Norwegian, singer, songwriter Marit Larsen has just released her latest EP, Joni Was Right II. This is a follow up EP from her independent release, Joni Was Right, which amassed over 1.6 million streams on Spotify. You may remember Larsen from the duo, M2M, whose debut single, “Don’t Say You Love Me” became a global hit.
Larsen was featured as “Songwriter of the Week” on American Songwriter and her album, When the Morning Comes, received rave reviews in Norway and earned her two nominations for the Norwegian Grammy, “Spellemansprisen,” in the categories Best Lyricist and Best Composer.
Joni was right II features five songs all produced and arranged by Larsen. The EP features the track, “Winter Never Lasts Forever.” “Winter Never Lasts Forever” was co-written by Joy Williams, formerly of The Civil Wars. The song features a powerful vocal performance by Larsen, with a soothing, melodic backing track. This perfectly embellishes the lyrical content of the song:
Set your little heart on fire / Go on / Step into the dark / You will never lose your way / No matter how far you stray
The rest of the tracks each tell their own story, with Larsen’s voice bringing them to life. Listening to the EP is a refreshing journey as Larsen proves to not only have strong vocals but a long lost sound of raw, talented vocals that aren’t drowned out by production. Joni Was Right II is filled with songs that tell stories in a way that will take listeners on a visual journey. We got to interview Larsen about her EP, check out the interview below!
Variety Beat: How would you describe the overall feeling of your new EP Joni Was Right II?
Marit Larsen: To me, this EP sounds like September. Bittersweet, longing, hopeful, sun drenched, dwelling, ever-changing September. My favorite. It is filled with little hints and nods to Joni Mitchell both lyrically and musically.
Variety Beat: Were there certain instances that happened that inspired some of the songs on Joni Was Right II
Larsen: Like every other song I’ve written, sparks stood out from the rest and slowly materialized into something more interesting. «Joni was right» is a lyric about childhood, about changing perspectives, excitement and eventually growing up. «Bluebelle mountain» is a metaphor about friendship and a tribute to my new favorite pastime.
Variety Beat: How did your co-write with Joy Williams come about and what was it like writing with her?
Larsen: We met through a mutual friend who is also a brilliant songwriter. The three of us collaborated beautifully; she has a unique presence and is a wandering poet.
Variety Beat: What’s the most important part about making music to you?
Larsen: I’m in love with the whole journey of it. Getting an idea, struggling to let it unfold, deciding when it’s complete, then arranging, imagining and producing it and leaving something in the world that would not have existed had it not been for that spark and moment in time. It’s definitely got a magical flair to it.
Variety Beat: What’s in store for you following the release of your EP?
Larsen: We’re wrapping up a tour in Norway, then I’m flying out to Brooklyn, NY to spend some time in my new home there. Meanwhile, I’ll keep spreading the word about ‘Joni was right’ online through my little indie label. This is such a wild year for us.
Variety Beat: What’s something you want fans to know about you?
Larsen: My home is where my music is, and even if I may not have been to your city for a while, I keep you in mind when I create new things and adore all the feedback I get on my socials. I’m so thankful for all the devoted ears and hearts out there.
Kayla Woodson is an up and coming singer/songwriter who released a self-titled EP earlier this year. Louisiana born, Woodson is no stranger to the music business. In 2004 she trained at Bocelli School of Music in Italy and represented USA in Romania later that year. Since then, she moved to Nashville and attended Belmont University. She wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on her self-titled EP.
Earlier this month we got to chat with Woodson about the path she took to Nashville and what’s next for her!
Variety Beat: What was it like traveling to Romania and representing USA at a young age? Did that experience help you later on in your career?
Kayla Woodson: Traveling to Romania was such a great experience, especially getting to experience it with my family! At that time, I knew it was important to be representing the USA, but I don’t really think it sank in a lot as a 10-year-old. It was awesome to get to meet so many people from all over the world and to have the experience of singing an original song on stage and then people reacting to it like they did. I also remember being so excited to have people do my hair and makeup and to have my own background dancers on stage while I was singing! I guess I did something right because I ended up placing 2nd in the world, which is an accomplishment that I’m very proud of.
I think that Romania did help me later in my career, because it showed me that music really is a universal language. You always hear that, but that experience really showed me how true it is. The love of music is one thing that can bring everyone across the world together, and I think that is very important. It was also eye opening for me at a young age to be on a huge stage in front of television cameras and having to talk with paparazzi and such! All and all, it was an awesome experience!
