Category Archives: Interviews

Kickn It Java Style with Cassie 4-01-15

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This weeks program is a little late.  But better late than never…..That lil ol devil thinks he is getting my goat.  Well I got news for him I did goat tying in High School.  Me and God got dis.

This weeks episode is brought to you by Two Or More Coffee House

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THIS WEEKS LINE UP 

  1. “I’m A Rock”  Kristina Craig Band
  2.   “Today’s Gonna Be Beautiful”  Mikayla Lynn
  3.   “Cowboy Boots In Heaven”  Isaac Cole
  4.   “Wont Let Go”  Carol
  5.   “Christian Rock n Roll”  Tommy Brandt II
  6.   “A New Rode”  Chloe Goss
  7.   “Heart of Worship”  Tommy Brandt
  8.   “Amazing Grace”  Dave Powers

 

FEATURED ARTIST OF THE WEEK

DAVE POWERS

S1FTYUYK

CLICK HERE TO ENTER DAVE POWERS MUSIC

 

 

KICKN IT JAVA STYLE WITH CASSIE

 

 

Dream Catcher 3:20

Cassie G

KIJS with Cassie-Interview with Chad Williams

541304_448906928512672_144913719_n I was blessed to get to watch Chad perform live at the 2014 ICM Awards Showcase.  That night Chad told us he had a head cold.  I thought wow if this is how he sings with a head cold I cant wait to hear him with out one because he is rocking it.

This week I decided to try out doing a phone interview.  I had a blast.  My friend was there with me and she said “wow you cant hide your emotions by your face for sure.” When I asked what she meant, she said ‘you looked like you love every minute of what you are doing”  I sure do.  So here it is KIJS with Cassie-Interview with Chad Williams

 

 

Interview with Chad Williams

Chad Williams grew up playing music with his family now still continues to sing and play to encourage others. In 2013 he had the opportunity to debut at the Inspirational Country Music Awards Week in Nashville , sharing the same stage with Jeff Bates ,Tommy Brandt, Randy-Paul, Aaron and Amanda Crabb, Cross Country the Band and many more. Music is and always will be a part of his life. His style is very different with a inspirational twist ,very soothing yet with a hint of country, blues , and whatever else you may pick up on. Nevertheless he always leaves you wanting to tap your feet right along.

 

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I love Blues Music and this song is now one of my favs. Click Below to listen to Blues Gospel.

BLUES GOSPEL

Check out Chad’s Video from the 2013 ICM Awards.

 

To learn more about Chad Willimas and his music and ministry click below.

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CLICK HERE TO ENTER CHAD WILLIAMS MUSIC

FOLLOW CHAD ON FACEBOOK AT CHAD WILLIAMS MUSIC

 

Thank You Chad for doing this interview for Kickn It Java Style with Cassie.

 

Dream Catcher 3:20

Cassie G

Interview with Kimberly Dawn

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I met Kimberly Dawn at the 2014 ICM Awards.  She is such a sweet woman of God.  I enjoyed her showcase and loved her true country sound.

Kimberly and I have a sweet mutual friend; Richard Frazier.  Richard Plays Kimberly’s music on The Richard Frazier Show.  He networked and connected us together.  I am so glad he did.

Kimberly called me the other night and we talked for over an hour.  She shared her heart with me and what God is done in her life.  She blessed me with this interview.

KIMBERLY DAWN

Kimberly Dawn Nutter, a native of Greenbrier County, WV, is a comparatively new edition to the Country/Gospel music industry. Since professionally beginning her career in 2013, her singing and songwriting abilities have made her one of the most influential voices of “this generation’ of Country/Gospel music. Kim always strives to reach out lyrically to the sick, afflicted, and broken-hearted, and her efforts have gotten noticed, often resulting in her music being described with words like: joyful, uplifting, inspiring, affirmative, exuberant,and universal in its appeal and intention. Her message is quite abundant with love, faith, rhythm, wisdom and soul.

Kim has striven to rise from the shy young vocalist she started as to where she is today. She whole-heartedly believes that her career is an answered prayer and an opportunity to use her combination of talent, extraordinary work-ethic, and girl-next-door likeability to continue both her artistic growth and growth with her ministry.

Bio taken from her website below

http://www.kimberlydawnministries.com/about/

Interview with Kimberly Dawn

 How long have you been singing Country and Inspirational Country Music?   I’ve been singing and writing all my life. However it wasn’t until after my children and myself experienced an enormous tragedy in 2011, I began to pursue my singing possibilities in the year 2013, I was encouraged by a professional friend to submit four of my songs to Internet Radio and in two days they charted in at #1, and remained in the top 20’s for over three weeks.

