midnight Cigarette,” from Girls Night Out, showcases Hailey’s ability to weave her experiences into tightly crafted, catchy songs. These songs speak to the universal truths of life: love and heartbreak, friends and family, moments and memories, without relying on the usual clichés. The ability to create an authentic space within each song is what keeps her fans coming back to her live performances and downloading new singles as quickly as they come out.

Once you have listened to her incredible voice and lyrics you will want to buy her EPs. You can purchase/listen to all of Hailey Verhaalen’s released songs on all of the main music platforms. Live Laugh Love Nashville has provided a few of the links below to make easy.

Would you like a hard copy of Hailey Verhaalen music. She has you covered there also. You can buy all her EP’s and singles in CD format on her Website. She also carries other merchandise. The Girls Night Out T-shirt is great for a group of friends to wear out to the local Honky-Tonks.

At this time Hailey Verhaalen does not have any live dates scheduled for Nashville, but that can change any day. The tour dates on Hailey’s website are always up to date. She makes it a priority to add the show(s) the second she books a live performance.

She makes it easy to keep track of when and where she will be. All it takes is a simple visit to the website and click Tour Dates in the menu at the top. Below are her upcoming dates for her summer tour in Oregon.

Saturday July 22, 2017 – Oregon City, Oregon – First City Celebration w/Hailey Verhaalen
Friday July 28, 2017 – Center Point, Oregon – Country Crossing BiMart Music Festival w/Hailey Verhaalen
Friday August 4, 2017 - Oregon City, Oregon – OC Wild Hare
Friday August 11, 2017 – Molalla, Oregon – The Legends Bar and Grill
Saturday August 12, 2017 - Oregon City, Oregon – The Beaver Creek Saloon
Thursday August 17, 2017 – Canby, Oregon – Canby Wild Hare
Saturday August 19, 2017 - Oregon City, Oregon – Pioneer Pub

Below are all the links to connect you with Hailey Verhaalen on Social Media and more music links.

When she’s not playing music, you will find Hailey out in nature; hunting, riding quads or just kicking it with friends and family around a campfire. Hailey loves Sam’s Sports Grill in Old Hickory along with Ship Wreck Cove on Percy Priest Lake.

“Both have absolutely amazing food as well and a fun atmosphere. They're both right on the water, what more could you ask for on a sunny Nashville day!?”

I asked Hailey if there were any other places she likes to hang.

“Anywhere with some good ol' live music! It is amazing to watch others and start to sing along with songs from people you've seen play at different writers rounds and places!”

Hailey also loves to go and sit by Percy Priest with her guitar and write on nice days. She finds it very inspirational!

Hailey is a dog person. Back home in Oregon, two Pugs, a French Bulldog and her big St. Bernard, Bear! Hailey may be more of dog person but she loves cats also. Back in Oregon she has one cat. Here in Tennessee, her roommate has an adorable black cat named Baloo that Hailey loves to snuggle with. Hailey is planning on getting her own cat here in the next couple of months.

Written 5-13-2017 by Joseph Clay for Live Laugh Love Nashville - Music Monday Feature.

Joseph Clay’s Links

Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Alexander's Catering and Café 15

The first definition of cater is to provide food and drinks, typically in a social setting, in a professional manner. Take that one step further; to cater is to accommodate and satisfy one’s needs.

Alexander’s Catering in Nashville encompasses and exquisitely solidifies the definition of cater and will exceed your expectations regardless of your event. From a boxed meal for a working lunch to an elegant, plated affair, Alexander’s Catering specializes in accommodating a variety of tastes from around the globe. Gluten-free, vegan and other dietary requests are also available.

At the heart of this family-owned and operated dining experience are Stephanie [Kissleburg] and Alex [Griffin]. Meeting one another in the late ‘90s while working in a Nashville restaurant, this perfect pairing set the stage for their purchase of the company in 2004 after the birth of their son. The next course was, “to move into the Nashville City Center building in 2005 shortly after Metro moved to make improvements to the John Henry Hale housing area near Charlotte and 13th Ave. There is now a large community garden visible from the freeway where our kitchen once was,” Stephanie writes.

