Heather Hershow - From Los Angeles to Nashville

-Heather Hershow-

From Los Angeles to Nashville. Heather Hershow is a multi-talented UC Irvine graduate who has an extensive background in musical theatre along with pop. Heathers resume is impressive to say the least. Not only has she released her album Her Show. Heather has written with the NY-based company Songs of Love and also done some voiceover work for a publishing company here in Nashville. Most recently, Heather can be heard reading Richard A. Knaak's "Legends of the Dragonrealm: The Turning War" on Audible.

Heather Hershow’s debut album Her Show, released in 2016, can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon Music.

The album contains five tracks, Heather had a hand in writing all five. Each song highlights Heather’s magnificent voice range and writing skills.

• “Smile When We Say Goodbye” [Linked to Video]
• “Dance Another” [Linked to Video]
• “Tool Shed” [Linked to Video]
• “Playing With Fire” [Linked to Video]
• “Never Drinking Whiskey Again” [Linked to Video]

Debut albums are like an author’s first book release, they are special so I ask Heather to tell me about the album. She summed it up perfectly.

“Her Show is my debut EP! It was recorded both in L.A. and Nashville and was a passion project of about 2 years.”

I ask Heather who some of her Musical influences were.

“I'm a huge fan of Gavin DeGraw. His soulful pop and piano melodies are what got me started. I would write lyrics, sit at the piano, and move my hands across the keys to try and come up with something in a similar style. I was also heavily influenced by some of the newer country artists of the last few years in my own writing (Hunter Hayes, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum), and was in love with how classic country had such a way with storytelling. I like to think I blend these styles with my musical theater background as well. It's all about the story.”

Heather currently has no music gigs booked at this time. Her recent shows included the Bedford County Fair, in Tennessee, Belcourt Taps – Song Writer Sunday and the Koffee & K9 Paw-looza to name a few. No need to fret because she is not touring, you still have a chance to see her perform. Keep reading to find out where and when

Flash back to the lead in of this story. “Heather Hershow is multi-talented UC Irvine graduate who has an extensive background in musical theatre…”

She informed me in our email conversation that she is currently pursuing theatrical productions at the moment, but will be getting back into the studio soon to record a more acoustic, singer-songwriter album. Her Facebook post of 8-27-17 informed her fans of her next move also.

“Hey everyone! I know things have been a bit quiet as we've been working on other projects! Stay tuned! New music coming soon :) Until then...I'll be in a production of "Mamma Mia" at Chaffin's Barn in Nashville from September 7th through October 21st!” [Source Heather Hershow Facebook Page]

Her theatrical credits in Nashville include: "Heathers: The Musical" (Street Theatre Company) and "Legally Blonde: The Musical" (Pull-Tight Players). Heather now can add

Heather loves to connect with her fans. She even states the following on her website.

“For further inquiries or if you'd just like to say hello, please feel free to reach out through:

heatherhershowmusic@gmail.com.” [Source Heather Hershow Website]

Below are more links so you can keep up with Heather on the many different Social Media sites.

Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

SoundCloud

YouTube

I’m a rough and tough cowboy type individual, very little if anything gets to me. But Heathers answer to my next question brought a lump to my thought. I asked Heather when she first realized she wanted to become a performer.

“I started doing musical theater when I was six years old through a youth program back home in Los Angeles. I don't think I knew I wanted to pursue it as a career until I was getting ready for college. When I was 17, I did a musical with my high school during a tumultuous personal time (my mother was going through breast cancer). She came to see the show and I saw the joy it brought to her. I wanted to keep that going for as long as possible - I wanted to spread that feeling to whoever was searching for it.”

She also added that her home at the moment is in Nashville, and she plans to stay for a good while. However she does travel to Los Angeles whenever possible, as her family and being close to them is incredibly important to her. However, Heather felt led to Nashville and plans to see this incredible journey through.

Heather told me about her dog back in Los Angeles. This what she had to say about her four legged friend.

“I have a rescue named Stella back in L.A. who is absolutely spoiled by my parents! I rescued her in Las Vegas on a whim in 2010 and she's been the best addition to the family we could have ever hoped for. (Proving that not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...) As much as I wanted to bring her with me, I know she's better off home for a while. I do get to visit often :)”

Since Heather is from the West Coast I asked what are some of her favorite things to do in Nashville. Where does she like to dine along with her favorite food and drink?

