Featured Interview
Interview with Alyssa-Ann Grider, Co-writer of "Break Free" and "Butterflies"
Q1: What do you like most about songwriting, and what is the most challenging part for you?
* What I like most about songwriting is that you can write about anything. You can show your feelings and you don't have to hide anything. I also like writing a song that people can relate to. The most challenging part would probably be finishing a song. I think of only the first verse and chorus when I'm writing, and usually the second and end doesn't come to me until a week or couple weeks later.
Q2: Where does your inspiration for songs generally come from?
* I get inspiration from anything. I can watch the news and get inspired, I can pass a cute guy in the hallway and get inspired. I think you have to look at the world around you and pay attention to feelings and people.
Q3: How many songs have you written with Chelsea, and how did you first meet her?
* The only songs I have written with Chelsea is the ones you hear. I met her on MySpace a couple years ago and suggested that she should read some of my lyrics, and it all went from there. :-)
Q4: What inspired Butterflies?
* The song in general, I wrote in tenth grade. There was this boy who was SO cute, had blue eyes and blond hair. The first time I saw him, I wrote "Is this Butterflies, Something deep inside, something that never lets you go, Is this just a dream, Stuck in reality, or just something made for show". Obviously Chelsea had made some changes to the chorus, but that was the original part. I've always wanted to tell him, but I'll just keep it a secret.
Q5: What's the story behind Break Free?
* You know, I wrote the chorus "Lets break free tonight, see what we discover" in Nashville, two days after I had my voice surgery. I couldn't really talk (or sing) so I would "mouth" the words, and play along to my guitar. The song itself, is about being carefree and reckless. Just getting up and going a place where you don't have to think about anything. It makes it better, if you have the one you love beside you.
Q6: What line are you most proud of in Break Free?
* My favorite is the first two lines in the song "You've been aching for a new adventure, Wanted to reach out, but was never sure." I like those lines because it explains how some people are scared to take on a certain thing or live a little.
Q7: What does it feel like to have two songs that you co-wrote on a CD?
* It's liberating, exciting and just knowing that a lot of people will be hearing what you have written, is amazing.
Thanks so much to all of you who like the songs! Feel free to leave comments, and ask away! Hopefully I can share some more with you soon! :-)
-Alyssa
CD Release Interview
1. What was your favorite part of the recording process?
My favorite part of the recording process was the creativity. I love being able to go in the studio and let the creativity flow. It was awesome! It was amazing to watch the music I wrote come to life.
2. What was the most challenging part?
The most challenging part was trying to fund the cost upfront to record in Nashville. Unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees.
3. What was the first thing you did when you went to the studio?
The first thing I did when I went to the studio was "I took my shoes off" lol. I don't like recording in shoes. :) I have an obsession with fuzzy toe socks..They are so comfortable :D
4. Which song on your CD did you enjoy writing the most?
I had fun writing all of the ones I wrote/co-wrote. Off of the top of my head, I'd have to say "Notice Me" was fun for me to write. The day that I wrote that song...I had a friend tell me "she didn't believe in God and "she doesn't care what path He has for her, or if He even has a path". I decided to write that song from Gods point of view to her... and show her that if she ever takes the chance to "Notice" Him, things will be different. You'll have to listen to the song to see what I mean. :)
5. Which song are you most proud of vocally, and which song are you most proud of writing?
Vocally, would have to be "Thats Me" I love the vocal range in that song. :) For writing.. I'd have to say "What About Me" It's a song that a lot of children and teens can relate to, and it means a lot to me as well.
6. Was there anything about the recording process that came as a total surprise for you?
Honestly, the big surprise was seeing how fast the Nashville musicians can take a song that I wrote with just the guitar.. and turn it into something awesome! I guess that's the creativity. lol. All of the Nashville musicians that played on the record are sooo talented! :)
7. How can people order your CD?
They can order them from my website. www.chelseamusick.com :) just click on store, and your ready to go! :D lol
8. Are you going to have a CD release party?
Well, since the CD comes out 4 days before my 16th birthday... I think I'll just celebrate both together. lol :)
9. What are your plans for your music career for this summer?
I hope to start playing shows as much as I can in and out of NJ.
I want to travel and meet everyone that supports me. :D
10. Your 16th birthday is coming up, any special plans for that?
I'm really not one for huge parties, so I think I'll just hang out for the day with my family. *Maybe write a few songs. lol. It might rain that day anyway..so thats a bummer. :/
-Thank you Dana and Amanda for all of your hard work and support.
You both are amazing! <33
Winter 2008
1. What's your favorite Christmas song? I love Christmas music, but
at this moment, I love the song Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.
2. If you could have anything for Christmas this year, what would it be?
Hmmmm, fuzzy toe socks!! :-D <33 lol
3. What was the best gift you have ever given to someone?
Lol, probably the homemade things I did when I was a little kid...