With over thirty years of culinary excellence, Alexander’s Catering services the Nashville/Davidson County area and other surrounding counties.

You can get a taste of Alexander’s daily. Quietly tucked away, but conveniently located on the 15^th floor of the Nashville City Center is Café 15.

When asked about this secret-but-not-really club-like hot spot, Stephanie’s passion glows. “It’s quite humble, but I'm really proud of the quality, price, and service we offer. We prep everything fresh each day, and I think we owe our twelve year success to that ethic.”

Get your day off to a start with something from the rotating breakfast menu of hot breakfast sandwiches. Maybe Waffle Wednesday or Big Breakfast Friday will hit the spot.

Need a mid-day pick me up? Drop into Café 15 for their hot lunch buffet, or a fresh salad and deli-style sandwich.

Café 15 is open Monday thru Friday from 7a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fun fact: Stephanie is half-Icelandic. Customers traveling to Iceland have had the opportunity to meet her family. (You can, too. Just ask her.)

***

Nothing brings people together like good food. Alexander’s Catering completes the experience.

Follow them on Facebook and Yelp and check out their Website to see the daily menu.

Written 5-12-17 by Heather Clift for Live Laugh Love Nashville - Small Business Saturday

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

5 Traits of Highly Attractive People

Have you ever witnessed a highly magnetic person? When they walk in the room all eyes are on them. They have the magical ability to lure you into their world. With ease, they can have anything and everything they want. No one dares to tell them no. Highly attractive people are in tune and aware of their superpowers and they are not afraid to own it! Blissfully, they maneuver throughout life with assurance that life will yield to their requests. Highly Attractive People dance with the storm and they sing with the wind, because they know that limits are merely illusions.

What are the top secrets of the HAPS (Highly Attractive People)? Read along and prepare for your life to be changed.

Trait 1: Highly Attractive People Are Victorious. They have a story and the story usually includes some trauma, heartbreak, and defeat. HAPS decided to get up and to fight for their divine place in this world. Through all of the pain they find themselves, which is where the hidden treasures reside. HAPS are fueled by their ability to survive no matter what the circumstance may be. Making the conscious choice to live fearlessly stimulates and motivates others to do the same.

Trait 2: Highly Attractive People Do Not Conform. HAPS are not amused by trends, statuses, labels, or rules and regulations. They march to the beat of their own drum. Confidence exudes from HAPS, because they have discovered their inner virtue. This makes them unshakable. HAPS love who they are. In fact, they feel good in the skin that they are in. Though they may have imperfections they realize that there is always room for growth. Evolution is not a foreign concept for HAPS. They yearn to be better and to develop.

Trait 3: Highly Attractive People Are Authentic. They do not care about what others think. They know that they are on a mission and that they do not have time to waste on creating personas, fairy tales, and illusions. Usually, highly attractive people are very aware of their purpose in life. They know that their transparency is contagious and inspirational. Take all of them or leave them alone. Highly attractive people will continue to be exactly who they are. Even if you do not approve you will feel their power.

Trait 4: Highly Attractive People Live From Their Hearts. They are highly sensitive and highly intuitive. HAPS love to love others, because they embrace the importance of unity. Though they are very self-assured they are also very humble. HAPS genuinely care about all people. They value human rights. Their decision to love themselves also embodies their decision to love others. Their huge hearts and willingness to be selfless is effective wherever they go. HAPS believe in the power of love.

Trait 5: Highly Attractive People Are Risk-Takers. They do the impossible and they surpass the expectations! HAPS could care less about the potential outcomes. When they feel that it is time to move they move. HAPS are creators, innovators, experimenters, and legends. They do what no one else dares to do. HAPS feel exhilaration when they are told that they cannot succeed. This is the driving force that pushes them to demolish all limitations. HAPS are not afraid. They are willing to step into the unknown even if the outcome is not what they hoped that it would be. They are always willing to learn. They get up dust off their feet and keep it moving!

