Music talk with superstar Shelly Fairchild

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter Shelly Fairchild.

We talk about how her career began, how leaving her label for another was the best thing for her career, how being true to yourself is the only way to be… and of course, Dolly Parton.

More on Shelly

Website: https://shellyfairchild.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/shellyfairchild

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shellyfairchild

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shellyfairchild

Shelly Fairchild Radio: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1E4y4rz1FlHY0B

Apple Music: https://t.co/xcXLf9bWbH

Amazon Music: https://t.co/KJvcqg6WCY

Shelly Fairchild isn’t new to the industry – but she’s far from old news.

A staple in the Nashville music community, Fairchild hit the scene to much acclaim with her Columbia Records debut album Ride. The project introduced the young artist’s soulful, gospel-tinged brand of alternative country and spawned a Top 40 hit with “You Don’t Lie Here Anymore.” She toured with some of the biggest names in the format, including Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw, and began to dig her roots in the industry. She again found success in her second release, Ruby’s Money, which came steeped in a thick groove with elements of funk – but it was Buffalo, her crowd-funded 2017 release, that marks a milestone in her life and career. 

“I’m sincerely grateful for both the good and bad things that have happened in my life. Everyone that I’ve met and worked with over the 20 years that I’ve lived in Nashville has made me who I am, and I will always carry that in my soul,” says Fairchild. 

The Jackson, Miss. native started the project in May 2014, launching a PledgeMusic campaign in the hopes that she would find support of her endeavor – and after reaching her goal in just two days, she realized she had. Fairchild’s 3rd full length studio record was fully funded and buoyed by the faith of her friends, family and fans.  

The next two years saw Fairchild working with some of her most inspirational industry co-writers. “House on Fire,” an aching ballad reflecting on the weight of one’s past, was the first song that she remembers finishing and feeling confident that it deserved a spot on her record. Co-written by Fairchild along with Lisa Carver and Travis Meadows, the track features subtle but classic country instrumentation and the soft harmonies of one of her favorite bands, the Fairground Saints. 

From there the singer/songwriter continued to pen songs that she felt carried an important message to either herself or the world around her.  Guided by Jeremy Lister and Carey Ott, Fairchild recorded eight of her co-written tracks for the record that would become known to her fans as ‘Buffalo‘.  Though she tackled some serious topics in her writing, Fairchild felt extremely uplifted by her own work and that of others. 

“I love singers and songwriters,” she smiles.  I love to have camaraderie and deep friendships with great singers and musicians. I feel like our community in Nashville is so rich and some of my favorite voices are my friends. I am so fortunate to have worked with so many great artists on Buffalo like Wendy Moten, Lucie Silvas, K.S. Rhoads, Fairground Saints, and of course Carey & Jeremy. My heart felt like it was going to explode by the end of the recording process.”

Not only does Buffalo emphasize its diversity by featuring guest vocalists, but it also highlights a wide array of musical styles and influences. 

“There are a lot of different elements to the music that I make,” says Fairchild. “How do you describe some of the best bands that you know? They ended up on pop radio or on country radio, but are they really that kind of act? I have so many influences and I love having them show up in my songs. It feels like that kind of music lasts longer, because it feels real.” 

As for the name of her last full length album to date, Fairchild says, “In many Native American cultures, the buffalo is a symbol of gratitude and abundance. I am from Choctaw ancestry and I completely connect with the idea that though buffalo carry a lot on their shoulders, their horns are always pointing up to the sky. There’s always this hope that the weight will be lifted.”

A longtime hidden gem in the trove of Nashville musicians, Fairchild continues to keep her head and her heart pointing up to the sky. Between singing background vocals for the likes of Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Martina McBride, Crystal Gayle (to name a few), appearing as a regular on The Grand Ole Opry, writing songs for film and television, touring across the country and continuously working on future projects, it is clear she is just getting started. 

“At times I’ve gotten down about my own path, but when I really take a good look at it – it’s not just full of detours and dead ends,” she said. “It’s a wide path, and it’s full of so many spontaneous and amazing things.”

A Chat with Amber of Key West Finest

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Co-Owner of Key West Finest, Amber DeBevec.

We talk about her business, how it got started, and how her company is here to help you plan your activities, answer all of your questions and even help you with local real estate.

More about Key West Finest

Planning a trip to Key West can be very overwhelming!

Luckily we are one of Key West’s BEST Concierge Services! We will listen to what you want and recommend the perfect thing for you!

Please let us book it for you as we do get a commission yet it doesn’t cost you a penny extra.Message us here with any questions, Thanks for following and feel free to share!Sunny regards,Amber, Key West! 

Website: https://keywestfinest.com

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

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

Going from NFL hopeful to Singer-Songwriter with Kyle Coulahan

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Singer-Songwriter Kyle Coulahan.

We talk about how he decided to leave the game of football as an NFL hopeful, to pursue his real dream as a Singer-Songwriter.

Kyle spoke about the mentor that helped get him on his way, in a way that you can tell he missed having him around. Our interview went a little short because Kyle didn’t want to miss his friend Arlis perform, which anchors home what a great man and friend he really is.

MORE ON KYLE

When he was young, Kyle Coulahan’s father introduced him to an old Alvarez guitar and he’s been hooked ever since. Growing up in Perdido Key, Florida, Kyle split his free time between playing football and practicing on the guitar.  During Kyle’s senior year of high school, he was offered a full scholarship to play football at Auburn University, and there he met producer Chip Moman (Waylon Jennings, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and many more). Chip recognized a talent in Kyle that he could see growth over the years, so he introduced  Kyle to Nashville where he would write, record and network with others within the music Industry. Shortly after graduation, Kyle decided to pack his bags and guitar and relocate to Nashville to chase his dreams of becoming a professional songwriter and performer. 

Kyle’s influences of music range from BB King, Vince Gill to Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney.  Kyle’s music is Country with a splash of whiskey and tequila.  Kyle has recently signed with given Music Publishing and produced an EP of his own songs called Pirates and Gypsies, and his new single called She Quit Me.

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kylecoulahan

Apple Music: https://www.apple.com/us/search/kyle-coulahan?src=globalnav

The Koffie House

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Maya and Vasil, the owners and operators of The Koffie House. We talk about how they got started, all their healthy options, their snazzy location, and of course, Vasil’s music.

More on The Koffie House

Website: https://koffiehouse.com

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

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

Address: 602 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040

The Koffie House was founded in 2020 by a family that shared the same dream , to practice healthy conscious alliance lifestyle with fresh organic foods, in one of the oldest historic brick buildings in Key West/Conch Republic built in 1892, 24.5551° N, 81.7800° W, presenting an eclectic space of brick & color magic together with a vegan/vegetarian friendly menu containing freshly baked goods, natural organic cold pressed juices, smoothie , tapas style organic eats, protein energy bars & natural (brain) supplements.

Join us to enjoy this work of love,  presented through art, music, aromas & crema!

Sea Key West Water Sports

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with owner and GM John Hadfield, of local water sports store, Sea Key West.

We talk about how he got started in the water sports business, how he navigated COVID, and how his business is thriving with the help of local support.

More on Sea Key West

Website: https://www.seakeywestlocal.com

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-0B8aqRZS8aBZUjHyVQGSQ

Located in Key West, Florida, Sea, Key West carries the best snorkel gear, sidewalk surfing boards (skateboards and longboards, plus parts and accessories), and SCUBA diving and watersports equipment in the Florida Keys.  As avid snorkelers and scuba divers, we only carry brands we would wear ourselves – so we can speak to each product based on personal experience.

The Florida Keys are the ideal location for any and all water activities and we’re incredibly fortunate to have the ability to snorkel at the 3rd largest living coral reef, dive the Vandenberg, spear fish during our annual Grouper season, and take advantage of the island life at all opportunities. We can’t wait to help you explore Key West underwater with the best quality merchandise available.

The Key West Concierge Girl & Podcast Host Kelly Hopkins

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with concierge expert and podcast host, Kelly Hopkins.

We talk about her love for Key West, how she makes all of her clients dreams come true on their Key West vacation and her successful podcast, The Local Side of Key West.