“Oh gosh...Nashville has such amazing food. I often found myself at The Listening Room when I first got here (though they have since moved). It's a great place to just sit and listen to artists pour out their hearts. Incredibly inspiring. Fido in Hillsboro might be my favorite place for dinner - their chicken and sweet potato hash is absolutely delicious. Drink? Patterson House - hands down. A bartender made me a buttered rum old fashioned 2 years ago and I'm still thinking about it.”

For my last question, I was curious to know what some of Heather's hobbies are.

“I'm an avid reader. I love to dance, as well. I got hooked on Motown Mondays when I first moved here and when I'm not in rehearsals, I try to get over to East Nashville for some swing dancing when I can! I love making random commercials and videos for the car dealership I work at as well. It's what happens when they hire a Dramatic Arts major...”

[Bloggers note: Heathers mom, is a breast cancer survivor and flew in from Los Angeles over the weekend to watch her daughter perform in Mamma Mia. Way to go Heathers mom!]

Now that you know more about Heather Hershow head over and pick up your copy of Her Show and grab you some tickets for Mamma Mia at Chaffin's Barn. Heathers album Her Show can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon Music.

Written by: Joseph Clay

[Joseph Clay is a Georgia native who now resides in East Nashville, Tennessee with his family. After twenty plus years in the engineering field Joseph decided to hang up his hard hat and retire to focus on his true passion, writing.

Joseph is a full time author and consultant for ThunderHorse Publishing, and is currently working on his next novel. His latest release Witch’s Dilemma is on sale now in paperback and eBook format. For more information on Joseph and his books visit his Official Website.

As a blogger Joseph not only contributes to Live Laugh Love Nashville - Music Monday Feature and other blogs, he has two of his own. Joe Coming Unglued and Joseph Clay - Author the Official Blog.

You can connect with Joseph on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram. You can check out Joseph’s book trailer videos on his YouTube Channel.]

Ryan Thewes - Architect

-Ryan Thewes - Architect-  

Photo courtesy of Ryan Thewes

Do a google search on the percentage of people who have grown up and are working in the career they dreamed about as children. The average across several studies and surveys is a shocking eighteen percent.

Ryan Thewes is a member of that eighteen percent club. His unique and innovative designs have won multiple awards. He’s been interviewed for various media. His reputation for quality while maintaining an organic, authentic Modern design in every project has received recognition not only the U.S.  but Europe as well. Fortunately for us, he calls Middle Tennessee home. Ryan’s thumbprint can be seen all over Nashville.

He grew up in Southern Indiana with a pencil in his hand, clearly a gifted artist. Early on, he knew art would be his career. Adults encouraged him to be architect. Once he found the connection between drawing and architecture, it became his lifeblood. Ryan says he eats, sleeps, and breathes architecture. Having the opportunity to work with two architects that had worked with Frank Lloyd Wright helped to further develop and perfect the work he does today.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Thewes

How long does a typical design of a home or office building take?

That varies from project to project and client to client. There are some clients that fall in love with the design process and coming up with new solutions. I have a project now that we have been going back and forth for a few years perfecting. Those types of designs always yield the best results. On the flip side of that, there are designs where time is critical and solutions must happen in a matter of 3-4 weeks.

I was impressed you limit your clients so that you can personally work on each project. Do you have or keep a waiting list?

That is true, and yes, I do keep a waiting list. If someone hires me, they expect me to be the sole creator of anything that is produced. Having my name associated with the project, I wouldn’t want it any other way. It is that personal connection with each design that allows for unique and creative solutions for each site and client.

Have there been instances where a client wanted something traditional and your aesthetics have merged into a successful project?

I never want to push my aesthetics on anyone. Any house that I have designed for a client isn’t what I would have necessarily designed for myself and my family. My goal is to find the essence of what each client is attracted to and come up with a new and unique solution that embraces that. I want to produce a timeless design that is free of any classification. So to answer your question, if someone asked for a modern version of a classical home, I would sit down with them and figure out the reason why they are asking for that. What characteristics about the classical home do they like and what characteristics of the modern home do they like? My challenge then would be to come up with a design that combines those ideas into a new and unique form. If done correctly, any house designed today will still feel current and progressive 50 years from now.