VB: You released a EP in April, can you tell us a little bit about that project and the inspiration behind the songs?
KW: Ahh yes!! I was really itching to get some music out there that I feel represents me as the artist I have become. I’m super excited about the EP being released for everyone to hear!
I started the planning process in September/October and by Thanksgiving we were in the studio recording. I wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on the EP, so it was an awesome feeling to know where they came from and how they ended up on the EP. I couldn’t be more proud! Each song was inspired by something I had experienced or seen or heard about that triggered something not only in me but also in my co-writers. It’s a great feeling when you start writing a song and that spark just hits everyone. These songs portray emotions that I feel like everyone has felt sometime in their life and can relate to, and I’m so proud to be able to share them!
VB: Who are some of your biggest influences and Inspirations?
KW: Oh man, I have quite a bit! Obviously, country powerhouses such as Martina McBride, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, and Miranda Lambert. One of my biggest inspirations is Dolly Parton because she is not only one of the best performers and singers, but she is also in my opinion one of the best songwriters out there.
On the other hand though, my dad also raised me on some 80’s rock like Guns N Roses, Journey, and so forth, so I grab some of my vibe from artists like that. Also, I’m originally from Waggaman, Louisiana (right outside of New Orleans) and being from there gives me some more R&B influences like Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. I’m thankful I grew up hearing and then singing all these different genres of music, because I think that mix of influences helps to set my music apart.
VB: You just released a music video for “Fan The Flame” what was shooting that like? Can you tell us more about the meaning behind the song?
KW: Shooting the video was such a fun process! I really wanted something visual with that song since we put it out as the debut single on the EP. Some friends helped me brainstorm ideas, I rented a camera, and we shot the video and edited it all ourselves. It was definitely a lot of work, but I think it turned out very well for doing it ourselves haha.
When I explain “Fan for the Flame” to people, I always tell them its about that sense of strength and independence that we all have. It’s basically claiming that you won’t tolerate being walked on and mistreated. I feel like the first line of the chorus explains the song perfectly when it says “Fool me once shame on me, next time I’ll be ready.” Basically saying if you wrong me once, don’t expect to get away with it again, because I’ll be ready and I’ll be stronger.
VB: 2016 has been a big year for you, you graduated from Belmont, Released your EP, played numerous places in Nashville including CMAfest. What’s next for you?
KW: Man, it has been a crazy year so far and it’s only August!! Right now I’m really working to just get this new music to new audiences. Country music fans are amazing, and it’s been super cool to see that there are people from all over the country (and even some overseas!) listening to the EP and supporting me. We’re also getting things ready to hopefully be playing more shows in different parts of the country soon, which is so exciting because performing my own music live on stage is really what I love to do most! Other than that, I’m just always working on new music, working to be a better songwriter and artist.
Her EP which is self titled is available at all major digital retailers and more information can be found at kaylawoodson.com Listen to her EP below!
Canadian Rock artist, Josh Taerk recently released a new music video, has been busy touring, is working on a new album and even has his own men’s accessories line! We had the opportunity to chat about what he’s been working on, what music means to him and some more fun questions like his spirit animal!
Taerk has that real 60s to 70s vibe to him and even had the chance to play with Max Weinberg, the drummer for Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. There’s a lot of up and coming musicians, but Rock artists hold a special place in the music community. A lot of the acts tend to stay around for centuries, touring in small venues that constantly sell out and put out dozens of albums over the course of their careers.
For Rock artists, it’s all about the music. It’s not about releasing a single and seeing if it climbs to #1 (although that is always a bonus). It’s about doing what you love, performing whenever and wherever you can. The fans are so supportive and that’s why there are artists like Bruce Springsteen, KISS, Strung Out and Mick Jagger who have stood the test of time. They are able to continuously perform and put out albums. They don’t make albums in order to beat records, they put out albums because they have something to say and want to share their talent and music with the world.
Check out our interview with Josh Taerk Below!
Variety Beat: What’s the concept behind the “Take A Chance With Me” Music Video?
Josh Taerk: The concept behind the “Take A Chance With Me” music video focuses on this guy, (played by my brother Ryan Taerk who I co-wrote the song with,) falling in love with this girl. It gets to the point where he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get her attention, even stand under her window screaming, “How about it? Take A Chance With Me!”