 

Are you an independent artist?  Yes.

 

What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?  I have several influences from different genres: Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Louie Armstrong, Jason Crabb, Allyson Krauss. The most influential in recent times would have to be Carrie Underwood.

 

What was your first song to hit the air waves?  “Holding On “

 

And which station started your adventure on air?   Wow, I started out on hundreds of different radio stations, thanks to HMG Christian Country Radio. 

Click on link below to listen to this great song by Kimberly Dawn

Holding On

 

What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you knew that this was what you wanted to do?  It was on a memorial day weekend, “Kimberly Dawn had been scheduled to perform for the Veterans and POW’s . We had several sound problems , not to mention my lead guitarist was stuck in a wreck just a few miles away, no one was hurt of course.  He called in and said he could not make it to play, I was feeling very discouraged , but the show must go on.  I looked up and saw a special needs couple raising their hands toward the heavens with smiles on their faces and tears of joy for the Lord streaming down from their eyes as they danced in circles all around the area while we played. Of course I was crying too, but I saw the love of God at work. That’s one of the most memorable times on this journey. But there have been many blessings almost too many to count.

 

What motivates you to keep going when you’re tired?  I think about the calling God has placed on my life. I think of how Jesus died for us and He never gave up on us.  Lord willing I will press through and keep on keeping on!

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Do you have any new projects in the making?  Absolutely , in just a few weeks we will have a complete album of twelve songs “ Reaching Higher “, as well as a single called “ Can’t have Me”.

 

Click on link below to listen to Cant Have Me

Cant Have Me

 

What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear? “Rain on me” just debuted about three weeks ago.

 

Click on Rain on Me to listen to her new single

Rain On Me

 

Do you write any of your own songs?  Yes, I write all of my songs and my husband helps me with music arrangements on a lot of them.

 

What is your personal favorite out of all the songs you have recorded or sing? “Reaching Higher “
is one of my favorites, it brought me through one of the hardest times in my life. All of my songs relate to an experience God has brought me through.

 

Can you share one of your funniest memories of Singing on stage or while recording?
There have been several; however everyone in the band got big kick out of me biting the mic, while we were on the air live at the Floyd Country Store in Floyd Virginia. I will share with you that my dress seam ripped straight up my leg at the Nashville Palace in Nashville Tennessee, while preforming and anyone that commented on my dress thought it was made that way.   I just kept on singing however,  I laughed half the night over that one.

 

Can you tell us about the clothing and accessories you have on your website?  Yes, the line of clothing and accessories are designed to represent the lyrics from various songs recorded. Proceeds go to a non-profit organization recently founded called Solomon’s Porch. For families, who have been and are afflicted by Drug Addiction, Loss and or Abuse. That’s another project I am working on.

 

Check out Kimberly’s Online Store Below

kimberlydawnsplace

 

What is your favorite scripture and what does it mean to you? 
Isaiah 59:1 Behold the Lord’s hand is not too short to save, and his ear is not too deaf to hear.
As long as we cry to God with sincerity , He can hear us and He will save us.
I share that scripture with people that feel they are unworthy of God’s love and mercy .

To learn more about Kimberly Dawn and her music please check out her website below.

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Click here to enter Kimberly Dawn Ministries

 

 

Thank You Kimberly Dawn!!!!!

 

Dream Catcher 3:20

Cassie G

Interview with Bart Fortenbery

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BART FORTENBERY

 

I am really excited about this interview with Bart Fortenbery.   I have been reading Bart’s website information, listening to him minister and listening to his jams…Loving what I am reading and hearing.

 

Check out this Video of Bart Ministering on Living to Please God

 

BART FORTENBERY

In 1993 Bart gave his life to Christ. Since then, he knew that God had a special plan for him. Bart has always had a love for music. Once he discovered Christian music, he knew that was where God wanted him to be. Bart’s mission, is to help the lost get saved but also help the saved stay encouraged in their walk. With the message in his songs and his testimony of money struggles, going through a divorce, losing a home, yet never giving up; most people can relate to his life. Bart says, We often try so hard to do what is right and yet, Satan keeps trying to wear us down. Personally I have wanted to give up many times. Through the love and encouragement of others I have continued to follow Gods will. That is the same thing I want to send to others.
In Roman’s 13:10 ;Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements;, and Ephesians 5:1-2 ;Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children, And walk in Love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God;. Bart says that we need to show more love and understanding towards each other and to be that reflection of Jesus Christ, so that others will want what we have , as Christians.

