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Living in Nashville means living amongst musicians, songwriters, and artists. Those that don't already hold one of those positions either work in the music business or aspire to be any of the previously mentioned. I can't tell you how many times I have met someone whose parents "work in the music business" or themselves "work in the music business". Whenever I tell people my family moved here from Little Rock, I often get the question "Did you move here so your dad could do music?" HA...no. Now I should probably give my dad a little credit here, because he is the only family member that is actually musically inclined. He has a beautiful singing voice and is a very talented pianist. In fact, he recently discovered the piano app on my mom's iPad. Despite his aversion to advancing technology, he was very entertained by this touch screen handheld piano. His musical abilities, however, don't lend to his career path. So to answer your question, yes I live in Nashville, no my father is not "in the music business".

So back to my point about living in music city...there are always concerts and music events going on. I wish I was a little cooler, a little more "Nashville cultured", a little more in the know; because I know I don't take advantage of this town. Since moving back home, I have joined a Nashville twitter (keeps me updated about what's going on in Nashville), signed up for Groupon and LivingSocial, and have even started reading the paper (online...but it still counts, right?). I'm trying to become a good citizen to this place. Really I'm just trying to find things to do, since I already lost some cool points by living at home with my parents (Kidding...I know they're reading this. Just a little joke for them. Love ya roomies!) So one of my first big contributions to becoming "more Nashville" was this past weekend. My sister-in-law and I went to the Taylor Swift concert. Yeah, I know. Talk about being in the know. You would literally have to live under a rock if you weren't aware that T.Swift was on tour right now, better yet that she was doing two shows in Nashville. My SIL and I have been counting down the days, hours, and minutes since we got the tickets in March. It was better than we ever dreamed. Surprise guests? Nashville celebs: Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw. It was truly magical. She is amazing!!

Krista & I ready to see our BFF, Taylor. Cowboy boots and all.

If this guitar ever went on eBay, I'd be the highest bidder. Sparkle guitar? Yes, please.

Tim McGraw--Taylor's inspiration for her first hit song.

One of my favorite bands, NeedToBreathe opened, which leads me to my next point (I'm feeling very musical can you tell?). They just released a new album this week called The Reckoning. Go buy it! Favorite songs: White Fences, Angel at my Door, Slumber, Able.

NEEDTOBREATHE

No, I'm not done yet. Who knows, you may be one of those people that stumbled upon my blog, happened to have received an iTunes gift card recently, and have been thinking "I wish I knew of some good tunes to buy with this!"...well now you're in luck!! Next album that is currently on repeat on my iPod is Ben Rector's new album Something Like This. Favorite songs: She Is, Hide Away, You and Me, Wanna be Loved, Falling in Love (Seriously...this whole album is amazing-all of them are great. His other albums don't disappoint either).

Ben Rector

And my final suggestion for your listening pleasure is a new artist who I was recently introduced by one of my Nashville friends (who is clearly cooler than me and knows about up and coming artists). She's super hip and trendy and is actually friends with this guy; who in my opinion will soon become very well known. His name is Steve Moakler. Strong voice, talented musician, and incredible lyrics (and he's extremely good looking--Steve, if you're reading this...we both live in Nashville, are you single?). Buy his recently released album Watching Time Run. Favorite songs: Best Thing, Thing About Us, Truth, This Ain't Rock and Roll.

Steve Moakler

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now. Just thought these new albums deserved a little recognition. So if you need some new jams to cruise to this weekend, or just a change from your same old, same old--go download these! You won't be dissapointed, I promise. Happy listening!!

P.S. If you've got some suggestions, please pass them on. Like I said...trying to be musically cultured.