Honky Tonk Happy Hour Friday Dec. 17th!

The venerable Miss Molly and acclaimed local band Fort Knox will keep things hoppin’ on Friday, December 18th at the Honky Tonk Happy Hour. So belly up to the bar at The Shrunken Head for some raucously original neo-traditional country music --- and you may even win a homemade pie in the weekly raffle.

Kicking the show off, songwriter Jamie Lyn’s band Fort Knox will bring you stinging lyrics and wry humor. Jamie Lyn channels June Carter and Loretta Lynn in her own brand of neo-traditional "Deep Woods Off" country, with Fort Knox (Ryan Combs, bass; Chris Bechtol, drums; Chase Potter, lead guitar and fiddle) following wherever she leads. Brooklyn Country.com stating “Jamie Lyn infuses her honky-tonk story songs with a whole lot of humor, feeling and good-time energy”.

At 7pm, Columbus songstress and composer Miss Molly takes the stage, bringing her sultry blend of Miss Molly is a sultry mix of alternative, classic country, folk, rock, and jazz. The unique diversity of Miss Molly’s music makes it easy for the band to capture the hearts and ears of any music fan. The band's repertoire focuses on passionate, sultry, and dance inspiring mix of originals, as well as cover songs ranging from artists like Nancy Sinatra and Janis Joplin to Hank Williams, Sr.

The Shrunken Head is a full-service restaurant and bar located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, offering happy hour specials daily: half price draft beers, $1 off top shelf liquor, and $5 prime organic hamburgers. The Honky Tonk Happy Hour special is $4 for a Budweiser and shot of Jack Daniels whiskey. Admission to this event is free, and all ages are welcome, although those under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Broken Ring pairs up with The Tin Hearts for a special appearance at the Honky Tonk Happy Hour

Jamie Lyn & the Honky Tonk Happy Hour at The Shrunken Head are pleased to announce special guests at the December 3rd show: Broken Ring will play at 7pm, with The Tin Hearts kicking things off at 6pm.

The Tin Hearts are one of the inaugural Honky Tonk Happy Hour bands, having played three happy hours in the first year of the project at The Shrunken Head. Hot on the heels of releasing “No Good Deed”, which pulls out all the stops, capturing the high‐energy, driving sound that is the hallmark of their live performances with tracks like “Desert King ” and “It’s Been A Good Year“. The Tin Hearts, a five‐ piece electric blues band led by Matt Sullivan (guitar, harmonica, and vocals) also feature the intricate guitar work of Andy Frederick and Ryan Combs’ strident bass. Angela Sutton (keyboards) reels from sensitively rendered melodies to rollicking barrelhouse stomp, with Mark Sims moves it all forward on drums.

Broken Ring is an Athens-based alt country/Americana band with a spirited female lead. Drawing on raw and sassy originals with a bucketful of vintage and contemporary tunes, Colleen Carow (rhythm guitar), Jeff Redefer (guitar), Bill Rawlins (percussion), and Steve Phalen (new on bass) approach each song with thoughtful reverence. It’s fine fodder for this fatback, toe-tapping throwdown – lovingly complicated by the brooding elixir of a searching songbird. Recent press comments include: "This is one fun band that's worth checking out. Expect some swinging originals and twangy covers from one of the best groups we've heard from Athens in quite some time." -- Jackie Welker, Court Street Grill and “Colleen Carow is a mix of Norah Jones and KT Tunstall. Her soft vocals seem to float over her music, creating laid-back folk. It is easy to tell from her lyrics that she has a master's degree in poetry. Light, but at times bluesy, Carow introduces folk to its sultry side." -- The Athens Post, "Listen Locally”.

As always, we’ll be raffling off one of Jamie Lyn’s homemade pies every happy hour, and the Shrunken Head offers the Honky Tonk Special: a Budweiser and a shot of Jim Beam for $5.

Slick Andrews & The Generators join Fort Knox at the Honky Tonk Happy Hour

Slick Andrews & The Generators join Fort Knox at Honky Tonk Happy Hour

The Honky Tonk Happy Hour at The Shrunken Head brings on November 19th features Jamie Lyn & Fort Knox, followed by Slick Andrews and the Generators.

Kicking the show off, Jamie Lyn’s band Fort Knox will bring you her signature stinging lyrics and wry humor. Jamie Lyn channels June Carter and Loretta Lynn in her own brand of neo-traditional "Deep Woods Off" country, with Fort Knox (Ryan Combs, bass; Chris Bechtol, drums; Chase Potter, lead guitar and fiddle) following wherever she leads. Brooklyn Country.com stating “Jamie Lyn infuses her honky-tonk story songs with a whole lot of humor, feeling and good-time energy”.

Slick Andrews has been a staple in rockabilly and country music for well over 20 years... enthusiastic, Reckless, Stormy, Rock & Roll in its natural state Rockabilly to Country. Well known throughout the Midwest and a veteran of many American and European tours, Slick now calls Columbus Ohio home and has teamed up with The Generators: HW(HI-Watt) Montgomery on upright bass and Rob Thomas on guitar to form a high energy rockabilly group. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a tap in your toes. Slick Andrews and the Generators play all the rockabilly standards and dance favorites the way they were intended to be performed .... Their show is unique, talented and full of raw energy. This is one act you have to see and hear to believe. Rockabilly and Classic country as it should be.

So belly up to the bar for any number of drink specials, and if you are very lucky, you might just win one of Jamie Lyn’s homemade pies in the weekly raffle. The Shrunken Head is a full-service restaurant and bar located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, offering happy hour specials daily: half price draft beers, $1 off top shelf liquor, $1 hot dogs, and $5 prime organic hamburgers. The Honky Tonk Happy Hour special is $4 for a Budweiser and shot of Jack Daniels whiskey. Admission to this event is free, and all ages are welcome, although those under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.



Event Fact Sheet:
DATE: Friday, November 19th, 2010

TIME: 6:00-8:00 pm

VENUE: The Shrunken Head
251 West 5th Avenue
Columbus OH 43215
http://www.theshrunkenhead.net/
614-299-2295
no cover, tip jar once per set
Happy Hour specials: $4 bud and shot of Jack Daniels, Half price drafts,
$1 off top shelf cocktails, $5 organic local prime beef burgers.

6:00 pm Jamie Lyn & Fort Knox
www.fortknoxmusic.blogspot.com

7:00 pm Slick Andrews & The Generators
http://www.reverbnation.com/slickandrewsandthegenerators

Brant Gipson & Billy Cory of Gipson & Fitz answer Seven Questions for Songwriters

Hey ya'all-- both Gipson & Billy Cory answered the seven questions for songwriters. I like both their answers so much I could not choose, so here are their responses in alphabetical order!
love,
Jamie Lyn


****Billy Cory****
1. What makes you write?
Lots of things make me write but ultimately it is inspiration and the need to be creative.

2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?
My fellow musicians that I play with around town have always been a big influence on my playing, development and my music.

