-Tara
Recently named one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s 10 New Country Artists You Need To Know, Kasey Tyndall's musical journey began in 2014 when she won a contest to sing with Keith Urban - an experience that propelled the young singer-songwriter on an exciting trajectory. In 2017 Kasey released her debut album, Between Salvation and Survival, a ten-track collection that highlights her ability to expose both her raw and rockin' and boldly tender sides. Having recently wrapped a tour with Corey Smith, Tyndall graciously took the time to chat about the album and touring, share the stories behind the songs, and more. In 2014, you won a contest to sing with Keith Urban. What spurred your entering the contest? Was it on a whim or was music something that you were always interested in pursuing? Music was definitely something that was always there for me, but I didn’t know anyone in the business or how to get started. I was very realistic about anything ever happening for me, so I figured I would become a nurse [Tyndall was studying at East Carolina University] and music would just be a dream...but then it became a reality when I got to sing “We Were Us” with Keith Urban, which is really what started me on this journey I am on now. That must have been an incredible experience. And from singing with Keith, things seem to have moved in a very accelerated fashion for you. That’s what everyone has been telling me, but I’m just here for the ride, which has been an amazing one so far. I have an incredible team who kick butt for me every day and I give them all the credit for what's been happening. Last year, your debut full-length album, Between Salvation and Survival, came out. It’s a well-crafted blend of rock and country that really gives a sense of female strength and empowerment. Thank you. I grew up with divorced parents and my Dad was always listening to Bluegrass and country, while my Mom liked rock. My influences included women like Rhonda Vincent and Shania Twain to Joan Jett and Pat Benatar. They’re strong females who, along with my Mom, have shaped me and my music. In addition to being an artist, you have a publishing deal with SonyATV. When did you begin writing? When I was growing up, I used to write little songs in my room and before I moved to Nashville, I was co-writing with people in Raleigh. But my writing really started when I moved to Nashville and got the publishing deal. Now, I get to co-write for a living when I’m not on the road, which is pretty incredible. And since then you have written with Neil Mason [Cadillac Three], Driver Williams [Eric Church Band] and Taylor Phillips, among others. Is being in a room with established writers surreal, exciting, and/or nerve-wracking? I’m always excited, but I’m definitely a little nervous. My first co-write in Nashville is a great example of how I feel when I get in a room. A friend of my manager's, named Nick, asked to me co-write, but said his friend Doug asked to be there as well. I didn’t know who Doug was, and being it was my first co-write, I said sure. About three quarters through the co-write, Mr. Doug had to step out and Nick asked if knew who he was. He goes on to tell me Doug is Doug Johnson who wrote “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Love Like Crazy” - and from there on out I couldn’t focus. I don’t even remember the rest of the co-write (laughing). I have had a lot of those moments and they make me remember that even though I’ve grown so much on my journey so far, I have a lot to learn. There's so much to learn, but you have some excellent teachers. The video for your current single, “Bar That’s Open," has been featured on both CMT and Spotify playlists. Is there any particular story behind that song? I wrote that one with Ashley McBryde and my best friend Lainey Wilson. We were at Ashley’s manager’s office and she went into Eric Church’s office and brings back this big handle of JD and says, ‘Alright girls, let’s write a good song today.’ And that’s how that one was born. Me and Lainey are roommates and after that co-write, we looked at each other like, ‘Who’s driving home?’ (laughing) That’s a way to write a song! How about “Bible and The Bottle,” which will be your next single? It’s a very emotional and relatable tune. I wrote that one with Chris Cann and Pete Sallis. At the time I was dating a guy and I knew that I was going to get dumped, I felt it. I’m a Christian and I love me some Jesus, but sometimes when bad things happen it’s easier to kill pain with a shot while you’re waiting for the long-term answer or something good. The song has this one phrase, “between salvation and survival,” that represents where we sit a lot of times when we’re going through something. I felt that so many people could relate to those words, that I made it the title of the album. There’s a lot of truth in that song. Is there any particular reason you bookended the album with “Boots Stompin’” and “Everyday Girl?” “Boots Stompin’” is basically me saying come out to my show. Every artist has their strength be it social media or online videos, and mine is the live show. I have a great band and we like to put on a party atmosphere where we all can have fun together. I placed “Everyday Girl” last because I wanted to cap off the record with a song that was bold and empowering. Last year you played 109 dates and toured with Wheeler Walker Jr, Parmalee, Casey Donahew and Corey Smith, among others. How were those tours and what are your plans for the summer and fall? With Wheeler’s, I just grew a pair and said 'Let’s do it.' Although I was nervous, his crowds were some of the most respectful I have ever seen. He and his crew treated us so well and we had such a good time, that I would do it all again tomorrow. I am finishing up this run with Corey, who was also so incredible to us, then we’re lining up fairs and festivals for the summer and working on some different tours for the fall. Is there one specific venue you would love to play? I want to play the Grand Ole Opry so bad, that’s a dream of mine. At the pace you’re moving, that dream is surely one that will be a reality. Finally, as you spend time on the road, is there one recent release you’re listening to that you recommend others check out? Larkin Poe. That’s who has been coming through my speakers lately. Website Purchase
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |