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In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Billy Kearins of Coast Projects. This is our second time sitting down for an interview, the first was about his iconic local brand found HERE. In this interview, we talk about Billy's music and arts festival know as the COAST is Clear, happening on December 4th. We talk about how he came up with the idea and how he is keeping Key West a boutique music town with big acts, without arena size seating. ATTENTION!! How would you like to win 2 FREE tickets to this years festival! We are running a contest on our social media channels. All you need to do to enter is go to my Facebook or Instagram account and like the COAST IS CLEAR post (it will be the one with the snippet of this interviewing playing) and TAG 3 people in the comments Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backyardsofkeywest/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backyardsofkeywest Tag 3 people in the comment section We will pick a winner on Friday October 29th. More on the COAST is Clear Music & Arts Festival In a time of global unrest and uncertainty, it’s often best to take a step back to find respite in the simple pleasures of life. A weekend in the sun surrounded by close compadres — or simply folks you’ve only just met because of a shared love of music and art — can, at the very least, provide a temporary feeling that things might just be okay when whatever it is that we’ve all collectively endured is finally behind us. And, at its core, that’s what COAST Is Clear is really all about. From the start, it has been a time and place to celebrate the end of a difficult stretch — for us, it’s that six-month period we in the tropics call Hurricane Season, that officially ends each year on December 1 — when, quite literally, the “coast is clear”. We started this festival in 2017, just months after Hurricane Irma ravaged the Lower Keys. That year, a few musician friends of ours agreed to come down to lend a hand and lift spirits by doing what they do best. And since then, we’ve committed to bringing down top-notch, nationally-acclaimed bands, paired with local art to make COAST Is Clear an annual festival — one that has been enjoyed equally by our local friends and traveling fans alike. This year, for the first time, we are so excited to announce that the festival will be a collaborative effort between one of Key West’s most beloved and enduring arts organizations, Key West Art & Historical Society (KWAHS) and the renegade creative forces at Coast Projects (COAST) — a pairing that offers both a timeless legacy and a raw and relevant edge with regards to the arts on the island. So join us on the first weekend of December to dance and sing in the sun, to enjoy the fresh salt air and island breeze, and to celebrate the end of the old and the beginning of something new... Website: https://www.coastisclearfest.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastisclearfest/

In today's episode, Mark Baratto sits down with professional hairstylist and makeup artist, Julie Hill. We talk about how she got started and how she shifted all her products to eco friendly and organic while still keeping your look fabulous. I was hoping all of this hair talk would help with some hair growth on my bald dome, but needless to say, I'm still hairless 😎. More on Julie Hill Website: https://juliehillhairandmakeup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliehillhairandmakeup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Juliehillhairstylist/ I love making people feel beautiful. It has always been my goal to make my client look like they walked off the red carpet. My passion is to truly make you feel and look your best. I am here to make your wedding day and or special event as stress free as possible. Every person is individual in their likes, dislikes and vision. It’s up to me to learn these things and execute your perfect look. I am dedicated to you and your happiness on your special day. I knew what I wanted to do at a very young age. Beauty is something that I admire and that I love to create. I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 28 years. In 2008 I opened my first on site hair and makeup business called Imagine Three in Ann Arbor, MI. The story of how I got to Key West goes as such. I fell in love, we went on vacation to Key West, planned our wedding in 2007 from afar, returned to Key West to be married. We knew as we returned again and again this is where we wanted to be and I then carried my dreams to Key West. You can also find me in salon at Pier House Spa where I specialize in organic hair color, razor cutting and the perfect blow dry. If you or your guests need touch ups before the big wedding day or the perfect blow dry please contact the Pier House Spa.