Written by Jasmine Dominque 05/09/17 for Live Laugh Love Nashville's Wellness Wednesday

Jasmine Dominique is an Author, Blogger, and Holistic Health Practitioner

www.jasminedominique.com

Monday, May 8, 2017

Jes Justice

Jes Justice

Powerful, witty and sultry. Jes Justice is reinventing pop country with the grit of a seasoned road dog and the sparkle of a young star. [Source: JesJustice Website.]

[Writers Note: When searching for Jes’ music on the internet search for Jess Justice as well as Jes Justice as the new spelling of her first name has not made it to all music sites as of yet.]

BREAKING MUSIC NEWS: Jes Justice’s new single is now available.

“Judgement Day” is a song about Jes’ struggles with alcohol. “Judgment Day” will be on the EP The Realest which is scheduled to be released in August. The single Judgement Day is available wherever you download or stream music. Below are a few of the sites.

Spotify

iTunes

cdbaby

Jes Justice was born in Hollywood, Florida and raised in Western New York. She began writing music at the age of 14, citing the Temptations and Janis Joplin as childhood muses. At 18 Jes moved to New York City and began to perform in the bar and club scene at such historical venues as the Bitter End and Rockwood Music Hall. In 2009 Jess released her first album, Mirrors and has since been a featured and background vocalist touring with the Zak Smith Band while steadily playing as a solo act on the east coast. Below is what Jess has to say about herself.

“Jewel was the reason I started playing guitar and also learned to yodel,” Ani DiFranco inspired a lot of my early songwriting days. I also love Patty Griffin, Lori McKenna and Miranda Lambert and the Dixie Chicks for their down-to-earth writing style. I’m inspired by Eminem and Kanye West for their sometimes offensive, honest and funny lyrics… The older I got my music got a little more edgy and jaded. I also started writing funny songs and swearing a bit more. My vocal style matured from experience as well as singing in other styles with other bands.” [Source: JesJustice Website]

After 9 years on the New York circuit, the lifestyle began to take its toll. The songstress took a break from the nightlife to regain her sense of self and made the move to Boston. Following stints in New England, LA and Nashville, Jes returned to New York in 2015. Motivated to evolve, she began writing her new album The Realest.

On The Realest, the transition she had been yearning for, the sense of “It’s Time To,” ever searching for a sense of newness comes across. The power and dynamic of the new songs, with their straightforward lyrics and explosive melodies, inspire the listener to raise up with Jes and make moves. Jes Justice is ready to take on the world.

Here is how to find out where and when Jes Justice will be performing live. All it takes is a simple visit to her website and click on the Live tab. Below are her upcoming dates.

Sunday May, 14, 2017 – Austin, Texas - Dozen Street
Sunday June 11, 2017 – New York, New York – Rockwood Music Hall

Below are all the links to connect you with Jes Justice and her music.

Jes is the proud parent of a four legged fur baby named Winston. Winston has been with Jess since her days up north and made the move to Nashville with her. Jes reads and studies all she can about Astrology as she finds the subject fascinating. She also follows what is happening in the political arena and on occasions writes about it, in her own witty way, in a blog. Jes also blogs about various subjects including her own life and the struggles she faced.

[Writers Note: Jes Justice is a very intriguing singer/song writer with a story filled with turmoil, heartache, addiction, and revelation. As a writer I have learned what to leave out of an article, as the written words of the individual you are writing about is packed with so much emotion and truth that I can’t capture the feeling behind the words, as I haven’t been there. Jess has a blog on her website that covers what she has been through from what happened two days before her first albums Mirrors arrived at her house through why she changed her name and why she choose the one she did. To get an insight into this talented singer/song writer check out her blog.]

Written 5-7-2017 by Joseph Clay for Live Laugh Love Nashville - Music Monday Feature.

Saturday, May 6, 2017

Doghaus Productions - Sam Pita

There’s more than country music in Nashville. Just ask Sam Pita of Doghaus Productions. “There is an incredibly diverse scene full of rock n roll, singer-songwriters, electronic music, rap, soul, bluegrass, I mean, I've really heard it ALL,” she writes.