If a potential client had an existing structure - say a barn or out-building - and he or she would like to convert into a modern home without losing the integrity of the original building. Is that a project you’d take on?

I always prefer new construction as it is easier to control the quality of the build. One area that I like to focus on is highly energy efficient building. That is much more difficult to do when retrofitting an existing structure.

However, I do take on many projects like that if they fit within my aesthetic. I have a few current projects that are remodels and additions, but they are very special situations.

From Southern Indiana to New Mexico, what drew you to Nashville?

We chose Nashville purely based on location and proximity to my family in Southern Indiana. I needed a larger city to do what I do, so that limited our choices. Specifically, when we moved here, there was almost no modern architecture to speak of. The stuff that was here was done so poorly that it actually scared people away from even considering modern. It was an untapped market where I felt like I could fill a niche.

Other than the office space in Dickson, have you been commissioned to take on other office spaces?

The majority of my projects are residential because clients are willing to take more design risks with their personal homes. I have been fortunate to work on a few commercial projects where clients have trusted my vision. In a space like Dickson, their trust has paid off tremendously. Everybody in town knows that building and their business has grown because of it. It is built-in advertising.

Let’s have some fun; What do you do in your spare time? Hobbies?

Not much spare time these days! Sports (tennis and golf) are what I love to do when given the opportunity. I have always had a love of live music so I attend a lot of concerts. And food – I love to go out to eat.

Favorite TV shows?

I find myself watching less and less TV all the time. These are a few shows that have survived the purge: Flipping Out, Always Sunny in Philadelphia, America’s Got Talent.

Dogs or cats?

Dogs – I am an animal lover but have always had a dog.

Dream vacation?

A local window company took me to Germany last year to visit their manufacturing plant and it was awesome. So my dream vacation right now is seeing more of Europe.

Favorite genre of music and do you listen to it while you work?

I work in silence…. Weird, I know.

But I absolutely love music.

My music tastes would probably be classified as Americana. A little country music (the good country music), alternative, rock, ‘80s, etc. I love creative music and that spans across many genres. Sturgill Simpson, Brent Cobb and Chris Stapleton have monopolized the CD player in my car now for a really long time. I annoy my family because I will put in a CD and listen to it on repeat for months – or until the next obsession comes along.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Thewes

One could binge-watch all the home improvement type shows and look at a few google images, and think there’s not much when it comes to home design. Through research of architecture and talking with Ryan, I’ve learned there is a creative element, a specific eye and talent to get the end-products we see around us today.

In 2016, Build Magazine awarded Ryan with Modern Design Firm of the Year – Southern USA & Best Tennessee Residential Project: Sharp Cabin. By looking at the cabin and reading the specifics on it, the awards are well deserved.

Visit Ryan’s website to view more stunning pictures of his exquisite work.

Follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google + and Houzz to chat, keep up-to-date on projects and much more. 

Written By Heather Clift:

[Heather Clift is an award-winning writer with a passion for all things Southern. Small town life, observational humor, and dark themes are her favorite subjects. Her short stories have been published in a variety of anthologies and magazines.  She became a contributor for Live, Laugh, Love Nashville specifically to connect with small business owners feeling privileged to showcase the heart, soul, and talent of those in and around the Nashville area. In her spare time, Heather enjoys binging on Netflix, making to-do lists, and grammatically correcting memes. For a peek of her fun side, you can find her on Instagram or Twitter, bragging on her kids, defending the Oxford comma, or posting signs with rogue apostrophes. She is currently working on her first novel.]

How to run a business as an introvert

How to run a business as an introvert

Today we have a guest blog by Clare Diston. Clare is a freelance editor and proofreader who loves working with independent authors. She works on fiction and non-fiction through her business, Human Voices Editorial Services.

I am an introvert, no question, and I also run my own business. Are those two things incompatible? Some people might think so, but the real answer is an emphatic NO.