Variety Beat: Everyone becomes an artist for different reasons. Some fall in love with the storytelling, the music or just being able to perform in front of a crowd. What do you hope to accomplish with your music? Why do you want it to be heard? What’s the story you want to tell?
Taerk: For me, music is a way for people to open up lines of communication with each other. The songs that have always inspired me are all ones that I can relate to, if not directly, then through the feelings and emotions in the story.
Music has seen me through a lot of moments in life, good and bad; and writing music has given me the opportunity to start new conversations, open up new lines of communication about the things that I’m experiencing and feeling.
My goal when writing songs is to tell stories that people can take into their lives and apply to their own experiences. I want to show people they’re not alone, and that someone else has been where they are now.
Variety Beat: You are working on your next album. Can you tell us anything about it and the inspirations behind the collections of songs?
Taerk: I’m really excited about the new songs because every song I write has a piece of me and my life at the time in them. These new songs are about life on the road, and the relationships that pass through our lives. I love my writing process because, I never know how inspiration is going to show up or where it will take me when it comes, but all the songs I write are based off of experiences that I or the people very close to me have gone through.
Variety Beat: What inspired you to make mens accessories?
Taerk: It really came out of my love for men’s Jewelry. I love how bracelets, a couple of rings, a necklace; not only add to a guys over all style but also contribute to an outfit in a way that can completely change your look even if you’re wearing the same shirt and jeans. I started making men’s accessories because I had a very specific idea in mind for this necklace I was looking for, but couldn’t find it. So, I decided to make it myself. I loved being able to design and craft my own pieces. Since I made that first necklace, I’ve been making boot chains and bracelets for men and women; and I’ve even started experimenting with ring designs.
Variety Beat: Are they accessible to the public and do you have plans to sell them at shows?
Taerk: They are available! So far, I’ve been making custom pieces on a per-request basis, but I could definitely see myself selling the Josh Taerk Collection at shows. I’d love to develop this brand into a full-blown fashion line one day.
Check out some of Josh Taerk’s Men Accessories!
It looks like he will even have some accessories for the ladies as well!
Variety Beat: What are some other talents/passions/interests you have outside of music?
Taerk: Outside of music, I love to ski! I’ve been hitting the slopes since I was 2 years old, and try to get out to the mountains whenever I can. I’m also writing a novel, which has been a very cool and completely different experience from writing songs. There’s a lot more room in a novel to really dig into the characters, their feelings; who they are in and outside of the actual storyline. I’ve been having a lot of fun with that project.
Variety Beat: Who would you say has inspired you most to be who you are as a person? (family member or friend)
Taerk: My parents have been a huge influence on the way I live my life. From day 1, both of them have been very supportive of my dream, my dad has actually been there for almost all of my firsts as far as my career goes, and my mom is constantly watching via periscope or Facebook live, having my back and being one of my biggest cheerleaders. They taught me that a life lived with regrets isn’t lived at all; that when you have a passion for something you’ve got to follow your heart and be open to the journey that follows. Most importantly, the two of them have taught me the importance of defining yourself for yourself. They grew up and decided, on their own, the kind of parents, friends and people they were going to be; and they hold themselves accountable for the choices they made and continue to make. They live their lives with integrity, taught me a lot about honoring your core values, and, in doing so, the people around you. They taught me the value of being, above anything else, a good person.
Variety Beat: What would you say your spirit animal is and why?
Taerk: I would say that my spirit animal is the Raven. Birds in general have become a huge symbol in my life, but the Raven made it clear that it would be an important symbol in my life. I was in California last summer traveling from Tahoe to L.A, and every day on that trip birds would follow me overhead, and drop a feather or two in my path. One day, we were having lunch in Yosemite and a giant Raven landed about 2 feet from me, and just sat there, completely calm, looking at me. We must have sat that way the entire lunch which lasted about half an hour, and when I got up to leave so did the Raven but not without leaving me behind a feather from one of it’s wings.
I’ve looked it up and the Raven is a symbol of light, wisdom, love and communication. The Raven is said to prefer to solve conflict through rational conversation as opposed to aggressive force, longs for peace and harmony in the world around itself, and wants to open lines of communication, pass on stories, wisdom and information to others. I can definitely relate.
(Anyone else needing to see a Raven on his next album cover?)
Variety Beat: If you weren’t doing music, what would you see yourself doing?
