Halfstack Fall Issue Sneak Peek: Off to Grammy Camp

Halfstack Fall Issue Sneak Peek: Off to Grammy Camp

Written by: Cora Vasseur as featured in Halfstack's Fall Issue.

Chicago is rich in music history and prowess across the genres. It was no surprise when several Chicagoland high school students were selected for the GRAMMY Foundation’s prestigious GRAMMY Camp. In their 10th year of existence, there will be 173 high school students total from across the country and the globe. Some students will be flying in from Japan, China, and England to learn what it takes to make it in today’s music industry.


The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1988 to foster the betterment of American recorded music through programs and events that involve music industry professionals with different communities.

“We always wanted to have another vehicle for those high school students who wanted more in-depth information and instruction about the various careers in the business of music,” says David R. Sears, Executive Education Director. “It’s day long music industry career day.”

"The GRAMMY Foundation's GRAMMY Camp has become our signature program that provides young people with an extraordinarily in-depth experience, giving them a genuine sense of what it's like to have a career in the music industry," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation. "Each and every GRAMMY Camper benefits from this program and takes with them valuable lessons learned as they continue their music journeys."

Candidates apply online for one or more of the eight career tracks, which include instrumental performance, vocal performance, audio engineering, music journalism, music business, video production and motion graphics, songwriting and electronic music production. Campers are selected on many factors, but especially two key elements.

-For the full article, check back Wednesday Sept. 17, 2014 to read the complete story in Halfstack’s Fall 2014 Issue. You can download the latest copy of the magazine at: www.issuu.com/halfstackmag

Halfstack Fall Issue Sneak Peek: Macy's Glamorama

Halfstack Fall Issue Sneak Peek: Macy's Glamorama

Written by: Perry Fish as featured in Halfstack's Fall Issue.

If I were throwing a party, of course I would invite Jason Derulo.  There would be live music, a fashion show, male models in Diesel briefs, confetti falling from the ceiling, a red carpet; hey, a girl can dream. The best part?  It would all be for an amazing cause! 

On Friday, August 8th, at Millennium Park’s Harris Theatre, Macy’s put on my ideal party, the party of all parties, Glamorama!  This year’s theme, Fashion Rocks, brought style, music, and the people of Chicago together for one special evening. 

The event also aimed to raise funds and awareness for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund in Minneapolis and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.  Within the past 5 years, nearly $1 million has been raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities, which has funded the ability for families to stay close while their children are treated. 

To kick off the event, Macy’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Terry Lundgren and RMHC-CNI Ambassador Child, Samantha Roberson, introduced the evening and riled up the crowed for a mesmerizing display of fall fashion!

The evening’s fashion lineup included, Tommy Hilfiger, Weekend MaxMara, Men In Suites, I.N.C International Concepts, Macy’s Impulse, Hello Kitty, Denim Nation, Calvin Klein, and Diesel.   While all of the shows were brilliant, especially Diesels display of more than 20 men in boxer briefs, moving about the stage to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Calvin Klein’s execution was nothing short of breathtaking.  The chic display of chunky knits and tailored jackets in shades of blush and charcoal had me wishing for a pumpkin spice latte.

For the full article, check back Wednesday Sept. 17, 2014 to read the complete story in Halfstack’s Fall 2014 Issue. You can download the latest copy of the magazine at: www.issuu.com/halfstackmag

Guitar Hero Frankie Ballard Brings "Sunshine and Whiskey" to Chicago

Guitar Hero Frankie Ballard Brings "Sunshine and Whiskey" to Chicago

I grew up listening to rock and blues music. I’m a recent country music convert and still adjusting to my new identity. Musicians like Frankie Ballard make that transition easier. I knew I could trust him when we talked about his blues influences and he dropped a catalogue of performers he studied. The Michigan native’s voice and tone filled with worldly respect and humble admiration when talking about blues legends and guitar playing. I already respected him preparing for the interview. Fresh out of college he played over 200 nights a year in a 300 mile radius while taking monthly trips to Nashville. That type of dedication is something we all can get behind. If the idea of country music puts up your hackles, you might enjoy Frankie’s music.

If you already like country or just elegant and confident guitar riffs, you’ll like Frankie. He took a break from restringing his guitars to speak with us. Halfstack: When people think of country and country music, many think of the South. What's been your experience coming from Michigan and singing country? Frankie Ballard: Well, I’m from Southern Michigan, see. A lot of people ask me, “What do you know about country?” But as long as there are blue collar, hardworking people there will be country music fans. I grew up listening to it with my dad. It was always there. Wasn’t until I started traveling around that people started saying you had to be from the South.



H: How has it been an advantage?  
FB: I think it definitely gives me a different perspective. Grew up on a lot of Bob Seger. It heavily influence me and not sure a lot of people experienced that the way I did. Enjoyed the rock and roll scene. I think that’s really made a difference. H: "Helluva Life" garnered your first Gold record. How did that feel? What did it mean to you? FB: It’s amazing always imagined what that’d be like, you know. The two words “gold record” makes me think of Elvis. So surreal to have one. I gave it to my parents so it’s hanging on their wall back home. H: You had a little different approach writing this album. On the website, it says, "[w]hat had been missing ...was a blue-collar sense of crafting his own product from the bottom up, of putting his stamp on every step of the process." What was that experience like? FB: I got to make this record the way I wanted to make it. Real important to me. The mixing of the music I think makes a big difference. I wanted to take my time and play a lot of guitar on it. A different way of looking at things. I got with a producer, Marshall Altman, who allowed me to do that. Big difference maker. Really took our time, fiddled around and experimented with different sounds. Really think we made something that sounds different and fresh.