There are lots of definitions of the term ‘introvert’: it can mean someone who is shy and quiet; someone who directs their attention and energy inwards; or someone who gets their energy from being alone. That last definition is my favourite—I used to be extremely shy, but now I like to think I’m OK at holding a conversation and making a good impression. The difference is that, after a social binge, I need to ‘recover’ by being by myself and doing my own thing. I like people, but I need my own company too.

In many ways, I’m more suited to the self-employed, work-alone lifestyle than I am to working in an office: I don’t really like small talk and I can’t sustain it all day, I HATE phone calls, and I feel unreasonably immense pressure when I have to make anyone else a cup of tea. But being an introvert is by no means a death knell for entrepreneurial flare, and it can even be a real advantage to starting a business and making it work.

So if you’re an introvert who wants to start a business, here are my 6 tips for making your introversion work for you!

1. Acknowledge your strengths

It’s easy to look at introverted characteristics in a negative light, but if you just reframe them you can see that they’re actually strengths. You’re not unsociable, you like your own company. You’re not quiet, you’re focused. You’re not a bad team player, you’re an excellent solo star. If you know you work best alone and you come across better in writing than face to face, play to your strengths: start a business that you can do by yourself (might I recommend editing and proofreading?) and sell yourself in emails and written pitches.

2. Embrace email

Speaking of email—when you run your own business, you can more or less choose how you communicate with your contacts. I had a couple of temp jobs when I was a teenager which involved answering phones all day and it was HELL for introverted me. Now, in my business, I communicate almost exclusively over email or Skype messaging. None of my clients have my phone number. Of course, some phone calls are inevitable (and if a client wants one, do it), but it’s so pleasant to work without that constant dread of the phone ringing.

3. Allow yourself to recharge

If you do end up having to make a phone call or attend a face-to-face meeting, give yourself some time to recharge afterwards. For introverts, spending lots of time with people can be draining—especially in a more intense business situation—so it’s important to get your energy back by taking some alone time and rewarding yourself with something fun. You might dance around the living room, pelt out your favourite song at the top of your lungs, or treat yourself to your favourite snack. Plus, knowing you’ll get a reward for your efforts will make you more likely to do it again.

4. Push yourself

You might be tempted to think you can do it all yourself, but no entrepreneur is an island, and a huge part of running a successful business is making connections. That means you’re going to have to go to meetings and networking events, and you’re going to have to talk to people. Sounds scary? It is, so don’t give yourself the chance to chicken out. Book well in advance, spend money on tickets, and set yourself a target like talking to three people or giving away five business cards. Harness all that self-motivated energy to get you out of the door and you might even find you have fun!

5. Practice your elevator pitch

When you deliberately put yourself in situations where you will meet people, they’re going to want to know about you and your business, so have a brief ‘elevator pitch’ prepared. This is a short summary of who you are, what you do, why/when you started, and perhaps a funny or interesting one-sentence summary that will stick in your listeners’ minds (mine is: “Anything to do with words, I’m your girl!”). Crucially, you need to practice this, so when all eyes turn on you, you can take a deep breath and take comfort in the fact that you already know what to say.

6. Encourage other introverts

As an introvert, you’re best placed to recognised introversion in others, and to help them with it. If you’re at an event and you spot someone sitting alone at a table looking terrified, approach them—after all, you know exactly how they’re feeling! Similarly, if you notice a fellow introvert trying to say something and getting talked over by the more extroverted in the room, ask their opinion and encourage them to speak. By promoting solidarity between introverts and helping the ones who are just starting out, we all stand to benefit. Maybe one day you could even pass on your wisdom in a blog post about running a business as an introvert…

Written 2-22-2017 by Clare Diston for Human Voices titled How to Run a Business as an Introvert. Reposted with permission by Live Laugh Love Nashville – Wellness Wednesday Feature .

[The below website link will connect you with Clare Diston at Human Voices. Plus follow her on social media.]

Website

Twitter

Instagram

Adrien + Meredith

-Adrian + Meredith-

What do you get when you cross a punk rocker with someone who cut their teeth in the old-time music scene? The answer; Adrian + Meredith.

Adrian + Meredith’s sound and style is hard to categorize into one genre that will do them and their music justice. I think James Carlson described it best.