3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?
The closest thing that I have for an answer to this question is that I have Nelly Furtado in my ipod.

4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?
This one is pretty easy, The Beatles and Paul McCartney. They are so prolific and have such a broad range of styles and influences. You can always find something new in one of their songs that you never heard before.

5. Advice for just-starting songwriters?
Learn from your influences, know your history and write as much as you can. ...and don't throw anything away.

6. Why country?
Writing is all about writing for the listener. Jazz, Swing, Country, Rock and even Bluegrass all have the same roots the difference is the listener.

7. Favorite backwoods expression?
"Slicker than snot and twice as fast."


**** Brant Gipson's Answers****
1. What makes you write?
Usually emotional experiences. However, sometimes I just get an itch that can only be satisfied by completing a song.

2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?
I was raised in a musical familiy. So I have my mother and father to thank for keeping me involved in vocals/choir and guitar, and for surrounding me with great music in church and at home while growing up.

3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?
Not humiliating, but I love listening to Kid Rock's "Devil Without a Cause"

4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?
Many here, but some of the first tunes I wrote were inspired by the Beatles. Rubber Soul was an album I remember growing up with that specifically inspired me. Their songs incorporated great harmonies and inspiring, catchy melodies. This was the model for the first 4-track recordings I put together as a kid.

5. Advice for just-starting songwriters?
Keep playing and writing. When you are tired of writing, record for a while. When you are tired of recording, write. Sit down with as many different people as possible. If you get discouraged, write a song and sing it for your mom. Mom's by default have to like your music if you are playing an acoustic instrument (or at least most pretend ;-).

6. Why country?
Country roots - Bluegrass, Americana, and Folk. I play this style because it is raw, natural and pure.

7. Favorite backwoods expression?
"Good groceries" and "Build a drink". While these may not be expressions from your backwoods, these come up regularly in the backwoods of Mississippi when my family gets together, and they always make me smile.

Honky Tonk Happy Hour Returns November 5th!

The Honky Tonk Happy Hour at The Shrunken Head brings still more outstanding neo-traditional country music to Columbus music lovers on Friday, November 5th with the venerable Miller-Kelton kicking things off at 6pm, followed by Gipson & Fitz at 7. Belly up to the bar for any number of drink specials, and if you are very lucky, you might just win one of Jamie Lyn’s homemade pies in the weekly raffle.

Miller-Kelton features Julia O'Keefe on vocals, Reilley Forman on Guitar and Banjo, Charlie Forman on slide guitar, Randal Webber, II on drums and keys and Chase Hurlow on bass. The Other Paper’s Rick Allen says “The band plays a pleasant blend of banjo-led Americana wrapped around the honey-sweet vocals of Julia O’Keefe…Keep your ears peeled, however, and you’ll realize the band uses that sort of inoffensive musical language to convey much more mature lyrical themes.” Not only that, but they do a hell of a good cover of “Up Against the Wall Redneck Mothers”, which is no mean feat in and of itself.

Gipson and Fitz will play their inaugural honky tonk happy hour, entertaining audiences with an original blend of Bluegrass, Americana, Folk, Country and Rock. Brant Gipson lends his extraordinary voice and acoustic guitar; Mark Fitzharris adds his unique vocal ability and his exceptional mandolin; contributing to the group's inspiring body of sound consisting of striking lyrics, strong vocals and bold melodies; String Bassist, Billy Cory, supports the bottom end of the group with his remarkable slap bass, driving bass lines and steady time which completes the unmistakable sound of Gipson & Fitz. It is Rachel Frank, joining the group on violin and viola, who adds an unmistakable edge and that traditional sound that everyone loves to hear, which finishes the fully developed sound of Gipson & Fitz. With solid vocals, harmonies and instrumental performances, Gipson & Fitz indulges the ongoing evolution of their music while maintaining the purity of its roots. The strong songwriting skills within the group, along with a vigorous passion for the art of music, drive Gipson & Fitz to continually strive for new sounds to please audiences of all ages. Having appeared in various projects, the members of the Gipson and Fitz are no stranger to the stage. The most notable of which were "Uncle Sam's Dream Machine,” the "Uptown Elephant Company" and the "Teeny Tucker Band.” As former members of these groups, they played many different venues across multiple states and shared the stage with legendary artists such as Phil Lesh & Friends, Bob Dylan, Rusted Root, B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Bo Diddley Jr. and Buddy Guy. If you enjoy discovering lively new original tunes and rediscovering classics in a new light, then be sure to check out Gipson & Fitz at the Honky Tonk Happy Hour!

Bakersfield Sound and Outlaw Country!

Outlaw Country and Bakersfield Sound

Friday October 15th at the Honky Tonk Happy Hour, Slim White & The Averys pair up with Outlaw Deluxe to present a terrific treat for country music traditionalists: outlaw country and Bakersfield sound served up in one great big helping from 6-8pm. The Honky Tonk Happy Hour has fast become a family tradition over amongst fans of the eclectic fare at the Shrunken Head, bringing outstanding neo-traditional country music to Columbus roots music lovers twice monthly.

The Shrunken Head is a full-service restaurant and bar located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, offering happy hour specials daily: half price draft beers, $1 off top shelf liquor, $1 hot dogs, and $5 prime organic hamburgers. The Honky Tonk Happy Hour special is $4 for a Budweiser and shot of Jack Daniels whiskey. Admission to this event is free, and all ages are welcome, although those under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

#####

DATE: Friday, October 15th, 2010

TIME: 6:00-8:00 pm

VENUE: The Shrunken Head
251 West 5th Avenue
Columbus OH 43215
http://www.theshrunkenhead.net/
614-299-2295
no cover, tip jar once per set
Happy Hour specials: $4 bud and shot of Jack Daniels, Half price drafts, $1 off top shelf cocktails, $5 organic local prime beef burgers.

6:00 pm Slim White & The Averys
www.ranchpartyroundup.com


7:00 pm Outlaw Deluxe
http://www.myspace.com/outlawdeluxe

Honky Tonk Happy Hour October 1st!

The Tin Hearts and The Songbirds at Honky Tonk Happy Hour

The Honky Tonk Happy Hour at The Shrunken Head enters its seventh consecutive month of delivering outstanding neo-traditional country music to Columbus roots music lovers on Friday, October 1st. This happy hour is bound to please, featuring The Tin Hearts at 6pm and The Songbirds at 7pm. As always, we’ll be raffling off one of Jamie Lyn’s homemade pies, and the Shrunken Head offers the Honky Tonk Special: a Budweiser and a shot of Jack Daniels for $4.

The Tin Hearts play the happy hour hot on the heels of their new album, “No Good Deed” which debuted on September 10th at the Independent Spirits showcase. The Tin Hearts feature the intricate guitar work of Andy Frederick and Ryan Combs’ strident bass. Angela Sutton (keyboards) reels from sensitively rendered melodies to rollicking barrelhouse stomp, with Mark Sims moving it all forward on drums, bringing Honky Tonk Happy Hour fans a solid Americana Country sound that is infused with lively electric blues.