More on Kelly Hopkins

Website: https://theconciergegirl.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_keys_930

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/113880157191502

I’m Kelly and I live in gorgeous Key West. I have lived up and down the east coast and finally settled down here in paradise about 5 years ago. My husband and I have had a very adventurous life so Key West seemed like the right spot to call home. Its full of quirky people, great restaurants, amazing happy hours and of course, the amazing turquoise water.

We lived in Maryland most of our lives. I loved living there so much! I not only had a full time job but I bartended on the side for 10 years. That bartending job changed my life. I loved mingling with everyone and learning about so many different people. I really loved that part of it. I ended up doing the bar’s website content and handling all of their social media. (Back in those days we only had Myspace.)  From websites and social media I ended up planning social events and eventually opening up my own event planning business. That was the best thing I have ever done. I cant even call it a “job”, It was just love!

I love helping people make their dreams come true.  I love the entire process from the first meeting to the end of the event where the client is sitting back, talking to friends and just enjoying their event. Seeing you happy is my goal.

After we moved from Maryland and down the coast I still wanted to do event planning but we moved a LOT so it was just too hard.

Then we settled down in the Keys and I knew I had to get started again. I felt it in my entire soul that THIS was the time.

We started in Marathon and moved down the island chain and when we  hit Key West I knew this was it! Key West has a lot going on at all times. A lot of moving parts to say the least. When visitors come they usually do not know where to start so they head to Duval street, eat, drink and shop and then they feel comfortable and stay there all week. That is totally fine, especially if it is your first time here BUT there is soooo much more to Key West. 

That last statement right there made me start a podcast (which is linked in this site) The Local Side of Key West is all about how to do the island like a local. The things you would not think to do on vacation.

So that all being said, that is what has led me to be a personal concierge. I want to help vacationers enjoy Key West without all of the work. I enjoy coordinating,  planning and helping people any way that I possibly can. The look on your face when you had the best vacation ever is my end goal!

Enjoy life, I’ll take care of the rest!

An Interview with singer Jared Watson of the Dirty Heads

In this exclusive interview, Mark Baratto sits down with Rapper and Singer of the Dirty Heads, Jared Watson (aka Dirty J).

This interview happened 30 minutes before the band went on stage for the beginning of their national tour, down here at the Key West Amphitheater.

It may have been short, but for those fans out there, we touched on the bands origin story and their beginnings.

It may have been short, but for those fans out there, we touched on the bands origin story and their beginnings.

This episode is brought to you by the Backyards of Key West Gallery

Looking for local Key West art?  We’ve got you covered!  

More on the Dirty Heads

Following in the footsteps of their California brothers Sublime, Huntington Beach’s Dirty Heads mix hip-hop, reggae, and rock along with that laid-back South Cali attitude. The group formed in 2003 when punk rocker Dustin Bushnell (aka Duddy B) asked his friend, rapper Jared Watson (aka Dirty J), to collaborate on a project that would focus on positive vibes and infectious grooves. Watson added singing to his vocal skills, and with percussionist Jon Olazabal, an acoustic trio version of Dirty Heads began playing shows and building an audience. 

They soon hooked up with producer Rob Cavallo and headed into the studio to record their debut album for Warner Bros., but differences with the label had them looking for other opportunities. Still, the band was able to retain most of its work, including sessions with drummer Josh Freese, along with the late-Beatles collaborator Billy Preston in one of the keyboardist’s last recordings. The finished album, Any Port in a Storm, would arrive in 2008, with a deluxe edition following in 2010. The deluxe version featured the track “Lay Me Down” with special guest Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome. The song would top Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart just before the summer of 2010. 

They followed up two years later with Cabin by the Sea and later recorded an acoustic version of the title track. This, in turn, led to an entire acoustic album in 2013 called Home: Phantoms of Summer. Dirty Heads’ next album, Sound of Change, would prove to be a breakthrough for the now-veteran band, debuting at number eight on the Billboard Top 200 while topping the Independent and Alternative Albums charts upon its May 2014 release. 