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down the creator of Key West MONOPOLY, Casey Arnold. We talk about how a road trip during COVID gave him the inspiration to create Key West's first ever MONOPOLY game. From working with Hasbro to get the license agreement to creating all the unique spots on the board, to developing all of the pieces, Casey has been on a 12 month whirlwind adventure! The launch of the game is October 14, 2021 (Casey's birthday) so I recommend to preorder now since all 10,000 games are already starting to sell out! https://keywestmonopoly.com More on Key West MONOPOLY PURCHASE A PIECE OF KEY WEST! The iconic and global brand of Hasbro Gaming's MONOPOLY is coming to Key West! The game you love to play has been fully customized to reflect the characteristics and features of beautiful and sunny Key West, Florida! This collector's item is a one-of-a-kind civic pride piece with a limited quantity of games sold so DO NOT WAIT! The game has been fully designed and production is almost finished. When you pre-purchase the game you will save $10 as the price is will increase once the games arrive in October. All of your favorite places like Kermit's Key Lime Shoppe, Fury Water Adventures, Blue Heaven, Conch Republic Seafood Company and many other iconic Key West establishments are all a part of the game! Your purchase directly benefits non-profit organizations Reef Relief, Florida Keys SPCA and also the Key West High School's Fighting Conchs! https://keywestmonopoly.com

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with two amazing singer-songwriters; Kylie Sackley and Anthony Smith. This was a favorite episode for me because I was able to get different perspectives from both of these artists since they don't sing together and are in two separate bands. I hope you enjoy it!! More on Kylie Sackley Instagram:  https://instagram.com/kyliesackley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyliesackleymusic Twitter: https://twitter.com/kyliesackley For award-winning songwriter Kylie Sackley, it’s always been about the songs first. As a wunderkind performer in her birthplace of Australia, Kylie dazzled audiences with her authentic grasp of country, her gorgeously expressive vocals, and her electrifying stage presence. When she won Australia’s most prestigious country music talent search, Star Maker (Keith Urban was a previous winner), she made the fateful decision to go the route of being a professional songwriter, and she hasn’t looked back since. “First and foremost, I’ve always been a songwriter. Writing songs was just something I had to do,” Kylie states. Throughout Australia, Kylie won numerous country music competitions, but her victory in the Star Maker competition proved to be life-changing in that it required her to make a songwriting trip to Nashville as an artist. “When I got there, I just fell in love. It was incredible having access to such amazing musicians, poets, and song craftsman. I extended my stay for 10 weeks and then went back home and applied for a U.S. work visa. With two suitcases I moved to Nashville.” Kylie’s first year on the Nashville scene was astounding. That year she co-wrote Leann Rimes country comeback smash “Nothin’ ‘bout Love Makes Sense” with highly sought-after writers Gary Burr and Joel Feeney. “I thank my lucky stars for that single, it helped me get my foot in the door and get momentum as a writer,” Kylie reveals. That track and her next co-write—Faith Hill’s “Sunshine and Summertime”—went Top 5. Kylie also co-wrote Troy Cassar Daley’s “The Sunshine Club,” Alan Jackson’s “It’s Just That Way,” and has penned songs for Thompson Square, John Rich, Lee Brice, and Jodee Messina. Kylie co-wrote the track “Young In America” recorded by Danielle Bradbery, the 2013 US winner of the reality TV show, The Voice. That track landed in the Billboard Hot Country Song Chart and reached Number 53 on the US Country Airplay Chart. Kylie’s songwriting also appears on the first single from US country duo, American Young. She co-wrote the duo’s song “Love is War” which reached Number 44 on the US Country Airplay Chart. Kylie was nominated by the APRA (Australian performing rights association) for the “Breakthrough Songwriter Of The Year” award in 2014. Most recently, Kylie wrote Sam Hunt’s “Speakers,” on his certified double-platinum album Montevallo. Kylie is adept at all facets of songwriting, comfortable writing lyrics, melodies, music, and contributing production ideas. “It all depends on the day. Much like a performer has to read the audience, when you’re a songwriter, you read the room. If someone really excels at composing melodies, I’ll focus on writing lyrics. I’m like a chameleon—I can do it all—but I enjoy reading the room, being open to the creative flow, and then providing what is needed,” she says. Reflecting back on it all, Kylie says thoughtfully: “On any given day of the week, I look up at the amazing talent in the room where I’m collaborating, and I pinch myself. I feel so lucky to work with these greats on a daily basis. More on Anthony Smith Website: https://www.anthonysmith.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonysmithhq Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnthonySmithNashville/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/anthonysmithhq Songs written by Anthony Smith are weaved into the fabric of country music.  His songs have shaped the careers for some of the most iconic country music artists like George Strait, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Montgomery Gentry and others. He has won numerous awards from BMI, ASCAP, and NSAI as well as the prestigious Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year award by Music Row Magazine.  As a recording artist, his critically acclaimed record “If That Ain’t Country” produced three Billboard top 40 singles. Anthony has the uncanny and rare talent of writing songs in ways that have never been written before, that generates visuals and impacts emotions for listeners.  