H: Is there an example from the album where we can really hear your stamp?
FB:I think Sunshine and Whiskey, my current single, you can tell production wise. I’m simply playing guitar and we really fiddled around with it. The vibe of that tune. So much of what I think makes that song work is the vibe so that’s a perfect example. Production all across the board is different. The freshness. I had a little different perspective. H: Country Weekly described you as a "true guitar hero" with an elegant, supple style of playing rarely seen in these days hard rock country. Who are your influences and how'd you develop your style? FB: Heavy blues influence like Stevie Ray Vaughn. Then I started looking back to see where Stevie Ray Vaughn figured out his stuff and I found Freddy King and a lot of old school blues guys. You know I went down the whole Lynyrd Skynrd. As a guitar player you really discover all those guitar heroes. Hendrix, Clapton, Led Zeppelin. Went through a whole rock and roll thing, really discovered classic guitar playing. As for the way I play it’s really based in Southern rock and blues primarily.

Ballard in Omaha, Nebraska

H: You're preparing for your first headlining run. How will that be different than other tours? Are you preparing for it any differently? 
FB: On a lot of tours you might get forty-five minutes, maybe thirty minutes to strut your stuff and win some fans. I’m excited to do a whole set, the whole story. Get to play all the songs on the album. Get to have some fun. Play some guitar. Really looking forward to it. It’s exciting but also nerve wracking. You’re the one responsible for getting people in seats. It’s going to be fun though, really looking forward to it. Lot of great rooms. H: What do you love about touring/performing live? FB: For me it’s all about the energy. I love strapping on the guitar, singing the songs, playing with a live band. That energy you get from the stage, that energy you get from the crowd. That relationship that happens. It’s really a lot of fun. There’s no place on Earth you can get that. I really just love being able to rock with the fans.






H: What's your favorite song to perform live? 
FB: I got this one on my album called “Drinky Drink”. It’s really a lot of fun to play. Really upbeat, the tempo is raucous, lot of guitar playing. That’s just a fun one to get people partying. It’s a party song. I’d have to say "Helluva Life", too, because it was my first number one. Everybody knows it. A lot of people come to hear that song.

H: What's the number one thing you'd like people to know about your work and you? 
FB: I take it very seriously. It’s everything to me. For example I’m in Montgomery, Indiana right now talking to you. I’ll be working on my gear all day, sound checks. I’m in the trailer, got my stuff, working, changing strings. I just can’t get enough of it. I just pour everything into it. It’s my whole life and I want people to know that when they come see me. They’re just getting a look into who I am. It’s a lot of fun to be able to share it. So support our Northern brother in a Southern man's game. Frankie Ballard performs this Friday, September 12th, at Joe's Sports Bar. For more information on Frankie, visit his website.

Pop Star Taylor Dayne Redeems Star Status with New Single and Motherhood

Pop Star Taylor Dayne Redeems Star Status with New Single and Motherhood

Singer and songwriter, Taylor Dayne may have been M.I.A. for a while now yet her tenacious spirit proves to the world that she still has what it takes to reach higher heights in her singing career. And her new single, Dreaming, is putting Taylor Dayne right back where she belongs: to the top of the charts. “I wrote the song three years ago,” she explained. “It was officially released a few days ago, so I am pretty excited about that.”
 

Although Taylor Dayne has received worldwide fame during the years as singer and songwriter, just like any other celebrity; she has decided to take a break from the spotlight and focus on life’s little treasures: friends and family. “Right now, I live in Los Angeles. It is known as the entertainment capital, so my life is pretty balanced, thus far. It is conducive to what I need to do as a mother and entertainer.” She resumed. “I have great friends who are very loving and supportive towards me and what I do.”

To the world, Taylor Dayne is known as one of the most talented singers in the music diversion, but she is more than what others perceive her to be, especially when she is not entertaining millions of fans. “Yes, I am a singer and songwriter, but I have other talents that not too many people know about. When I am not on the road, I like to study different people and things. I can’t really explain why; it’s just something that interests me and I like to cook, too. Also, I am interested in learning more about television production.”

Taylor Dayne may have been a fan of pop music since childhood, but other musical genres makes her dance and snap her fingers as well, such as rap and rhythm-and-blues music. “If given the chance, I would like to work with [Dr. Dre], Justin Timberlake and [Charlie Wilson]. Those guys are very talented in the singing and songwriting area,” she concluded, leaving the interview to a close as she gets ready to do what she does best: give one heck of a performance.

For more information, you can reach Taylor Dayne @Taylor_Dayne on twitter, therealTaylorDayne on Face book, TaylorDayne7 on Instagram and www.taylordayne.com
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Dana Rettig - Culture & Lifestyle Blogger