It always means a lot more when you make them. :-)
4. Does your Christmas tree have any ornaments on it that you made when you were little? It sure does :-) I made Rudolph and a girl reindeer when i was reallllly young, and we still hang them up :-)
5. What does Christmas mean to you?
It means giving, love, peace, spending time with loved one and
to celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus <3
6. Have you ever written a song about Christmas?
I did write a Christmas song last year.. but it was for the military and their families.. maybe I will add it this week.. but its only a rough copy
7. Do you like making snow people or snow angels better?
Snow peopleeeeee! :-D I like making snow families. :-)
8. Being home schooled, do you ever get any snow days?
Sometimes if the schools around us have off, we have off.
Other than that, we have to finish our work before we go
out in the snow.
9. What are you most thankful for? My family and good health :-)
10. Favorite Christmas movie? A Year Without Santa is awesome.
I love Almost all Christmas movies...It's my favorite time of year <3
Fall 2008
1. What is your favorite type of Halloween candy?
My sister had a yummy chewy candy in her bag this year, and it was SOO good. It was sour green apple flavored...but I'm not sure of the name. It kind of looked like a long green tootie roll. lol
2. What is the best costume you have ever worn for Halloween?
My mom made the whole family The Wizards Of Oz one year.. and she made all the coustumes by hand. I was Glinda, and my costume looked REALLY awesome. All the costumes looked really cool. :-)
3. Being vegan, what do you eat on Thanksgiving?
This year I am going to have a Tofu Turkey. I cant wait to try it. I usually eat all the veggies and my Grandmom's AMAZING sweet potatoes. :-)
4. When did you first pick up a guitar? When I was 12 and a half I think. :-)
5. When a song idea comes to you, how do you remember it?
I try to find the closest thing that I can write on and scribble down whatever I'm thinking. I have a voice recorder, so if im around that.. I sing what I have in my head in to the recorder.
6. What was the first song you ever wrote called?
Oh Gosh. Im not sure. I dont think I named it, but it was SOO bad. I think I was like 8 when I TRIED to write it.
lol.( no one will ever hear that song. LOL <3)
7. What was it like to be on NBC's America's most talented Kids? It was SOO much fun:-) I had a blast. I got to meet a lot of really nice people and the experience was amazing.
8. Who has influenced you the most in songwriting?
A lot of people have influenced me from Artists, to family and friends. :-)
9. What are you studying in school right now?
Algebra, World Government, English, Public Speaking, Health, Religion and Science.
10. Favorite Book?
The Twilight Series! :-D I'm in love with this books. lol.
They are SOO good. I read the first book in one and a half days. (There are 4 books in the series)
The second book is really good so far:-) <3
Chelsea Musick: The Vegan Country Singer
How long have you been vegetarian/vegan?
I started out being a vegetarian when I was 10 years old...but now I'm a vegan.
Why did you go vegetarian/vegan?
I think it is cruel to murder an animal like people do, then eat it. The way that they kill them is wrong. Plus, the thought of eating animals, is gross!
What is your advice to those looking to go vegetarian or vegan?
Try it slow...there's A LOT of food out there for us... so go for it! :-)
What are your favorite foods?
VEGGIES!! haha. I love veggie burgers. Vegan steak and sausage is reallllly good too.
How would you describe your music?
Country-Country/Pop-Country/Christian
Where can people learn more about your music projects?
http://www.chelseamusick.com and http://www.myspace.com/chelseamusick.
Anything else you would like to add?
Go for your dreams. GO VEGGIE! GO GREEN! (haha, that rhymed :-D)
THIS INTERVIEW IS FROM http://blog.peta2.com/2008/06/chelsea_musick_the_vegan_count.html.
INTERVIEW FROM Chelsea Musick Arizona Street Team
1. What is your favorite song that you sing? I love singing a song that will be on my CD.I cant really say the name of it...but its an upbeat song with a great message for girls...(maybe even guys)lol.
2. What was your craziest experience with a fan? Honestly, I haven't had a "CRAZY" experience yet. Most people are pretty nice and down-to-earth when we meet.
3. What famous people have you met? I have been so lucky and grateful to meet many people. I've met them Jonas Brothers, LeAnn Rimes, Aaron Lines, Mario Lopez, JoJo, Diana Degarmo,Jason Michael Carrol, The Lost Trailers, Sarah Johns...just to name a few. They all are really nice :-)
4. What is you favorite song that is not yours? I love ALL of Carrie Underwood's,Martina McBride,Jonas Brothers songs...(really anything country) I don't really know what my favorite song is. I could be sitting in the car listening to the radio saying, "OMGosh! I looove this song!! Its my favorite!!" then the next one that comes on... Id say the same thing. lol.
5. What was your favorite performance you ever did? I really like singing for the elderly. They are always soo happy, and don't care if you make a mistake and forget a word. *[and when I had the chance to sing with The Lost Trailers on stage... that was AWESOME too :-)]
6. Have you ever been to someone else's concert? I went to Martina McBrides not too long ago and she blew me away. She was AMAZING!!! I could listen to her voice forever. I got to see the Jonas Brothers when they opened for Miley Cyrus. They were reallly great!!
©2008-2009