The Songbirds’ delicious blend of harmonies have served to establish a solid following for this band among Columbus country fans. They specialize in toe-tappin', sing along originals with a few covers thrown in for your listening pleasure. Their cover of “Jolene” is a crowd-pleasin’ favorite, as they move the crowd from soul touching melodies to rowdy, drunken hillbilly hoedown tunes.

The Shrunken Head is a full-service restaurant and bar located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, offering happy hour specials daily: half price draft beers, $1 off top shelf liquor, $1 hot dogs, and $5 prime organic hamburgers. Admission to this event is free, and all ages are welcome, although those under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Chris Bingman of Springfield Special: Great Gobs of Goose Feathers....

SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR SONGWRITERS


What makes you write?
well sometimes i just get an idea in my head and if i think its good enough to make a legitamite song then i write it down and start adding little structural pieces until there it is: a new song!

Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?
well i do more than just bluegrass, i'm in a couple bands, but i'd say for bluegrass probably charlie lily of the lily brothers and for everything else tiny moore (he did a lot of solo stuff that's not very well known but he made it big w/ bob wills & the texas playboys)

What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?
well i don't know that its humiliating per say, but i get a real kick out of stealing licks that people do, especially when i'm playing with them at the time haha it makes me feel good knowin i can pick up on something like that that quick but i also like to do it to sort of "challenge" the other player like "is that all you got?" haha in one of my last groups, in fact, i was known as "the lick stealer"

What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?
well ever since i heard of bluegrass i was immediately drawn to bill monroe, i think in part because he was a mandolin player as well.. and i would study his stuff and learn the patterns, etc. and one day i got an idea in my head and kinda used a familiar pattern to write that first song and though i definitely think its a unique song (not trying to rip off the old stuff!) it does hint back to old bill songs.. and i suppose the why is because if you're going to play a particular style of music, why not play like the original artists played?

Advice for just-starting songwriters?
i don't know if i'm enough of an established songwriter to be giving advice, but i guess if i were to i'd say just write what comes naturally to you and have fun doing it.. and if people don't like what you do then screw em, cause there are people out there that will.. "don't get discouraged" is the nicer way of putting that i think haha

Why country?
why not? haha country music (including bluegrass) has that deep rooted old-timey tradition to it that just really speaks to me.. in a lot of ways its very relatable to the listener even stuff written 50 years before you were born (in my case at least).. plus i just thoroughly enjoy it.

Favorite backwoods expression?
well my grandpa myron always would exclaim "great gobs of goose feathers!" in exchange for "hot damn" or the like and i always liked that.. but i'm also very partial to "i'm feelin rougher than a corn cob" to describe bein hungover

Lydia Loveless answers 7 Questions for Songwriters!

LYDIA LOVELESS ANSWERS SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR SONGWRITERS
1. What makes you write?
Usually things that amuse me in private. It sounds cheesy, but generally I am really "moved to write" at random times. It's more like being possessed than consciously writing something.

2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?
Todd May

3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?
I am really shameless...I am listening to Enrique Iglesias as I type this.

4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?
Cliché, but Hank Williams. I had a record of his songs that just kind of opened a dam for me.

5. Advice for just-starting songwriters?
Be yourself. Hold back on the "cooooountry" clothes and over the top accents, unless of course you're being honest. And don't let people knock you around on show line-ups, money, or anything at the last minute, or you will get a reputation as a pushover.

6. Why country?
Because it's simple, raw, and everyone likes at least one country song.

7. Favorite backwoods expression?
So-and-so is so ugly she/he could make a train take a dirt road

Lydia Loveless, ladies and gents. Catch her Friday afternoon at 7pm at the Shrunken Head, 251 W. 5th Avenue!

love,
Jamie Lyn

Whatcha doin' Friday? There's no Honky Tonk Happy Hour, so do this instead!

Singing Moon Records Presents Capitol City Electric Blues & Rock Review

On Friday, August 20th, Singing Moon records pairs up with The Shrunken Head to present Capitol City Electric Blues & Rock Review from 8pm-1am.

Angela Perley and The Howlin' Moons’ live shows are high energy Americana-tumble- and-roll. Miller-Kelton brings a mixture of electric and acoustic instruments and three-part vocal harmonies to a wide range of Americana, folk-rock and traditional country music. The Tin Hearts follow, with their jangly five-piece electric blues and Americana band playing new music like old music used to be played: with raw emotion, and lots of soul. The Wells get rowdy at 11pm, with Mark Sims and Friends headlining at midnight.

Singing Moon Records is dedicated to producing and distributing a diverse collection of music created by artists committed to quality for their community and the world at large. Whether it's the music of solitude created by Mark Sims, the rambunctious folk-rock of The Wells, finely tailored acoustic and electric rock of Miller-Kelton, or bluesy Americana of The Tin Hearts, Singing Moon Records believes that what sounds good is good and invites you to take part.

With no cover, a friendly staff, and great food the Capitol City Electric Blues and Rock Review promises to be a rockin’ evening of great entertainment, good food, and good people. The Shrunken Head is located at 251 W. Fifth Avenue in Columbus, and is a full-service bar and restaurant with a patio and kitchen that features many local and organically cultivated products.

Got Labor Day? Come to the Honky Tonk Happy Hour!

If you aren’t sure what to do with your Labor Day Weekend and you’d like a chance to win a free pie and hear some great, old-school country music come to the Honky Tonk Happy Hour, at The Shrunken Head. This holiday weekend happy hour will feature Jamie Lyn & Fort Knox at 6pm, with The Idiot Boys at 7pm.

Kicking the show off, songwriter Jamie Lyn’s band Fort Knox will bring you stinging lyrics and wry humor. Jamie Lyn channels June Carter and Loretta Lynn in her own brand of neo-traditional "Deep Woods Off" country, with Fort Knox (Ryan Combs, bass; Chris Bechtol, drums; Chase Potter, lead guitar and fiddle) following wherever she leads. Brooklyn Country.com stating “Jamie Lyn infuses her honky-tonk story songs with a whole lot of humor, feeling and good-time energy”.

The Idiot Boys have been playing a number of gigs around town at the Ranch Party Roundup, and even at the Ohio State House Music series this summer. You can catch their old-time string band tunes and tap your boots to some swingin’ bluegrass music starting at 7pm on September 3rd. The Idiot Boys feature Mike Allen (Mandolin and vocals), Brian Tucker (Lead guitar & vocals), Jeff Kinder (rhythm guitar and vocals), Steve Ball (upright bass) and Joey Bishop (percussion).