Bart is from the small town in Cherryville, North Carolina. He has 2 kids who is grown, daughter graduated from Sacramento State in California currently going for her masters at Appalachian University in NC  and son who graduated from UNC Asheville and married living in Gastonia NC.

TO READ MORE OF BART’S BIO PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW

http://www.bartfortenberymusic.com/about-me

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What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?
Steven Curtis Chapman and I was introduced to Christian country by listening to Del Way
What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on air?
My first song released to radio was “The Power of Prayer” which went to #1 on the Inspirational Country Music Charts in May of 2003, which was written about a little boy who was dignosed with Spinal Bifada. And how The Lord has healed him through prayer. And station I am not sure.
What would you say was the defining moment in your music ministry that you knew that this was what you wanted to do?
It has not been one thing but a list of things that the Lord has placed me in and the learning experience has been overwhelming. Like, started leading praise and worship in a few churches, then started a youth band that went to different places and played, and then was offered the position as Youth Pastor at a church and I am still doing that and loving it, and was asked to fill in as a pastor and turning out to be a 4 month long event bringing the message every Sunday and leading praise and worship, and then being asked to speak in this church and that. I feel that The Lord was working in my life to do this, even without having an education to be a pastor. The pastor of the church where I am the Youth Pastor, has guided me and gave me advice along the way. And it helps when he is also a teacher at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Charlotte NC, a school that Billy Graham had a part in starting. And through the response from all the places that I have sung and spoke has reassured me to follow this calling.
What motivates you to keep going when your tired?
Just knowing what God has done in my life and used me in the life of others keeps me going even when the thought of giving up occurs.
Do you have any projects in the making?
I just finished a project, but am working on a Bluegrass project and Contemparary Project, and will be next year before those are complete.
What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear?
“He’s working on Making it Better”
Do you write any of your own songs?
I write all my songs,
What is your personal favorite out of all the songs you have recorded or sung?
I would have to say The Power of Prayer since it was my first release and #1
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Can you share one of your funniest memories of Singing on stage or while recording?
I was not on a stage but I was singing in a Nursing home and the nurse had rolled a sweet ole man close to me as I was singing and he started coughing and he could not stop. As I was singing he coughed and his teeth come bouncing across the floor and I motioned for the nurse and never missed a beat singing. But afterwards it was a good laugh.
Can you tell us about Apple Lane Music Group?
I started this a few years ago, trying to learn about the song promotion part of the industry so I could help those starting out. I know how hard it was for me to come up with the money that some ask for, which is fine and they have done a great job for me in the past but it is hard to come up with alot of money. So I am learning as I promote myself. And my son had gone to College at UNC Asheville for Music production and he is helping me getting the studio up and running. I also give music lessons to students and used to have a music store.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT APPLE LANE MUSIC CLICK LINK BELOW
What is your favorite scripture and what does it mean to you?
That one is easy, and it is Galations 5, 22-23. If everyone had love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control, this would be such a better place to live!
Thank you Bart for this interview
This has been one of my favorite songs so far.  Recently I have been helping another artist on a project that has made my heart so tender towards our soldiers.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BART FORTENBERY AND PURCHASE HIS MUSIC TODAY

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BART FORTENBERY

Interview with Miss Taylon Hope

Taylon Flowers WWES

TAYLON HOPE

 

This last year I was blessed to attend the 2014 ICM Awards.  As I was walking around all of the booths I saw a beautiful young lady standing behind one of the booths.  I realized she was Miss Taylon Hope.

I had listened to Taylon on HLE Radio and fell in love with her voice.  I had no clue she was only nine years old.  As I stood and listened to Taylon speaking with others around her, I was drawn to her.  Taylon spoke with others with such maturity, both intellectually and spiritually.  My heart was drawn to her for more than one reason.  I saw God in her and I also was reminded of two very special girls I have been blessed to get to know in my life. Taylon reminded me so much of the younger of these two girls all the way down to her beautiful red hair.

Taylon Singing use Cassie

When you listen to someone on the radio you only imagine what they are really like.  As I watched Miss Taylon singing her heart out on the stage, my heart melted even more.  I knew right then I needed her cd.   I also knew two young ladies I couldn’t wait to bless with Taylon’s music.  I was so disappointed that I got so distracted and forgot to stop back by the booth and purchase one.  Well God knew my heart because a few weeks later I was blessed by Taylon and her parents.  They sent not only a cd for me but two autographed photos for the two special girls I mentioned above.  They put smiles on lots of faces with that blessing.

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I am so very grateful to present to you my Interview with Miss Taylon Hope.