“Adrian + Meredith’s music is too folk-punk to be country, and too country to be folk-punk. So what do we call it? Alt-Americana perhaps. Whatever the case, these two artists have a great deal of talent, and a noticeably potent chemistry to match. Therefore, the genre into which their sound can possibly be inserted is secondary to the fact that they play good old rootsy music that has appeal to fans of a number of styles…” [Source: No Depression]

Adrian + Meredith’s album More Than a Little was released Nov 2016. The album contains elven tracks; ten which are original. “Take a Boat” - “Bank” – “Birthday Cakes” – “More Than a Little” - “Hero” - “Greasy Coat + Kitchen Girl” - “Fixer” - “Get What She Wants” - Country Tune” – “Southern Call” – “Old Midwestern Home”

Adrian + Meredith “More Than a Little”

More Than A Little, Adrian + Meredith’s debut record, finds the East Nashville-based duo putting its own spin on Americana music. Their sound is roughing up the genre's edges with the rule-breaking spirit of punk, the vintage twang of old-timey folk and the sneer of rock & roll. Adrian + Meredith’s music even has the frenetic bounce of early Swing and Jazz.

Just who are Adrian + Meredith? Well there are some common factors. Both are from the Detroit Michigan area. Both are now based in East Nashville, writing and recording their music as a husband and wife duo. That is where the similarities stop as there is a big contrast in their back grounds.

Adrian was raised on punk-rock in the DIY history of Washington DC, with a carnival barker's croon and an off-the-wall "claw-hammer banjo" approach to the acoustic guitar.

Meredith is a Michigan-music native who cut her teeth in the old-time music scene, where she played traditional fiddle and clogged.

Since then the pair has been swapping harmonies, trading solos, and acting as co-pilots throughout their debut album. They have been touring relentlessly here in the United States along with taking their music across the great pond to the United Kingdom since the release of More Than a Little.

"Adrian + Meredith’s music produces a rallying cry from two road warriors who, after more than a dozen combined years in the music business, are too smart to play by the industry's rules and too enthralled to turn their backs." [Source: A + M Website]

Want to see Adrian + Meredith in person and enjoy their music live, you want be sorry you did. Adrian + Meredith make it easy to keep up with where and when they will be performing. To find out if they are coming to a venue near you all you need to do is go to their website and click on the Tour tab in the menu. Below are some of her upcoming shows.

• Wednesday September 13, 2017– Nashville, Tennessee – Strings & Needles Showcase
• Thursday September 14, 2017 – Nashville, Tennessee – The Alternate Root AMA Day-Party
• Saturday September 16, 2017 – Nashville, Tennessee – Green Room Music Source AMA Day-Party
• Monday September 18, 2017 – Nashville, Tennessee – Madison Guild
• Friday October 6, 2017 – Maryville, Tennessee – Barleys Maryville
• Saturday October 7, 2017 – Knoxville, Tennessee – Boyd’s Jig & Reel
• Thursday October 12, 2017 – Appleton, Wisconsin – Gibson Music Hall

Check the website for more info on these shows along with more tour dates.

Adrian + Meredith’s website is well designed and is loaded with all the information one would need. There you will find their EPK and videos plus you can buy their album right from their site by clicking on the Merch tab in the menu. The Album More Than A Little is available in the following formats from their website

• MP3 - $7.00
• CD - $11.00
• 12” Vinyl - $20.00
• 7” Single 45 RPM “More Than a Little” -  $10.00

The music of Adrian + Meredith is also available on all the normal outlets, iTunes, Google Play and more.

Below are the links to connect you with Adrian + Meredith on the internet and social media sites.

Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

YouTube

Written by: Joseph Clay

[Joseph Clay is a Georgia native who now resides in East Nashville, Tennessee with his family. After twenty plus years in the engineering field Joseph decided to hang up his hard hat and retire to focus on his true passion, writing.

Joseph is a full time author and consultant for ThunderHorse Publishing, and is currently working on his next novel. His latest release Witch’s Dilemma is on sale now in paperback and eBook format. For more information on Joseph and his books visit his Official Website.

As a blogger Joseph not only contributes to Live Laugh Love Nashville - Music Monday Feature and other blogs, he has two of his own. Joe Coming Unglued and Joseph Clay - Author the Official Blog.

You can connect with Joseph on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram. You can check out Joseph’s book trailer videos on his YouTube Channel.]