Taerk: When I was 10 I thought I was going to be a teacher. I always liked the idea of passing on knowledge, helping other people discover things, expand their perceptions and in doing so find their passion in life. It’s one of the reasons I love music so much; I get to fulfill that need by writing and performing my songs.
Variety Beat: What’s the best part about making music?
Taerk: Inspiring other people to follow their dreams. The most fulfilling moment in my career so far was when a girl came up to me after a show I was playing in The UK. She started talking to me about how she loved one of my songs, “Start Again” and how inspiring it is. She then told me that she wanted to follow her dream and become a singer, but wasn’t sure she could. I told her that life is too short not to do what your passionate about, and to follow her dreams. Two years later I did another show in that same city. This time her sister comes up to me and we start talking. Eventually she mentions her sister and I ask how her sister is doing. She said that after her sister and I talked at the last show she signed up for University as a major in Vocal Performance. She was almost done her final year. It’s those moments that fuel my drive to write and create.
Be sure to follow along with Taerk’s adventures! He’s perfectly relatable. Is this not you on Mondays? Every day? Today?
Nestor AnDress is gearing up to release his music video for his single “Drunk At A Bar” and we took the opportunity to get to know him better as an artist. Having a great song on the radio, gets fans wondering about the artist singing it, and as a new artist, there isn’t always a lot of information readily available for fans to really get a feeling they know the act they are falling in love with.
“Drunk At A Bar” isn’t another bro country song (despite the way the title may sound). The idea behind it reveals the male subject wanting to be kissed without any cares or worries and just a throw of a passionate
Kiss me like it’s New Year’s Eve / Like you don’t want me to leave / Like a bullet caught me / Kiss me like there’s no one else / Like you hear wedding bells / Like there’s nobody watching.
LISTEN TO NESTOR ANDRESS SING “DRUNK AT A BAR”
Check out our interview with AnDress below!
Variety Beat: Nothing connects fans to music quite like feeling we know where they’re coming from. Can you tell us about yourself and growing up in Texas?
Nestor AnDress: That’s a beautiful concept. I’ll use but one word to tell you about myself. That word is PASSSION. I believe it has everything to do with not only how I grew up, but whom I grew up with. I have a mother that is both strong and fragile and I am truly blessed to call her so because she is the main ingredient to why I am the way that I am. She has never let me quit and has pushed me to always be the best version of myself. I’m a competitor. In high school I was named the “Best All Around” in our yearbook. My mom would tell you that I am exactly like my father was, but I couldn’t tell you from experience. Which is the very thing that has wired my passion of love, but in my mom’s case, it was loss of it. So I want to give it, share it and inspire love!
Variety Beat: When did you decide you wanted to pursue music as a career and what pushed you to make that move?
Nestor AnDress: It wasn’t until college. I initially wanted to be a lawyer. I have always disliked bullies and have known that I have a gift of expressing myself and standing up for those who couldn’t.
I taught myself how to play guitar, found out I could sing, could naturally move a crowd and with years of poetry writing….BAM. I fell in love! It was my mom that reinforced my calling to go for it. At a rodeo in Texas, I called my mom up on stage to perform the song I wrote for her called “Momma.” She heard the crowd singing it back and it was then after that she told me I was born for this.
Variety Beat: You put out an EP earlier this year called ‘Falling In Love’ and there’s a song on it called “When You Lie” that you are very proud of. Can you talk about what makes this song so special?
Nestor AnDress: I sure did and I’m shocked, but mostly humbled that the EP went to #22 on the iTunes Country Album Chart. I’m proud of all of my songs, but “When You Lie” hits a deep chord on me. The chorus to the song was initially a poem that I had written 2 years ago following a break up from a relationship I thought would go the distance. With this song I would only hope to not share in the pain, but compassion. Love doesn’t always turn out like you had hoped it would, but don’t ever be afraid of it.
Variety Beat: You have a video coming out this summer for your single “Drunk at a Bar,” can you tell us a little bit about the song and what made you decide to put it out as a single?
Nestor AnDress: “Drunk At A Bar” is a song I wrote with my friend Devin Barker. I’m so excited to release this music video. I also wrote the script for the music video with the Director, Chris Stanton. Creating this and putting our vision into action was an amazing experience. “Drunk At A Bar” was written about the desire for the one who ignites your fire. No guard up, no shame, forget about the world, you’re mine kind of kiss.
Variety Beat: You’re obviously in love with Country Music and pouring your heart into the music. It can often take a long time to really break through and get your music heard. What do you hope to be able to give to the genre that it may be missing? What’s the story you want to tell?
