Lyndsey Highlander

http://towermix.com/home/2010/01/21/january-21st-2010-featured-artist-lyndsey-highlander/

I first met Lyndsey two years ago in Survey of Music Business. It’s been awesome catching up and learning what is coming next musically for Lyndsey! Here we get some news on her new EP and her favorite parts of playing in front of an audience.

Nashville, TN
United States
Genre: Country
Album(s): It’s OK to Cry Now
Website: http://www.myspace.com/lyndseyhighlander

Matthew: When did you discover your passion for singing?

Lyndsey: Oh I can’t remember when I didn’t know I wanted to sing. The story starts when I was in a dance group at the age of six. They needed someone to sing Frosty the Snowman and I just jumped up and gave it a try. No one, including myself, knew that I was going to sing so well! Ever since then… my drive has been music and my focus has been my voice.

Matthew: What are some major milestones you have accomplished as a singer, songwriter, and performer?

Lyndsey: I feel like there are always milestones that I come to each day! But I love it! One of my major milestones has been growing as a vocalist. I have always been blessed with the talent of singing, but learning to have complete control over my voice has been a huge milestone! My voice coach, Judy Rodman has been working with me for a solid three years and I have just reached where I want to be. It truly is amazing the changes she has helped me make. My voice is so strong and I know what I can do with it. This is such a rewarding accomplishment.

Matthew: How did you meet the musicians in your band?

Lyndsey: Yay! I like this question. Well, I met them all in different places. When I knew I wanted to get a band together I started asking around and getting opinions from friends. Everyone I met in class I would ask about players. Parker Welling suggested that I call Aaron Eshuis, and I saw him play out before and knew he was great. Read Davis I met through friends. I saw him play with Westbound Rangers and knew he would be such a fantastic addition! Daniel Pentecost I met through Marie Hines, one of my very best friends. Daniel played in Marie’s string quartet, so she recommended him to me. Whew, long story! Finding the right group for a band has taken a long time, but everything works out for the best in the end! I couldn’t be happier.

Matthew: You have performed alongside Brinley Addington on a few occasions. How do you two compliment each other vocally and musically? Any other artists who you have or would like to collaborate with?

Lyndsey: Working with Brinley is wonderful because he’s such a good friend of mine. We pick songs that work for both of us and that have rockin’ harmonies! We are both determined artists who are focused on where we want to be. I would love to sing a duet with Russ Dickerson. His low country voice would be so fun to harmonize with! Also, I want to work with Tyler Flowers on a duet. He should write it because he is one of the best writers I know. haha

Matthew: Now, I hear rumor of a new EP this spring along with a music video. What can you tell us about this project?

Lyndsey: Yes! This is all in the mix. We have three out of the 5 songs recorded for the upcoming EP. I want to pick the perfect collaboration of songs to put on the EP, so currently I am writing with new co-writers to see what we can come up with. This week is actually filled with writing sessions, so I hope for the best!

The video is going to be for “Secret in a Small Town” written by Liz Rose from Sony/ATV. We are planning on shooting in mid March. The director has put together the perfect story board for the video. I am really looking forward to shooting. I get to have my band in it and lots of friends from around town, so it will be a blast! I am so thankful to have such a fantastic opportunity.

Matthew: What are your favorite parts about going on tour and performing?

Lyndsey: Gosh, there are so many parts that are my favorite. I love practices. They always add spunk to a busy day. So, practicing is fun for shows. The show itself is one of my favorites. It is just so surreal to be on stage with your band and get to share your stories with the audience. Right then and there the band and I are so vulnerable to the viewers. Whatever we do can make them laugh or cry and its up to us to leave them wanting more! Of course the best part of performing is the feeling after the show is over. I crave performing. It gives me this high, which sounds crazy, but there is no better feeling. I want to perform forever and I have faith that that will happen!
- Matthew Dowd