With memorable song titles like “Cowboy’s Like Us”, “Who Invented The Wheel”, “Half a Man”, “Run”, “I’m Tryin’”, “Up To The Depths”, “Infinity” and more, you know Anthony’s songs are interesting and capture the imagination of the listener. When you hear Anthony Smith perform his original songs and take in the lyrics, you can see why he is an award-winning songwriter.  When you take in an Anthony Smith show as he entertains a sold-out crowd, you can see why he is a highly favored performer. When you hear an Anthony Smith production you become a believer in all things Anthony Smith.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Chris Massicotte and Jamie Mattingly, the co-founders of Duval Street Media. We talk about how they met, why they started the business, and how they are helping local businesses grow. More on Duval Street Media It all started when… We met the way most people in Key West meet; in a bar. Chris had been in town for only a few weeks when he struck up a conversation with Jamie while she was working. He mentioned to her that he worked in Democratic politics and discovered that we both shared the same passion for political community organizing. We stayed in touch for most of the year through political circles, including volunteering to help organize the March for Our Lives in March of 2018. Chris returned to Washington to work on the 2018 election but as soon as it was over he headed back to Key West as fast as possible. After reconnecting we identified a need for good cost-effective digital marketing for the many small businesses operating in Key West and Duval Street Media, LLC was born. Website: https://www.duvalstreetmedia.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duvalstreetmedia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuvalStreetMedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/duval-street-media

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter Shelly Fairchild. We talk about how her career began, how leaving her label for another was the best thing for her career, how being true to yourself is the only way to be... and of course, Dolly Parton. More on Shelly Shelly Fairchild isn’t new to the industry – but she’s far from old news. A staple in the Nashville music community, Fairchild hit the scene to much acclaim with her Columbia Records debut album Ride. The project introduced the young artist’s soulful, gospel-tinged brand of alternative country and spawned a Top 40 hit with “You Don’t Lie Here Anymore.” She toured with some of the biggest names in the format, including Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw, and began to dig her roots in the industry. She again found success in her second release, Ruby’s Money, which came steeped in a thick groove with elements of funk – but it was Buffalo, her crowd-funded 2017 release, that marks a milestone in her life and career.  “I’m sincerely grateful for both the good and bad things that have happened in my life. Everyone that I’ve met and worked with over the 20 years that I’ve lived in Nashville has made me who I am, and I will always carry that in my soul,” says Fairchild.  The Jackson, Miss. native started the project in May 2014, launching a PledgeMusic campaign in the hopes that she would find support of her endeavor – and after reaching her goal in just two days, she realized she had. Fairchild's 3rd full length studio record was fully funded and buoyed by the faith of her friends, family and fans.   The next two years saw Fairchild working with some of her most inspirational industry co-writers. “House on Fire,” an aching ballad reflecting on the weight of one’s past, was the first song that she remembers finishing and feeling confident that it deserved a spot on her record. Co-written by Fairchild along with Lisa Carver and Travis Meadows, the track features subtle but classic country instrumentation and the soft harmonies of one of her favorite bands, the Fairground Saints.  From there the singer/songwriter continued to pen songs that she felt carried an important message to either herself or the world around her.  Guided by Jeremy Lister and Carey Ott, Fairchild recorded eight of her co-written tracks for the record that would become known to her fans as 'Buffalo'.  Though she tackled some serious topics in her writing, Fairchild felt extremely uplifted by her own work and that of others.  “I love singers and songwriters,” she smiles.  I love to have camaraderie and deep friendships with great singers and musicians. I feel like our community in Nashville is so rich and some of my favorite voices are my friends. I am so fortunate to have worked with so many great artists on Buffalo like Wendy Moten, Lucie Silvas, K.S. Rhoads, Fairground Saints, and of course Carey & Jeremy. My heart felt like it was going to explode by the end of the recording process." Not only does Buffalo emphasize its diversity by featuring guest vocalists, but it also highlights a wide array of musical styles and influences.  “There are a lot of different elements to the music that I make,” says Fairchild. “How do you describe some of the best bands that you know? They ended up on pop radio or on country radio, but are they really that kind of act? I have so many influences and I love having them show up in my songs. It feels like that kind of music lasts longer, because it feels real.”  