Bonnaroo 2014

Being a volunteer at Bonnaroo had so many perks to it even though I hate camping. It definitely hardened me as a person. But it was so rewarding being able to help people. I do not want to post all of the details of my experiences because they are gross. But I am about to post the setlists from the bands that I saw. If you were at Bonnaroo, you'll understand that it is very hard to write about because you really have to experience it for yourself.

Bands I saw:
Kins
St. Paul & The Broken Bones
John & Jacob
Janelle Monae
Vampire Weekend
Kanye West
Ice Cube
Skrillex Superjam
Seasick Steve
The Bouncing Souls
Lionel Richie
Jack White
Lake Street Dive
Arctic Monkeys
Shovels & Rope
The Avett Brothers

There were so many more smaller bands that I saw throughout the day, but those are the main ones that I saw.

Edit this setlist | More Kanye West setlists

Edit this setlist | More Bonnaroo Superjam setlists

Edit this setlist | More Jack White setlists

Edit this setlist | More Seasick Steve setlists

Edit this setlist | More Lionel Richie setlists

Edit this setlist | More Shovels & Rope setlists

Edit this setlist | More Bonnaroo Superjam setlists

Edit this setlist | More The Avett Brothers setlists

A Story Written About CMA Fest

By Kinsey Haynes

At CMA Fest, it is not all about the bands at who play LP Field.

There are bands that play the smaller stages too, and they play a big role in getting these big names to their final destination.

Everyone knows Florida-Georgia Line's "Cruise", The Band Perry's "Done", and Lady Antebellum's "Better Off Now That You're Gone." All of these bands played over the course of four days at LP Field, but what about those who played throughout downtown in the day?

What do Chase Rice, John & Jacob, and Will Hoge all have in common? They all have written songs for these main stage artists.

Asheville, North Carolina singer, Chase Rice played the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage at 1:30 on Friday. Rice is best known for writing Florida-Georgia Line's No. 1 single "Cruise" which has gone platinum six times over in just the U.S. However, his place on the main stage remains to be seen. "Cruise" is currently the best selling Country song of all time and it was written by someone who played a smaller stage.

Birmingham, Alabama duo, John & Jacob, played the CMA Close-Up stage on Sunday at 1:45. They first made a name for themselves by co-writing The Band Perry's hit single "Done".

"We went to Europe with them," said John. "We had such a good time that Neil and Reed [Perry] asked if we wanted to write with them. That was the first song that we wrote."

"When Kimberly [Perry] got a hold of it, she just killed it," said Jacob. "We are thankful that they did it. It's very surreal."

"Done" has been certified gold in the U.S. and has been No. 1 on numerous country charts in the last year.

In 2013, Nashville native, Will Hoge received a phone call from Lady Antebellum with an interesting request: to ask if they could use of his song, "Better Off Now That You're Gone" for their then upcoming album, Golden.

At the Bud Light stage on Friday, Will stated, “This next song is one of mine that I recorded and was picked up by a band you may have heard of called Lady Antebellum." The song is on Hoge's 2003 release Blackbird on a Lonely Wire.

"We called him up and asked if we could do the song. He was more than happy to let us do it," said Charles Kelley from Lady Antebellum. "We love Will and he is extremely talented."

Hillary Scott, singer for Lady Antebellum had a similar response when asked about Hoge.

"I love Will and his music," Scott said. "I love the way the song turned out and I love his version as well. I expect big things from him."

Maybe one day these three "small stage" acts will gain their rightful recognition and have their LP Field moment. 

Straight Talk With Leann Rimes

Originally posted on CMAcloseup.com

By Kinsey Haynes

When Sirius/XM “The Highway” personality Storme Warren walked onto the CMA Close Up Stage in Fan Fair X, he came bearing jokes and stories from his experiences in the Country Music industry.

After he had spent about 10 minutes of talking about Country greats including Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Conway Twitty and Tammy Wynette, LeAnn Rimes yelled from backstage, “Hey, we are ready!”

The audience erupted with applause and standing ovations as she entered, flashing a huge grin.

Warren then began his interview with the Country star, who enjoyed her first hit record, “Blue,” at age 13. “We have watched you grow up on the television. We have watched you grow up musically, in the tabloids, in the press,” Warren said.

Asked how she attained success so young and maintained her career up to this point, Rimes attributed it to being “stubborn as shit.”

“I’m a fighter and I love what I do. It’s all I know and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do,” said Rimes. “I have this drive and have since I was young.”

Having missed out on her childhood, Rimes now lives vicariously through her two stepchildren. She enjoys planning their birthday parties and running their social calendar as well as being “super mom.”

After sharing several stories, she played the title track off her most recent album Spitfire, which she noted came out a year ago yesterday. She also discussed the reality show that she and her husband, Eddie Cibrian, will  launch July 17 on VH1, called “LeAnn and Eddie.”

“It’s a satirical look into our life. It’s fun. We don’t hold back on a lot of things and you hear our side of everything,” Rimes said. “We wanted to be at home with our kids so we did it like we were working a 9-to-5 job.

Rimes then surprised the crowd by performing her first hit single, “Blue.” As the estimated 300 onlookers sang with her, she broke into an appreciative smile.

The ultimate message Rimes wanted to convey is that she is just a normal person like everyone else.

“People in my position are normal. We go through the same stuff,” Rimes said.

She ended the interview playing the song “Gasoline and Matches.”

“I was a little girl with a big voice,” she said. “My dad always told me that one day I would have to be someone with more than that. My voice is communication.”

Will Hoge Proves His Country Cred

Originally posted on CMAcloseup.com

By Kinsey Haynes

Will Hoge proves true music can last, even in a changing industry. Not only did his newest album, Never Give In, land him a No. 1 spot on the Billboard Heatseekers chart in its first week, but the first single, “Strong,” was picked up by Chevrolet for its 2013 Silverado ad campaign.

At the Bud Light Stage early on Friday afternoon, Hoge ran out and opened with “Long Gone.” After tossing his guitar offstage to his tour manager, he strapped on another one and played “Better Off Now That You’re Gone.”

“This next song is one of mine that I recorded and was picked up by a band you may have heard of called Lady Antebellum. CMA Fest is a perfect time to have people join you onstage so,” he teased, “Lady Antebellum is not here today. But thank you very much.”

He followed with more from four of his eight studio albums, including the bluesy “Still Got You On My Mind;” a raw, emotional “When I Get My Wings;” the storyteller “Even If It Breaks Your Heart;” and the rock ‘n’ roll ballad “Bad Ol’ Days”

“I was told for years that I’d never have a song played on Country radio,” Hoge said. “I would like to thank all of y’all Country Music fans and the fine folks at Country radio for proving everybody wrong.” And then he played “Strong,” which evoked a huge crowd response.

He closed with “The Highway’s Home” from his 2007 album, Draw the Curtains. The band gathered around the microphone and sang the chorus from the Hank Williams song “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” The crowd was more than pleased.

As he walked offstage, Hoge addressed the crowd with a heart-warming “thank you” and a smile.