The Shrunken Head is a full-service restaurant and bar located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, offering happy hour specials daily: half price draft beers, $1 off top shelf liquor, $1 hot dogs, and $5 prime organic hamburgers. The Honky Tonk Happy Hour special is $4 for a Budweiser and shot of Jack Daniels whiskey. Admission to this event is free, and all ages are welcome, although those under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Billy Zenn: Seven Questions for Songwriters

SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR SONGWRITERS (Billy Zenn)
1. What makes you write?
I am troubled by bad dreams and find that writing, in whatever form---songs, prose, scripts or whatever---is somewhat cathartic. Alternative answer: I’m a compulsive liar.
Actually, I write because I’m kind of compelled to it, even though I have a love/hate relationship with the process. I hate doing it/I love it when it’s finished.
2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?
When I was a kid, there was a man who lived briefly next door to us who played and sang in country bands. There were often guys around his house, drinking and picking and generally having a good time into the wee hours. I thought this was a pretty damned glamorous thing to be doing.
Growing up in the Methodist Church I sang in the choir, and learning to hear melody in relation to harmony has been integral to my songwriting.
3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?
I like really aggressive punk music; stupid and out of tune a must. I’m a sucker for Stephen Sondheim, although that’s hardly something to feel either guilty or humiliated about. I still get a chill when I hear “Disco Inferno” for some unearthly reason.
4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?
Well, pretty much the majors: Lennon-McCartney, Dylan, Cash, Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye

5. Advice for just‐starting songwriters?
Stop thinking. Thought is the enemy of creativity, at least in the beginning. When you’re playing around and a melody or some lyrics find their way into your head, keep going. There’ll be plenty of time to obsessively edit when the first pass at it is done.
Always marry the lyrics to the melody.
Don’t send money to anyone who promises to critique your work for a fee. Ever.
6. Why country?
I live in Columbus, Ohio. Is this a trick question? We’re all immersed in country music around here from the time we’re old enough to notice. Personally, I dig that.

7. Favorite backwoods expression?
It’s colder than bat piss on a Sunday morning!

Honky Tonk Happy Hour August 6th!

This Friday August 6th at the Honky Tonk Happy Hour, Miller Kelton and Billy Zenn will present two hours of fine entertainment for your boot-scootin’ pleasure. So belly up to the bar at The Shrunken Head for some raucously original neo-traditional country music --- and you may even win a homemade pie in the weekly raffle, hosted by the lovely Miss Margot. As a special treat this week, Jamie Lyn is disobeying doctor’s orders to rest, and sitting in with both Miller-Kelton and Billy Zenn. Come prepared to hear some rowdy renditions of “Jackson” and “You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly”.

Miller-Kelton kicks the show off at 6:00pm, with Julia O'Keefe on vocals, Reilley Forman on Guitar and Banjo, Charlie Forman on slide guitar, Randal Webber, II on drums and keys and Chase Hurlow on bass. The Other Paper’s Rick Allen says “The band plays a pleasant blend of banjo-led Americana wrapped around the honey-sweet vocals of Julia O’Keefe…Keep your ears peeled, however, and you’ll realize the band uses that sort of inoffensive musical language to convey much more mature lyrical themes.” Not only that, but they do a hell of a good cover of “Up Against the Wall Redneck Mothers”, which is no mean feat in and of itself.

With a voice as strong as his experience is deep, and songs that resonate across time and place, Billy Zenn is a performer who means what he says, and delivers it every time. Steadfastly clinging to his roots in the rich, dark soul of America, Billy kicks the tried and true into the 21st century and brings it back home, fresh and new. With his killer band---Billy Zenn & The Ringers---the effect is the same; an infectious, foot stompin’, true heart rave up that’s guaranteed to go for the throat and shake audiences to their feet. If you’re looking for the real thing, look no further—and get there at 7pm sharp when Billy brings it all home to you right here at the Honky Tonk Happy Hour.

The Songbirds and Miss Molly at July 16th Honky Tonk Happy Hour!

The Songbirds and Miss Molly at Honky Tonk Happy Hour

July 8, 2010, Columbus, OH. The venerable Miss Molly and acclaimed local band The Songbirds will keep things hoppin’ on Friday, July 16th at the Honky Tonk Happy Hour. So belly up to the bar at The Shrunken Head for some raucously original neo-traditional country music --- and you may even win a homemade pie in the weekly raffle.

At 6pm, the Songbirds take the stage. With their delicious blend of harmonies, the Songbirds specialize in toe-tappin', sing along originals with a few covers thrown in for your listening pleasure. Their cover of “Jolene” is a crowd-pleasin’ favorite, as they move the crowd from soul touching melodies to rowdy, drunken hillbilly hoedown tunes.

At 7pm, Columbus songstress and composer Miss Molly takes the stage, bringing her sultry blend of Miss Molly is a sultry mix of alternative, classic country, folk, rock, and jazz. The unique diversity of Miss Molly’s music makes it easy for the band to capture the hearts and ears of any music fan. The band's repertoire focuses on passionate, sultry, and dance inspiring mix of originals, as well as cover songs ranging from artists like Nancy Sinatra and Janis Joplin to Hank Williams, Sr.

The Shrunken Head is a full-service restaurant and bar located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, offering happy hour specials daily: half price draft beers, $1 off top shelf liquor, and $5 prime organic hamburgers. The Honky Tonk Happy Hour special is $4 for a Budweiser and shot of Jack Daniels whiskey. Admission to this event is free, and all ages are welcome, although those under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Jessi from the Songbirds, "Seven Questions for Songwriters"

SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR SONGWRITERS (Jessi Maxwell)
1. What makes you write?
Life experiences. It doesn’t matter how long ago something happened, if there is still a memory of it there is a good chance it will make an appearance somewhere in a song.

2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?
My parents and all their musician friends. I have grown up watching, listening and participating in jams and such. It has really influenced my style of playing and singing.

3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?
Erika Badu. I’m not really into R&B but I absolutely love her!

4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?
Jenny Lewis, Cheryl Crow, Dolly Parton, and lately I’ve really been getting into Brandi Carlile (there are many more, too many to name). I mostly look up to women musicians/songwriters. In the circle of musicians I grew up with there were quite a few women musicians. It wasn’t until I got out there on my own that I began to realize that the music scene is male dominated. I look up to established women musicians because I think it makes other girls realize that they too can be musicians. There needs to be more women who realize this and get involved in the local scene so we don’t get comments like “you are pretty good for a chick band”.

5. Advice for just‐starting songwriters?
When you need to write from your heart don’t worry about how people are going to interpret your words, there is nothing you can do about that. When there is nothing weighing heavy on your mind get out the notebook and write something fun. I think people like hearing a mix of serious songs and fun songs. Most important- play (and write) with other musicians!

6. Why country?
It was just a natural progression. The musicians I grew up with gave me my folk and bluegrass influence and my parents always had old time country (among many other genres) playing in every room in the house.

7. Favorite backwoods expression?
It’s one my best friend and I made up when we were 10 but it’s become a classic in that musician circle of friends I keep talking about. “Let’s pig out funny and junk up the place”

The SONGBIRDS will play the Honky Tonk Happy Hour on Friday, July 16th at 6:00 P.M. followed by the lovely and talented MISS MOLLY band at 7:00! We'll be at the Shrunken Head, 251 W. 5th Avenue Columbus OH, be there!

Apple pie, Slim White & The Avery's, Accordion, and Outlaw Deluxe: oh my!

Hey Ya'all!
We sure are proud of the lineup for this Friday's HONKY TONK HAPPY
HOUR at the Shrunken Head on July 2, from 6-8 pm!
Slim White & The Avery's are at 6pm, with Outlaw Deluxe at 7pm!
As always, we'll have special prices on food and drink, and there's
absolutely no cover for this show!
In honor of fourth of July, the door prize this week will be a
homemade apple pie, and we're raffling off an accordion to one lucky
winner.
Sooooo much exciting stuff and lots of fun to be had-- see ya there!
love,
Jamie Lyn


Slim White & The Avery’s and Outlaw Deluxe:
The Perfect Combo for Honky Tonk Happy Hour

June 28, 2010, Columbus, OH. Jamie Lyn and the Honky Tonk Happy Hour return to the Shrunken Head on Friday, July 2nd.

At 6pm, local honky tonk heroes Slim White and the Avery’s put their spin on the foot-stompin’ classic country and Bakersfield sound with a lineup of great originals and chestnut covers guaranteed to get folks out of their seats and dancing.

At 7pm, Outlaw Deluxe take the stage, playing their hard drivin’, straight-shootin’ brand of rockin’ country classics with a double fistful of originals that keep the crowd hollering for more.

If you belly up to the bar at The Shrunken Head (formerly Victorians Midnight Café) on the first and third Friday of the month at happy hour, you’ll be sure to hear some raucously original neo-traditional country music --- and you may even win a jar of homemade sweet pickles or a homemade pie in the weekly raffle.

The Shrunken Head is a full-service restaurant and bar located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, offering happy hour specials daily: half price draft beers, $1 off top shelf liquor, $1 hot dogs, and $5 prime organic hamburgers. The Honky Tonk Happy Hour special is $4 for a Budweiser and shot of Jack Daniels whiskey. Admission to this event is free, and all ages are welcome, although those under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

JULY 2: Honky Tonk Happy Hour

Hey ya'all!

I'm so excited to bring two of my favorite true-blue country bands to the Honky Tonk Happy Hour on July 2. Ya gotta be there! Mark your calendars, babies--

love,
Jamie Lyn

Honky Tonk Happy Hour: All Summer Long!!

Honky Tonk with us all summer long at The Shrunken Head!
Here's what we got coming up, now through labor day:

FRIDAY, JULY 2:
6pm-- Slim White & the Avery's
7pm---Outlaw deluxe

FRIDAY JULY 16
6pm---Fort Knox
7pm---Jack Ballengee Morris

FRIDAY AUGUST 6
6pm--Miller-Kelton
7pm---Billy Zenn

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3
6pm---Fort Knox
7pm---Hayseed

Tal Lohr: Cur Dog, Songwriter, Handyman

SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR SONGWRITERS
1. What makes you write? I'm not real sure. Most times I hear something or see something that triggers a memory or an emotion and seems there's a story there. Then the song just happens.

2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music? Chris Knight, no question. I believe he's the most real and honest writer alive today.


3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure? I don't have one. I couldn't care less what somebody thinks about what I like or don't like.


4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why? Steve Earle. He writes honestly and it shows. He's lived what he's saying and I respect that above all else in music.


5. Advice for just-starting songwriters? Hmmm....seems to be a theme her in my answers! Again, be honest. Don't try to be what you're not because people aren't stupid and they'll know.


6. Why country? Well, I don't try to write or play country, or any other particular style for that matter. What happens, happens. I like to just let a song be what it is.



7. Favorite backwoods expression? If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

Cur Dogs: Hoppin' around...

SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR SONGWRITERS

What makes you write?
It becomes somewhat of an affliction for me; like waking up with a sore throat. You know your day won’t be right until you deal with this thought or idea you have. I joke with Tal about my single source of inspiration being my tractor; Seems like every time I set out to mow my mind turns to songwriting. I tend to write songs based on snapshots of emotions; little snippets of conversations or feelings that come to me in the shape of a song. Most times, the song comes to me in full: verse, chorus, bridge, melody and that is really convenient.

Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?
My older brother Larry is a big influence on me as a songwriter. He has penned some great ones. On our 1st record we recorded 15 minutes of Fame which he wrote years ago. Also my wife and children are a constant source of songwriting inspiration. My wife Julie really supports my efforts.

What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?
I love Elvis. All of it!

What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?
As a kid it was Joe Strummer and Mick Jones. Then I discovered Acuff/Rose, Graham Parsons, and of course Dylan. I also have to give a nod to Westerberg, McManus and Bob Mould.

Advice for just-starting songwriters?
Honestly, I am the last one to give advice. I could use some myself.

Why country?
Why not? It’s a perfect canvas for story-telling. It is also a genre that represents so many offshoots that you can always get pigeon-holed in the country genre, if nomenclature is your thing.

Favorite backwoods expression?
“I’m hoppin’ around like a one-legged man in an ass-kickin’ contest”

Angela Perley answers Seven Questions for Songwriters....

SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR SONGWRITERS

1. What makes you write?
The change of season, old folk tales, the moon, love, listening to old- time country music, and seeing live music all inspire me to write.

2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?
Holly Golightly has been a big influence on my music since I discovered her records in early high school. She has this amazing shrill and quake of a voice and her original music is always sassy, dark, and fun. A lot of her songs I really enjoyed I realized were old roots songs she made her own, and that really inspired me to dig deeper into old country/roots music.

3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?
I have a secret love of Gwen Stefani I have had since middle school. I have always adored her energy, catchy tunes, and colorful style.

4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?

The Carter Family's music made me want to write songs, because they had this beautiful sadness to them and simplicity that made me confident to write songs that gave me that same release of emotion and satisfaction after playing.

5. Advice for just-starting songwriters?

Don't think about the songs or the form or the chords and just let yourself make your own rules and creations.


6. Why country?
Country is real, it's heartbreaking and romantic, and country is deeply connected to it's people and land.


7. Favorite backwoods expression?

Hell, she could even depress the devil.

Honky Tonk Happy Hour June 4!

Hellllooooo! We're back at the Shrunken Head this Friday bringing you
real-deal country music from THE CUR DOGS at 6pm and ANGELA PERLEY at
7! We'll have another cool raffle and the usual Honky Tonk Special: A
bud and a shot of jack for $4! Food and drink specials abound, so
come kick off summer with the Honky Tonk Happy Hour.
love,
jamie lyn

Honky Tonk Happy Hour Friday May 21st!

A TRIFECTA AT THE HONKY TONK HAPPY HOUR
Jamie Lyn and the Honky Tonk Happy Hour return to the Shrunken Head on Friday, May 21st!
If you belly up to the bar at The Shrunken Head (formerly Victorians Midnight Café) on the first and third Friday of the month at happy hour, you’ll be sure to hear some raucously original neo-traditional country music --- and you may even win a jar of homemade sweet pickles or a homemade pie in the weekly raffle.