Building on their renewed success, Dirty Heads enlisted a bevy of industry hitmakers to work on their self-titled 2016 follow-up, which — thanks to its mainstream appeal — again charted high on the Billboard Top 200. The following year saw the band drop its sixth studio album, Swim Team, featuring the singles “Vacation” and “Staloney.” Also included on the album was the track “So Glad You Made It,” featuring 311’s Nick Hexum. The single “Listen to Me” arrived in early 2019 and was later included on Dirty Heads’ Dave Cobb-produced seventh album Super Moon. ~ David Jeffries, Rovi

Website: https://www.dirtyheads.com

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dirtyheads

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DirtyHeads

Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/artist/6GkJh85o22LfD2vgL9DP6f?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open

Apple iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/dirty-heads/id287941061

Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/preview/As2zqtl4npvdfmp3q2a7pwkyh3a?u=0#

An exclusive sit down with famed songwriters Craig Wiseman & Lee Thomas Miller

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with two of the most well-known songwriters in Nashville; Craig Wisman and Lee Thomas Miller.

If you are an aspiring songwriter or musician, this episode is filled with so much wisdom, that it’s a can’t miss.

We discuss their writing process and how they pump out over 100 songs per year… year after year.

Between them, they have 33 # 1 songs, winning a number of industry awards, and have written songs for some of country music’s top artists like Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Brian Kelley, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Terri Clark, Jamey Johnson, Chris Stapleton… the list goes on and on!

Be on the listen for a little jam session by Craig Wiseman on the guitar after the closing music… ENJOY!

Reach out to Craig here:

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

Big Loud Publishing

Website: http://bigloudpublishing.com

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigloud

Reach out to Lee here: 

Website: http://www.leethomasmiller.com

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

More on Craig Wiseman

Craig Wiseman is one of country music’s most renowned, talented and distinguished writers. From his early days of writing and drumming in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to being crowned Songwriter of the Century by ASCAP, he has indeed created for himself a monumental platform in the history of country music. As the writer of songs including Brooks and Dunn’s “Believe” to Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here”, Wiseman has amassed over 350 cuts, 125 singles, and 27 #1’s.

After moving to Nashville in 1985 to pursue a career in songwriting, he received his first chart success after having co-written “The Only One” from Roy Orbison’s album, Mystery Girl. In 1990, Wiseman signed his first publishing deal with Almo/Irving Music, and ten years later, he signed with BMG Music Publishing. In 2003, Wiseman opened his own publishing company, and within the first year of the independent company’s operation, Wiseman experienced the first single of the catalog; “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw not only peaked at the top of the charts for ten weeks, but it also was named NSAI Song of the Year, CMA Song of the Year, ACM Song of the Year and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song. In 2012, Wiseman co-founded Big Loud’s management division, the launchpad of Florida Georgia Line, followed by Big Loud Records in 2015.

Wiseman’s success has continued to escalate at exponential levels throughout the years. He was proclaimed ASCAP’s “Songwriter of the Year” in 2003, 2005, and 2007 in addition to being named “Writer of the Year” by NSAI and Music Row in 1997. In 2009, he received the impressive honor of NSAI’s “Songwriter of the Decade” and won the 2014 Heritage Award from ASCAP as the most performed country songwriter of the century. Following those years of success, hard work & accomplishments, Wiseman was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October of 2015. In 2017, Wiseman was honored with a CMA Triple Play Award for FGL’s “Anything Goes” & Blake Shelton’s “Gonna” & “Came Here To Forget.”

Although his accomplishments are nothing less than extraordinary, Wiseman’s talents and endeavors extend far beyond the field of songwriting. As a complement to Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying”, Wiseman co-wrote a book with the same title, which topped the New York Times Best Seller list in 2004. Additionally, he co-wrote the book A Baby Changes Everything in 2008, in conjunction with Faith Hill’s #1 single. The following year, Wiseman starred in a reality TV show, The Hitmen of Music Row, which aired on GAC.

For the past 15 years, Wiseman has hosted The Stars of Second Harvest Show at the Ryman, showing his philanthropic heart and giving all proceeds to the Second Harvest Food Bank Of Middle Tennessee. To date, this musical event has raised more than $1.5 million for the food bank.