Doghaus Productions is a full-service music company located in East Nashville. Sam Pita, owner/engineer, made Nashville her permanent home after growing up in Boca Raton, Florida and attending college in Philadelphia. “I experienced all four seasons for the first time. I loved it. I feel like experiencing life in different parts of the country has shaped me for the better and is a big part of who I am. I know how to slow down and live in the moment.”

BREAKING NEWS:

Sam, and Doghaus productions has started a new series, "East Nashville Sessions", that will feature local artists playing in local or unusual places in the neighborhood. I want to be able to allow people to be able to discover new places and music this way. If any businesses want to participate as a location, feel free to reach out to her! The next video will come out next month, shot on the patio of Beast Pub.

Recently featured as Nashville's popular radio station Lightning 100's Local Artist of the Week, Diamond Carter is making waves. With his honest lyrics and raw voice, he can make you cry just by picking up a guitar. Here he is singing his song "Santa Cruz" in Sam's house in East Nashville (You can even hear his pup, Rita, cry for attention in the beginning of the video).

Diamond Carter is doing a "Live at 5" show tomorrow "Sunday" on Facebook live, via his Facebook page.

Why ‘Doghaus Productions?’

It took me a long time to think of a name for my company that I would actually like... I came up with Daughaus Productions because a lot of my most favorite, laid-back recording sessions have taken place in studios in people's sheds, garages, bedrooms, etc. I love that people can figure out how to create an authentic, awesome sound pretty much anywhere nowadays with the right equipment and brains behind it. My music production company is also sort of homegrown and spun out of the Nashville DIY scene, so I thought the idea of a ‘dog house’ kind of encompassed that idea... the idea that something built in your own backyard can be full of love, creativity, and passion.

Fan-girl moment

While I was a college student, I interned at Milkboy the Studio. It's a beautiful sounding studio that a lot of famous musicians have used. One time Patti LaBelle was recording vocals there. I got to meet her briefly and I definitely fan-girled (on the inside... I kept cool on the outside). She was just so sweet and kind and gracious. There were a few not-so-nice celebrities that I encountered... so I really appreciate when "big" stars like Patti are just normal, down-to-earth people.

Cue the goats

I play guitar. I dabble in piano and took some lessons here and there growing up, but I forgot most of it. I'd like to learn the violin but I hear you sound like dying mountain goats for a while until you get good. That's kinda terrifying. But you're supposed to do what terrifies you, right?

Sam beautifully describes recording music as painting, creating images with sound as the color. She became obsessed when she was younger, not expecting to make it a career until she was accepted into the prestigious Drexel University.

Since college through the inception of Doghaus Productions, Sam’s portfolio reads like a who’s- who in the music industry. She has lived, eaten, and breathed the music scene in two major cities and been introduced and worked alongside some of the top-players in the industry Her talent and professionalism shines; moreover, she is absolutely personable and wickedly funny.

Visit the website to catch a glimpse of Doghaus Productions at work as well as a list of services she and her team provide.

Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Written 5-6-17 by Heather Clift for Live Laugh Love Nashville - Small Business Saturday

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Waterlogged! Stay Hydrated Without Drinking Water

We’ve heard it all before: The human body is made up of blah blah blah percent water; H₂0 is so very important and we need 8-10 glasses per day to stay healthy and hydrated!

Anyone ever attempting this feat of strength knows how frustrating it can be to take in that amount of water. Add to the fact that many people don’t even like water; tally up the bathroom trips, the reminder alarms (oh yes, friends… there’s an app for that), and the 4-lb. weight of the vessel large enough to contain the amount of water needed for the day and it can start to feel like a second job just drinking enough water to reach the quota.

Well…

We have been hoodwinked! Bamboozled! Led astray!

While science maintains human need of water for hydration, the amount differs for everyone, varying according to age, sex, health status, body size, physical activity and more. Additionally, we get a nice portion of that water from the FOODS WE EAT! I’ve come to understand, through cursory research, the real purpose of drinking water as supplementary to the water we get from our food. Essentially, if you’re not getting enough hydration from the food you’re eating, your body will signal you to drink water via thirst. If you’re not thirsty, chances are, you already have enough water in your system. But for those that don’t, here are a few ways to stay hydrated that won’t have you running back and forth to the bathroom.