May 21 the Honky Tonk Happy Hour begins a little early with a special pre-show set from Jamie Lyn and friends at 5:30 pm. Matt Monta and the Hot Coal Band take the stage at 6:15, with the Funky Roots playing from 7:15-8:00 pm.

The Shrunken Head is a full-service restaurant and bar located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, offering happy hour specials daily: half price draft beers, $1 off top shelf liquor, $1 hot dogs, and $5 prime organic hamburgers. The Honky Tonk Happy Hour special is $4 for a Budweiser and shot of Jack Daniels whiskey. Admission to this event is free, and all ages are welcome, although those under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

We'll see ya'all there real soon!

love,
Jamie Lyn

O to the H: Jack Grace, Loretta Lynn, Ranch Party Roundup all in *one* weekend!

Hello ya'all,

This news is soooo good I just couldn't keep it to myself!

Thursday night Columbus OH at the Rumba Cafe, ya'all need to turn out
in full force for the JACK GRACE BAND, the SPIKEDRIVERS, and LUTHER
WRIGHT AND THE WRONGS. Get there early and stay late, the show begins
at 9pm. Jack and Daria are two of my all-time favorite
co-conspirators. You can check out Jack's website at
www.jackgrace.com. They just released "Drinking Songs for Lovers" and
I've had it spinning on iTunes for the past solid week. Get yourself
some Grace!

Then on Sunday, May 16 Slim White and the Avery's present the return
of the Ranch Party Roundup in its new home at the Shrunken Head! This
month's lineup features the Songbirds, Bennie James, and Slim White &
the Avery's. If you don't know what I'm talking about you oughta be
ashamed, but just in case you've missed this so far, check out the
history of Columbus' premiere country showcase right hereamajig:
http://www.ranchpartyroundup.com/

Last but not least, we'll have the Honky Tonk Happy Hour at the
Shrunken Head, which we've called down home since February. We've got
the Funky Roots at 7 and Jamie Lyn & Friends at 6pm, drink specials,
pickle raffle, and your chance to win an ACCORDION. More info coming
soon to www.fortknoxmusic.blogspot.com

love,
Jamie Lyn

Hey, Loretta...

As many of you know, I am a huge Loretta Lynn fan-- and today being her birthday, I thought I might take a moment to jot down a few thoughts I have on the road she forged for all women in music, but particularly for Appalachian women and those of us working in country music in particular. I wracked my brain this morning, trying to come to grips with a way to articulate what Ms. Lynn's music-- coupled with her experience making it-- really means to me.

A few weeks back a good friend of mine and I were batting stuff back and forth on the ubiquitous facebook page, and he asked me who Loretta Lynn is; "Is she a singer?"
I was amazed. How could someone not KNOW Ms. Lynn's ouvre? Her stature as an artist, a writer, a woman, a warrior?

Anyway, this here is what I told him:
Loretta Lynn is the iconic female trailblazer in American country music. A honky tonk maverick, she demurred from taking the "Stand By Your Man" stance of most of her peers, penning hits such as "Don't Come Home A Drinkin' With Lovin On Your Mind", "Your Squaw is on the Warpath Tonight", "Rated X", "One's on the Way", "The Pill"..., and won a grammy in 2005 at the age of 74 for her rock and roll collaboration with Jack White of the White Stripes for their studio album, "Van Lear Rose". Ms. Lynn was married at age 13 to "Doo" Lynn, and did not pick up a guitar until she was 26; transforming herself from housewife to country music superstar, she never lost touch with her rural roots, once telling a record executive, "Record?! I can't come to Nashville and record! I'm canning sausage!".

So in writing all this, I recalled a song that I don't sing that often anymore, but that I wrote as a tribute to her. Here are the lyrics, and a little pigdin recording I did a long time ago. I hope you like it.

"Country Girl's Lullabye"

Sister’s in the driveway, peddalin’ her life away
I try to play along to “The Pill”
I always wanted to sing like Loretta and I guess I always will
It was miles of dirt road to the nearest town
And no neighbors to holler, “turn the radio down”
So we listened to it loud and long as we could
sang along till thought we sang it just as good

Patsy, Dolly and Kitty and Emmylou
If not for them women pushin’ through every Kentucy’ gal’d be alone and blue
With a sound so sweet it’d get you high, keening so fierce it’d make you cry
They brought us the sound of a country girl’s lullabye


Them label reps on the Nashville scene, with their synthesizers and drum machines
Can’t tell me what nothin but a dollar means
The neighbors never holler “turn the radio down” because ol’ country’s gone to town
I turn it on to pick me up and it just lets me down


CMTV jumps and screams with girls more fit for magazines
Than singing about working peoples dreams
None of the sound gets me near high, and I just hang my head and cry
Is this the sound of a country girl’s lullabye?


I don’t know where all them years have gotten to
I spin that dial searching for a tune
half as true as “Sixteenth Avenue”
Work your hands to leather on that old guitar
saw that fiddle like you got some heart
Take back the sound from the boys in A & R


Break the radio and throw it in the pond
Lord knows where the music’s gone
And the ones that’s left behind gotta carry it on
With a sound so sweet it’d get you high
keening so fierce it’d make you cry
And listen to the sound of the country girl’s lullabye
I was born to sing a country girl's lullabye...

love,
Jamie Lyn

Miller Kelton's Ed Forman answers seven questions for songwriters...

SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR SONGWRITERS
1. What makes you write?
I don’t know that I have much choice in the matter, every very so often I just get an urge to create. If it wasn’t writing songs, it would be writing short stories or making models or something. Not model trains though, that gets a little creepy.
2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?
I think half the guys in high school played metal guitar, it was pretty competitive. I wrote songs for them because that’s the only way I was ever going to get to join a band. I couldn’t keep up with the cool kids, so I was influenced to compensate.
3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?
Mediocre 60’s folk groups like The Kingston Trio or The Chad Mitchell Trio, even the New Christy Minstrels. God help me, I love it. I caught every joke in “A Mighty Wind.”
4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?
I grew up with my mother’s music, John Denver and Pete Seeger mostly. Paul Simon was a bridge to rock music, and that probably got me playing the guitar. I always wrote, but I didn’t WANT to be a writer until I heard Randy Newman respond to “We Are the World” with his fantasy telethon sing-along, “I Just Want You to Hurt Like I Do.” It was like watching a car wreck. I remember thinking holy hell, what sort of an awful bastard would record a thing like that?
I’ve been chasing it ever since -- one of my favorite songs that I’ve written is “Glad to See You’re Pushing Me Again,” which is musically fairly pretty, with lyrics that may inspire recoil.
5. Advice for just-starting songwriters?
If you don’t police your lyrics nobody will. An engineer or band member will tell you your guitar is out of tune or that they don’t care for a keyboard part. Nobody though, except maybe a producer you are actually paying, will tell you that a line of poetry about the love of your life or a deceased relative is cringe inducing.
Also, and perhaps more importantly, avoid any and all references to whippoorwills.
6. Why country?
Willie Sutton supposedly said he robbed banks because that’s where the money was. Same deal, I guess. With the tragic demise of rock (March 12, 2000, in case you were wondering) and hip-hop doing its own flameout, the interesting songwriting has shifted to Alt-Country and Americana, and it seems to feel right at home. The magnificent pop hooks of mainstream country remain delicious, if lyrically horrifying. If this is where the good music is going, who am I not to follow?
Plus, in this genre you can still sell songs -- how cool is that?
7. Favorite backwoods expression?
“Meanness don't happen overnight,” officially, but I still have to laugh every time I hear “busier than a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest.”