Nestor AnDress: I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel. I just want to “give away” my version of it. More than anything I want to make music my audience can experience and feel, not just hear.
Variety Beat: You’re going to re-release your EP with new songs and acoustic versions. Can you give any more details on the project?
Nestor AnDress: I am stripping down a few songs and producing them in a way that feels like they are live in your living room, back porch or bon-fire. I am also reading it with documentary series behind the songs.
Variety Beat: It can be hard to keep the connection with fans active with the gaps in music releases. Artists are using all kinds of social media to allow fans to feel closer to them when they can’t be out on tour or may not have any new music out. What platforms do you use to engage with fans and do you plan on increasing your time on social media so you can gain new fans?
Nestor AnDress: I hang out on Twitter (@NestorAnDressTX), Instagram (@NestorAnDressTX), Snapchat (Nestor_UnDress) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NestorAnDressFans). Recently, I have been using Facebook Live at my shows or Periscope so friends, family and fans can tune in from all over the country. I check my social media pages to make sure I am getting to know my fans and answering any questions that they have. I would like to set up a Facebook Live Q&A, a Facebook Live acoustic jam session from my living room and book a Stageit show in the near future. #NothingButTheGoodTimes
Variety Beat: You recently opened for Brothers Osbourne. What was that like and do you have more fun gigs planned for this year?
Nestor AnDress: Every show I go to whether it’s a writers round in Nashville, an award show or an arena show, I constantly approach those shows as a learning experience. I never want to stop growing, learning and working on my craft. Opening up for the Brother’s Osborne was a very humbling experience and I have nothing but great things to say about John, T.J. and their crew. Loving their new record!
There are moments that have come along for husband and wife duo Thompson Square in the last several years that have been real “pinch me” moments. They’ve celebrated success with two #1 songs (“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” and “If I Didn’t Have You), they earned a GRAMMY nomination, they’ve met musical icons like Merle Haggard and finally, they had their first born child, a son – Cooper!
WATCH: Thompson Square: T3 Home Movie – You Make It Look So Good
Keifer and Shawna Thompson are more than just a Country Duo, they are the kind of artists you fly across the world to see play for 15 minutes because they’ve touched your life that much. After fighting hard for 13 years before getting their record deal, it’s no wonder that to this day they are still the most humble and gracious people you will ever meet.
There are different kinds of artists, artists you listen to on the radio, artists who’s music you buy, artists who you make sure to see in concert and artists you go the next level for – requesting their music to radio because they have something to say, a voice that needs to be heard. That’s the kind of artists, Thompson Square are. That’s why, when I told them they were the “holy grail of interviews,” I 100% meant it. They might not have the biggest name in Country Music, but they have the biggest place in my heart and the hearts of thousands of fans around the globe.
The GRAMMY nominated duo just released their new single “You Make It Look So Good” after taking a long break to enjoy life as new parents. This song resonated with the duo and it’s easy to see why. So often the tale goes, someone never pictures themselves getting married, settling down… but then you meet the right person and things change.
Yeah, you got me wondering / What it might be like / Knowing every night / Who I’m waking up with / On the other side of the bed / And I never thought I’d let / Anyone ever get close enough / To make me fall in love / But ooh, you make it look so good
With a title like “You Make It Look So Good,” it’s pretty easy to come up with witty things to say! We had Keifer and Shawna play a little game where they took turns telling each other what the other makes look so good… Things got a little crazy when Keifer’s answered turned into taking off clothes and sexy Chewbacca outfits! Watch them play below!
WATCH: THOMPSON SQUARE PLAYS “YOU MAKE IT LOOK SO GOOD” WHEN…
After talking with Thompson Square, it was exciting to find out more about where they’re at right now and what’s ahead for them. Fans can support them by downloading their single “You Make It Look So Good,” going to shows, buying merch and requesting their single to radio! Keifer also talked about a new Children’s book that’s in production and doing more things related to children (songs, books) might be something Thompson Square works on as a side project in the future! It’s no doubt being parents have changed their lives for the better, we can’t wait to read the book! Check out the full interview below along with a photo gallery from their show!
WATCH: THOMPSON SQUARE’S INTERVIEW WITH VARIETY BEAT
PHOTO GALLERY: THOMPSON SQUARE PERFORMING IN SALT LAKE CITY, UT
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