As for the name of her last full length album to date, Fairchild says, "In many Native American cultures, the buffalo is a symbol of gratitude and abundance. I am from Choctaw ancestry and I completely connect with the idea that though buffalo carry a lot on their shoulders, their horns are always pointing up to the sky. There’s always this hope that the weight will be lifted." A longtime hidden gem in the trove of Nashville musicians, Fairchild continues to keep her head and her heart pointing up to the sky. Between singing background vocals for the likes of Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Martina McBride, Crystal Gayle (to name a few), appearing as a regular on The Grand Ole Opry, writing songs for film and television, touring across the country and continuously working on future projects, it is clear she is just getting started.  “At times I’ve gotten down about my own path, but when I really take a good look at it – it’s not just full of detours and dead ends,” she said. “It’s a wide path, and it’s full of so many spontaneous and amazing things.” Website: https://shellyfairchild.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/shellyfairchild   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shellyfairchild   Twitter: https://twitter.com/shellyfairchild   Spotify: https://t.co/jL6dASNf9Q   Apple Music: https://t.co/xcXLf9bWbH   Amazon Music: https://t.co/KJvcqg6WCY

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Co-Owner of Key West Finest, Amber DeBevec. We talk about her business, how it got started, and how her company is here to help you plan your activities, answer all of your questions and even help you with local real estate. More about Key West Finest Planning a trip to Key West can be very overwhelming! Luckily we are one of Key West's BEST Concierge Services! We will listen to what you want and recommend the perfect thing for you! Please let us book it for you as we do get a commission yet it doesn't cost you a penny extra.Message us here with any questions, Thanks for following and feel free to share!Sunny regards,Amber, Key West!  Website: https://keywestfinest.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amberkeywestfinest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberkeywest/

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Singer-Songwriter Kyle Coulahan. We talk about how he decided to leave the game of football as an NFL hopeful, to pursue his real dream as a Singer-Songwriter. Kyle spoke about the mentor that helped get him on his way, in a way that you can tell he missed having him around. Our interview went a little short because Kyle didn’t want to miss his friend Arlis perform, which anchors home what a great man and friend he really is. MORE ON KYLE When he was young, Kyle Coulahan's father introduced him to an old Alvarez guitar and he's been hooked ever since. Growing up in Perdido Key, Florida, Kyle split his free time between playing football and practicing on the guitar.  During Kyle's senior year of high school, he was offered a full scholarship to play football at Auburn University, and there he met producer Chip Moman (Waylon Jennings, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and many more). Chip recognized a talent in Kyle that he could see growth over the years, so he introduced  Kyle to Nashville where he would write, record and network with others within the music Industry. Shortly after graduation, Kyle decided to pack his bags and guitar and relocate to Nashville to chase his dreams of becoming a professional songwriter and performer.  Kyle's influences of music range from BB King, Vince Gill to Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney.  Kyle's music is Country with a splash of whiskey and tequila.  Kyle has recently signed with given Music Publishing and produced an EP of his own songs called Pirates and Gypsies, and his new single called She Quit Me. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylecoulahan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigcoul Twitter: https://twitter.com/kylecoulahan Apple Music: https://www.apple.com/us/search/kyle-coulahan?src=globalnav

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Maya and Vasil, the owners and operators of The Koffie House. We talk about how they got started, all their healthy options, their snazzy location, and of course, Vasil's music. More on The Koffie House Website: https://koffiehouse.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekoffiehouse Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekoffiehouse Address: 602 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040 The Koffie House was founded in 2020 by a family that shared the same dream , to practice healthy conscious alliance lifestyle with fresh organic foods, in one of the oldest historic brick buildings in Key West/Conch Republic built in 1892, 24.5551° N, 81.7800° W, presenting an eclectic space of brick & color magic together with a vegan/vegetarian friendly menu containing freshly baked goods, natural organic cold pressed juices, smoothie , tapas style organic eats, protein energy bars & natural (brain) supplements. Join us to enjoy this work of love,  presented through art, music, aromas & crema!