Photos from GOOD FRIDAY honky tonk happy hour up on our facebook page!

Here's a little sneak preview, but you gotta friend us and check it out!
We had a great afternoon at the Shrunken Head... Slim White and the Avery's put on a great show and I had a ball playing with Fort Knox. Thanks to our extra extra awesome backup singers on "I'll Fly Away"... it was a thrill to harmonize with Slim, Eric Nassau, and Billy Zen. Hallelujiah bye and bye, indeed!

Slim White answers seven questions for songwriters

SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR SONGWRITERS
1. What makes you write?
I tend to approach writing as an exercise in discipline. I'm not one of these folks that waits for an "inspiration" or depends on a muse. I'll listen to some music by an artist I like a lot, and then I'll set out to write something that might have come from that artist. I'll just set up an assignment for myself. For instance, The Averys cover a song by Hank Williams called "Dear John". There is a singalong chorus where the whole band hollers "Dear John!". I like performing that song, so I thought I'd try writing something of my own that had the same type of chorus. That's where I got "High Life", which a song about drinking Miller High Life beer. I think that is an appropriate subject for a country song.

2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?
Back in the early '90s I used to play in a rock'n'roll band back in Missouri. The guitar player and co-front man was a great songwriter named Dave Brooks. He was a master of writing riffs. When would write songs for that band, I always wrote a place in the song for Dave to insert a killer guitar hook or a little riff that would grab the listener. I still do that to this day. When I'm writing, I tend to write specifically for the band. So, in The Averys, I always try to make sure there is a place in the song for Boots or Dusty to write a hook. Lately I've been looking for more bluesy structures so the band has some space to stretch out and vamp.

3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?
Hall and Oats. Love those guys.

4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?
Way back when I first started writing I was listening to a lot of Tom Waits and Lou Reed. Those guys are very literate and the lyric is really paramount in their work. My songs back then were pretty heavy and very artsy and poetic. I hate that stuff now. Life is short. I try to enjoy the music now, rather than treat it as a cartharsis. These days I just listen to the great old country songs and try my best to write stuff in that tradition. I'm talking about Hank Williams, The Carter Family, The Delmore Brothers, Buck Owens. I would rather de-emphasize my own personality, keep it simple and to the point, and also try to exibit a sense of humor in the lyric.

5. Advice for just-starting songwriters?
This is not an original observation, but it bears repeating: You have to work at it. You have to sit with the guitar and the legal pad and the pen and just write and write and write. And know that you'll have to write ten dogs for every decent song that you can come up with.

6. Why country?
It's the sense of tradition and permanence, I think. These song forms go back to the 19th century, and there is something comfortable in working this territory. The subject matter, too, works for me. I am no stranger to loss, pain, heartache, alcohol and hard work. I can write about these things.

7. Favorite backwoods expression?
Here is where my lack of genuine rural bona fides will betray me. As a city boy, I'm afraid I don't speak genuine backwoods lingo.

Editor's Note: "City Boy" is a qualifiable backwoods expression, and in my opinion Slim is one good old boy.

Slim White & The Averys w/ Fort Knox at April 2 Honky Tonk Happy Hour!

If you belly up to the bar at The Shrunken Head (formerly Victorians Midnight Café) on the first and third Friday of the month from 6-8 pm, you’ll be sure to hear some raucously original neo-traditional country music --- and you may even win a jar of homemade sweet pickles in the weekly raffle.

The show begins at 6pm with Fort Knox. Jamie Lyn’s lyrics and wry humor channel June Carter and Loretta Lynn in her own brand of neo-traditional "Deep Woods Off" country. Fort Knox can follow Jamie Lyn wherever she leads, with Brooklyn Country.com stating “Jamie Lyn infuses her honky-tonk story songs with a whole lot of humor, feeling and good-time energy”.

At 7pm, local honky tonk heroes Slim White and the Avery’s put their spin on the foot-stompin’ classic country and Bakersfield sound with a lineup of great originals and chestnut covers guaranteed to get folks out of their seats and dancing. Slim has been doing a phenomenal job with his Averys blog, check it out at www.ranchpartyroundup.com.

The Shrunken Head is a full-service restaurant and bar located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, offering happy hour specials daily: half price draft beers, $1 off top shelf liquor, $1 hot dogs, and $5 prime organic hamburgers. The Honky Tonk Happy Hour special is $4 for a Budweiser and shot of Jack Daniels whiskey. Admission to this event is free, and all ages are welcome, although those under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Andy Smith of OUTLAW DELUXE answers Seven Questions for Songwriters

1. What makes you write?
other songs and musicians that have inspired me

2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?
my uncle Dave. he showed me how to play.

3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?
dr teeth and the electric mayhem

4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?
johnny cash because he wrote his own songs and really appreciated other songs and songwriters and put his own spin on all of it.

5. Advice for just-starting songwriters?
good or bad write it down asap. anything and everything you can sort the good from the bad later.

6. Why country?
country music has so many flavors it leaves you with alot to cook with.

7. Favorite backwoods expression?
poosh as in "poosh the door shut it's gettin cold in here"

Andy Smith, of OUTLAW DELUXE
www.myspace.com/outlawdeluxe

Miss Molly Winters answers seven questions for songwriters:

1. What makes you write?
I love life and the things I learn from the world around me. I am very sensitive to stories of love, passion, heart break, and family. I am not made to write, I just feel like that is how I cope, how I express the emotions inside me.
2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?
Hard question. In the past two years, The Beatles, before that, I loved Beth Orton, Pearl Jam, Beck, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holiday, Patsy Cline and the list goes on.
3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?
Making up songs about just about anyone or anything, singing them in the car, or on a run, or writing them in books that will never be found.
4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?
The Beatles. They write such pop tunes that are elaborate and fulfilling, catchy and intense, and often political.
5. Advice for just-starting songwriters?
Write like crazy. Keep journels. Work with other people as much as you can. Learn songs as much as you can. Record whenever possible. Never sit down and force yourself to write a song, it doesn’t work that way.
6. Why country?
It is basic, fun to listen to, catchy, has a great beat, dance-inspiring, raw.
7. Favorite backwoods expression?
“Does Dolly Parton sleep on her back”

Hello there, Fort Knox friends & fans-- a great big special thanks to the Tin Hearts and to everybody who turned out for the Honky Tonk Happy Hour during snowmageddon this Friday! It was a lot of fun and we can't wait to see you again February 19th at Vic's!