Fruits & Vegetables

This one should come as no surprise. There are quite a few fruits and veggies that are almost completely comprised of water. Upwards of 95% water is found in cucumbers, celery, iceberg lettuce, and watermelon and the benefits to eating fruits and vegetables instead of drinking insane amounts of water are the extra nutrients you get from them. The bonus of specific nutrients in some fruits and vegetables make it so consuming them offers more hydration than just a glass of water would.

Lean Meats

Yep! Meat contributes to your water intake. Leaner meats have a higher percentage of water. Do they taste as good as the full fat meats? Well… maybe not, but that’s nothing a little curry can’t fix.

Yogurt

Yogurt is 88% water and it contains electrolytes and potassium, vital nutrients for hydration.

Other Beverages

For those who do not like water, good news! Any beverage can satisfy your body’s need for hydration! So, drink what you like! Be aware, however, that many beverages are high in sugar and although you may be hydrating, you’re also adding way more sugar than is healthy to your diet. So be careful with that.

As the weather in Nashville starts to heat up, staying hydrated is becoming more important. How refreshing is it that you no longer have to lug around a gallon of water to keep your cool!?

Written 5-2-2017 by Del-Amina for Live Laugh Love Nashville - Wellness Wednesday Feature.

Monday, May 1, 2017

J. Marco

Debut Album Myth Available Everywhere Now

BREAKING NEWS

J. Marco is following up his debut album Myth will his second album Days of Surrender. The recording of Days of Surrender is scheduled to start in May, 2017 with a fall 2017 release date. You can preorder Days of Surrender on PledgeMusic. Live, Laugh, Love Nashville has an announcement from J. Marco regarding the new album and the recording process.

“Hey Everybody,

J. Marco here. I’m happy to announce that following the success of the first album, my second album “Days of Surrender” is officially being recorded in May with a Fall release date. The support that I’ve gotten from the first record is overwhelming, and I would not be able to do this without your support. I love these new songs, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

I’m here on PledgeMusic because I want to share the recording process with you, with exclusive videos, early song previews, exclusive merch, and everything else that happens between now and the album being finished!

In my store, you can preorder “Days Of Surrender,” along with exclusive merch not available anywhere else. You are as much a part of this as I am, so come inside and take this journey with me, as I record “Days Of Surrender.””

[Source: PledgeMusic]

Long before moving to Nashville and kicking off his songwriting career, J. Marco listened to records in his Massachusetts bedroom, moving between the fast-moving fuzz of punk-rock and the hard-hitting hooks of pop music. Years later, he combines both of those genres on Myth, his debut release as a solo artist.

Inspired by a range of influences — including the Strokes, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and many others, Myth finds J. Marco pulling triple-duty as singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist. He covers a good deal of ground along the way, from the synth-pop of the album's propulsive single, “The Void” [Linked to Video] to the anthemic rock & roll of “Long Way Down”, “Stranger in the Night” [Linked to Video] & “Castaway [Linked to Video].” Gluing the entire album together is an emphasis on guitar riffs and undeniable melodies, the same two ingredients that connected most of Marco's childhood influences. Below is what J. Marco had to say about his debut album Myth.

"I still listen to a lot of garage rock, but I've always loved a good pop hook," he says. "I wanted to bridge those two things. Myth has some fast tempos and fuzzy guitars, but it still has pop elements, too. I wanted it to be relatable." [Source: J. Marco Official Website.]

With Myth, J. Marco steps into his solo career with confidence, steering each song into a place where guitar fuzz, melodic hooks, and real life all crash together.

Here is how to find out where and when J. Marco will be performing live. All it takes is a simple visit to his website and click on the Tour tab.

[Writers Note: J. Marco was scheduled to perform an hour set at the Rock Out East Nashville festival. While this article was being written, J. Marco sent me an email stating that he had received an email informing him that the festival had been cancelled.]

Below are all the links to connect you with J. Marco and his music.

Written 4-30-2017 by Joseph Clay for Live Laugh Love Nashville - Music Monday Feature.