 

TAYLON HOPE

Taylon Hope is a nine-year old singer and musician from West Jefferson, NC. Taylon began singing when she was four years old in her church. She currently maintains a busy schedule throughout the year of performing at churches, festivals, fairs, and other venues. She released her debut CD, recorded in Nashville, TN, “What This World Needs”, produced by Tommy Brandt, in September of 2014 . She is part of Beyond The Music Promotions, owned by Tommy and his wife, Michelle. Taylon plays guitar and is also learning to play piano and mandolin. She was nominated last year for Youth In Music Award for the 2014 ICM Awards and nominations for Youth Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year at the 2014 AMG Awards.

Taylon loves to travel, playing tennis, spending time with her friends, and spending time on her grandparent’s farm. Her favorite place to visit is Nashville, TN and one of her many goals for herself is to one day sing at the Opry. She loves animals and has a pony, a dog, and a cat. Taylon feels blessed to be able to share her love for music and she has a strong desire to continue traveling and sharing God’s word through her music.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Question #1. At what age did you start singing Country and Inspirational Country Music?

Since I was small my parents have always told me they could tell I had a strong love for music. I began singing in my church at the age of 4 years old. In 2013, at the age of 8, I began singing Christian/Country music after listening and talking with my friend and mentor Tommy Brandt.

Question #2.What artist would you say has influenced your music the most?

The artist that influenced me the most would be Carrie Underwood. Her voice is amazing. I have had the opportunity to see her perform twice at the Opry. I love her latest song “Something In The Water” and how she is a Christian.

I also appreciate many other artists and musicians and their talents such as Hunter Hayes, Rhonda Vincent, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline. Christian Country/Gospel artists: Tommy Brandt, Mary James, Adam Crabb, and Kari Jobe.

Question #3. What was your first song to hit the air waves? And which station started your adventure on the radio?

My first song to hit radio was my current new single “What This World Needs” and the first radio to play my new single was HLE Radio out of Jennings, Louisiana.

Question #4. Do you have any new projects in the making?

I just released my current CD recorded in Nashville, TN in September of 2014. Currently, I have lots of goals for myself and my music. I am currently booking new dates and events for 2015 and I am working on writing a new song.

Question #5. What’s your current single on the air waves that we might hear?

My current single is “What This World Needs” I plan to release another single from my new CD this year.

 

Question #6. Does anyone else in your family sing or write music?

My Mom grew up singing with my Grandmother. My Mom and I do sing together and practice together a lot at my church. My Dad plays some guitar with me as well.

Question #7. What is your personal favorite out of all the songs you have recorded or sing?

I would say my favorite song from my new CD is the song “She Prayed Anyway” I wrote this song and Tommy Brandt helped me with it. I wrote the song about a young girl my age in third grade. The songs tells about how others questioned the young girl for praying during the moment of silence at school. She decided that no matter what she would always put God first in her life and she prayed anyway.

Question #8. What do your friends think about you singing and traveling?

My friends think that my singing and traveling is cool and they ask me to sing for them. They like to hear me play guitar. My friends like to hear a lot about Nashville. I have had the opportunity to sing at many local events in my hometown and I got to sing the National Anthem at my school this year and for the high school football and basketball games.

Questions #9. Are you part of a record label or independent?

I am currently independent. I am a part of Beyond The Music Promotions owned by Tommy and Michelle Brandt. I love them and all of the artists that work with BTM promotions. It is so much fun to travel and sing with all of them.

Taylon Cassie #4

Question #10.  Who do you travel with on the road?

I travel with Dad and Mom.

Question #11.  Can you share one of your funniest memories of Singing on stage or while recording?

One time my Dad was starting my music and he started the wrong song and I told the crowd he was a “work in progress” and everyone laughed. Also, while recording I have a really country voice and I laughed because I didn’t realize how country I was until I started recording. However, I love being country and that is who I am.

Question #12. What is your favorite scripture and what does it mean to you?

My favorite scripture is John 3:16 and it means that God loved us so much that he gave up his only son for all of us. We serve an amazing God.

 

THANK YOU SO MUCH TAYLON FOR SHARING YOUR HEART AND MUSIC WITH US.

 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MISS TAYLON HOPE BE SURE TO CLICK ON HER WEBSITE BELOW

Taylon Cassie #7

CLICK HERE TO GO TO http://taylonhopemusic.com/

Taylon can be reached for bookings or information at:
*[email protected]
*Phone contact 336-846-9589

Follow Taylon on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/TaylonHopeMillerMusic?fref=ts

 

Dream Catcher 3:20

Cassie Gilman