:)

But if you just can't stand to be without us in the meantime, I have good news-- you won't have to wait too long because we've got a great show for you this Friday, from 6-8:30 PM at The Thirsty Ear!

Amy Evans (my favorite entertainer and a great songwriter) is going to kick off the show show at 6:00. You can hear a little of her music over at www.amyevansmusic.com. A little later on, Fort Knox will take the stage from 7-8:30. There are all sorts of drink specials and you can get a great pie delivered from Jimmy's if you get hungry. We'll see you there!

Next Honky Tonk Happy Hour at Victorians Midnight Cafe is Friday February 19, from 5:00-7:30. The bluegrass outfit Good Heads, Bad Heads joins Fort Knox for this one, we'll be raffling off another jar of Jamie Lyn's sweet pickles (or maybe some homemade elderberry syrup for your flapjacks!) and as always this event is free, free, free with a Honky Tonk special shot of jack and a budwieser beer for a mere $4.

Find us on Facebook by searching for fort knox + columbus!

See you there!

Jamie Lyn

The Other Paper Archives Music Honky tonk angel comes home

The Other Paper Archives Music Honky tonk angel comes home

Jamie Lyn answers seven questions for songwriters...

SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR SONGWRITERS

1. What makes you write?
JL: What doesn't? To be honest, I write my best stuff when I'm miserable. I tend to throw myself into my work when things aren't going well. Friends who have known me a long time know that when the going gets tough, I disappear. Then I re-emerge with a double fistful of songs. When things are going good, I'm on the dance floor and it's hard to write out there with all those people bumping into you and stuff.

2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?
JL: I grew up in a music-playing, music-loving family so this is a tough call. My Uncle Ray is a great singer and guitarist; he's one of those people who doesn't write songs, but he has a way of taking a song and making it is own. He has all his guitars down in the basement bedroom, and he plays mostly for his own enjoyment. And boy, would he get on my case if I didn't play well when we sat down to play together. On the other hand, my guitar teacher was a very glamourous, gorgeous lady who taught me Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Linda Ronstadt covers when I was like, seven. She wound up marrying my Uncle. When she died of breast cancer, he gave me this great sheepskin coat that was hers; I treasure that thing.

3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?
JL: My sisters still give me hell about a 4th grade obsession with Milli Vanilli. But you know, "Blame it on the rain" would make a great shout tune.

4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?
JL: Loretta Lynn. I love her take-no-prisoners lyrics. Man that lady is tough as nails. Moving from the country to living in cities, I was always kind of ashamed of the skills I acquired in my backwoods subculture. Loretta Lynn showed us all that a lady could whale on that guitar and write a lyric that'd just cut you in half, then go home and can some sausage or whip up a lemon meringue pie. Anyway, when she talks she sounds just like my grandma, and I always loved how Ms. Lynn would was writing songs forty years ago that were so macho they make Toby Keith and all them rhinestone cowboys quake like sissies. I used to play along with her records when I was a kid, and I'd hear her songs and think, "I can do that. I will do that".

5. Advice for just-starting songwriters on establishing yourself as a woman in the industry?
JL: Patsy Cline said the way for a woman to suceed in country music is to keep your head up and your skirt down. Do that, and talk yourself up. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, honey-- humility gets you nowhere. Be nice to everybody. It wins you loyal friends, while it leads your enemeies to think you're a little stupid, then they underestimate you. Next time they look up, they're eatin' your dust, and beggin' for an extra spoonful.
Oh, and I been onstage since I was four and I feel like I'm still just starting out every time my boots hit the boards. So I'd much rather take advice than give it...

6. Why country?
JL: It is an extricable part of me. I can't be anything else. My family's been making this music for 200 years. This music is the soundtrack of this country; Appalachia is the backbone of this nation. And those are my people, and this is what we sound like.

7. Favorite expression?
JL: That man's so shifty he could lay flat on his back and look both ways down a well.

Check out the new songs on the right!

Special thanks to Slim White & Kara Suzanne for helping me figure out bandcamp. I like to've stuck my head in a swarm of bees and forgot my own name trying to do this on my own-- but they saved me good!
Enjoy 'em-- this is some stuff we recorded on the fly over at Chase's house.
Jamie Lyn

Matt Sullivan of the Tin Hearts: Seven questions for songwriters

What makes you write?

I believe in the power of creating art with other people. In my life I have found that when you find something makes time fly by, and you can’t get enough of it; then you should try to seek it out as much as possible. I feel that way about writing, performing, and even practicing music. I could really do it all day every day.

2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?

My wife. She is a brutally honest critic and when she says something’s good. I know it is ready to bring to the band or perform in public.

In terms of nationally known musicians probably The Felice brothers and Richie Havens.

For someone out of the blue; the Columbus musician Robert Loss and his band The Wells have set the bar at such an excellent level; I can’t get enough of their music. It sounds like hyperbole but I think their album is so good, I get better just by listening to it..

3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?

Huey Lewis and the News. There are more of us out there than you think. If I come clean at a party there is inevitably someone who confides in me the love HL & TN too. We are like Star Trek fans, you don’t know who we are but we are out there and in force.



4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?

The Felice Brothers and Neco Case. I am inspired by their neo-retro style. Their sound is timeless, weird, and still very accessable. They have help create a genre that is not yet named that is part alt.country, part folk rock, part Americana. It’s like they took parts from a ’52 chevy and made an airplane. Don’t know how they did it, but it sure is cool.



5. Advice for just-starting songwriters on establishing yourself on the Columbus music scene?

In regards to any artist getting started it would be there are going to be times when you are AWFUL and be ok with that. Be strong in your vision, understand it’s a process, and be ok with change. What you thought you were when you start will not be what you are down the road. But have fun with the journey.

I would also say that find a mentor. Find someone who is in your genre and you can talk to as a human being. Musicians, by nature of being artists, can be moody and often it has little to do with their talent. I have been talked to like a pion from people that I wouldn’t want to hear do a dog food commercial and treated like gold by incredibly talented people. Just find people you respect and respectfully ask their opinion. I live by the montra I heard in an interview with rick ruben “what about the truth is not in your best interest?” I believe if you play often and are unafraid of honest feedback you will improve rapidly.

Finally I try to remember there is a difference between being good and being popular. Quality is objective; it is a matter of craft. Popularity is a matter of thousands of things you can’t control. In my opinion it is a waste of an artist’s time. Don’t worry about being a star, worry about being good at something you love.

6. Why country?

The narrative structure of country predates Dylan and all the folk rockers I adore. I like the blank pallet it provides to write songs about anything you want. As a genre it allows for almost any instrumentation, tempo, volume, topic; so it is a great platform for me to write about whatever I can think of.



7. Favorite backwoods expression?

I am full of them growing up in construction….but “blind pig finds an acorn every once in a while” and “you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”.
Advice for just-starting songwriters on establishing yourself on the Columbus music scene?