Craig’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebigloud

Big Loud Publishing

Website: http://bigloudpublishing.com

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigloud

More on Lee Thomas Miller

FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE NASHVILLE SONGWRITER’S ASSOCIATION (NSAI)

3 Time Grammy Award Nominee:

2003 Grammy nomination: 

“The Impossible” (Joe Nichols) Country Song of the Year:

2009 Double Grammy nomination:

“You’re Gonna Miss This”(Trace Adkins)-  Country Song of the Year

“In Color” (Jamey Johnson)- Country Song of the Year

Music Row Magazine: Breakthrough Songwriter of the year 2003

Awarded one of NSAI’s  ‘Ten Songs I Wish I Had Written’ 2003: “The Impossible”

Awarded one of NSAI’s  ‘Ten Songs I Wish I Had Written’ 2008: “You’re Gonna Miss This”

Won Song of the Year at the 2008 NSAI awards for “You’re Gonna Miss This”

Nominated for Song of the Year at 2008 CMA awards for “You’re Gonna Miss This”

2009 Double ACM Nominee: “You’re Gonna Miss This” and “In Color” for Song of the Year.

Won Song of the Year at the 2009 ACM awards for “In Color”

Won Music Row Magazine’s 2009 Song of the Year  for  “In Color”

Awarded one of NSAI’s  ‘Ten Songs I Wish I Had Written’ 2009: “In Color”

Won Song of the Year at the 2009 CMA awards for “In Color”

Awarded BMI’s inaugural “Champion’s Award” 2015

Nominated for Song of the Year at the 2018 ACM awards for “Whiskey and You”

#1 Country Singles:

“The Impossible” (Joe Nichols)**
“I Just Wanna Be Mad” (Terri Clark)**
“The World” (Brad Paisley)**
“You’re Gonna Miss This” (Trace Adkins)*
“I’m Still A Guy” (Brad Paisley)
“Southern Girl” (Tim McGraw)
“Perfect Storm” (Brad Paisley)

(*received BMI Million Play Award)
(**received BMI 2 Million Play Award)
                               
Other top 10 singles:

“It Aint My Fault” (Brothers Osborne) #9
“Crushin’ It” (Brad Paisley) #7
“In Color”  (Jamey Johnson) #7
“Nothing To Die For” (Tim McGraw)  #5
“Jesus In Disguise” (Brandon Heath)  #8
“Just A Girl” (Brandon Heath) #8

Other top 20 singles:

“Something To Do With My Hands” (Thomas Rhett) #15
“Crying On A Suitcase” (Casey James) #14
“Leaving Eden” (Brandon Heath) #17

Cuts include:

Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Josh Turner, Brad Paisley, Joe Nichols, Terri Clark, John Michael Montgomery, Sammy Kershaw, Andy Griggs, Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence, Randy Travis, Rhett Akins, Blue County, Billy Currington, Craig Morgan, The Wreckers, Chris Young, Blackhawk, Mark Wills

Production credits include  Curb recording artist Steve Holy including the 2006 #1 single: “Brand New Girlfriend” and 2010 top 20 single “Love Don’t Run”

Website: http://www.leethomasmiller.com

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

Everything You Need To Know About The Key West Real Estate Market with Krystal Thomas

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Real Estate Broker Associate Krystal Thomas.

We talk about everything from the state of the market in Key West, home buying ranging from under $500K to $1.5M+, the different neighborhoods, rental prices, how to rent out your home, and codes to look out for.

If you are thinking about purchasing real estate in Key West, this is the episode for you!

More about Krystal Thomas

Key West and The Florida Keys are my passion. As an agent with Preferred Properties, I provide a wealth of local Key West knowledge, real estate and vacation rental market experience, and an unbeatable client experience. I decided to make Key West my home in 2006 and consider it a privilege to live and work where others vacation.

As an agent my focus is assisting you in the purchase of the best property for your investment needs, island home, or both!I have over 11 years of experience in Real Estate, including 6 years of Key West real estate and vacation rental market experience. As a graduate of Florida State University and former research manager for a commercial real estate research company, I promise to combine my education and work experience with my passion for Key West and will be an invaluable asset to you in the sale or purchase of your Key West home.

Krystal Thomas Real Estate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystalthomas.realtor

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

Email: [email protected]

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