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with owner and GM John Hadfield, of local water sports store, Sea Key West. We talk about how he got started in the water sports business, how he navigated COVID, and how his business is thriving with the help of local support. More on Sea Key West Website: https://www.seakeywestlocal.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seakeywest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seakeywestlocal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-0B8aqRZS8aBZUjHyVQGSQ Located in Key West, Florida, Sea, Key West carries the best snorkel gear, sidewalk surfing boards (skateboards and longboards, plus parts and accessories), and SCUBA diving and watersports equipment in the Florida Keys.  As avid snorkelers and scuba divers, we only carry brands we would wear ourselves - so we can speak to each product based on personal experience. The Florida Keys are the ideal location for any and all water activities and we're incredibly fortunate to have the ability to snorkel at the 3rd largest living coral reef, dive the Vandenberg, spear fish during our annual Grouper season, and take advantage of the island life at all opportunities. We can't wait to help you explore Key West underwater with the best quality merchandise available.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with concierge expert and podcast host, Kelly Hopkins. We talk about her love for Key West, how she makes all of her clients dreams come true on their Key West vacation and her successful podcast, The Local Side of Key West. More on Kelly Hopkins Website: https://theconciergegirl.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_keys_930 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/113880157191502 I'm Kelly and I live in gorgeous Key West. I have lived up and down the east coast and finally settled down here in paradise about 5 years ago. My husband and I have had a very adventurous life so Key West seemed like the right spot to call home. Its full of quirky people, great restaurants, amazing happy hours and of course, the amazing turquoise water. We lived in Maryland most of our lives. I loved living there so much! I not only had a full time job but I bartended on the side for 10 years. That bartending job changed my life. I loved mingling with everyone and learning about so many different people. I really loved that part of it. I ended up doing the bar's website content and handling all of their social media. (Back in those days we only had Myspace.)  From websites and social media I ended up planning social events and eventually opening up my own event planning business. That was the best thing I have ever done. I cant even call it a "job", It was just love! I love helping people make their dreams come true.  I love the entire process from the first meeting to the end of the event where the client is sitting back, talking to friends and just enjoying their event. Seeing you happy is my goal. After we moved from Maryland and down the coast I still wanted to do event planning but we moved a LOT so it was just too hard. Then we settled down in the Keys and I knew I had to get started again. I felt it in my entire soul that THIS was the time. We started in Marathon and moved down the island chain and when we  hit Key West I knew this was it! Key West has a lot going on at all times. A lot of moving parts to say the least. When visitors come they usually do not know where to start so they head to Duval street, eat, drink and shop and then they feel comfortable and stay there all week. That is totally fine, especially if it is your first time here BUT there is soooo much more to Key West.  That last statement right there made me start a podcast (which is linked in this site) The Local Side of Key West is all about how to do the island like a local. The things you would not think to do on vacation. So that all being said, that is what has led me to be a personal concierge. I want to help vacationers enjoy Key West without all of the work. I enjoy coordinating,  planning and helping people any way that I possibly can. The look on your face when you had the best vacation ever is my end goal! Enjoy life, I'll take care of the rest!

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with graphic designer and artist, Kristyn LaMoia. We talk about her love for graphics and design, how she got started as a designer, and her transition into becoming an artist... and TikTok star (inside joke). More on Kristyn LaMoia South Florida born artist, Kristyn LaMoia, has been honing her artistic skills since she could hold a crayon. Growing up, as a self proclaimed misfit, art was her outlet for creative freedom. Her persistent interest in the subconscious mind and how it relates to the natural world is the foundation of her subject matter. Stylistically, LaMoia’s art has clean and colorful elements that have been influenced by her graphic design background. In the first years of her graphic design career she gained invaluable knowledge working in-house at companies and being part of creative teams at different design studios. Since then, she has found great satisfaction in the freedom she gets from pursuing her passion as a freelance artist, in the form of fine art and graphic design. Website: https://www.kristynlamoia.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristynlamoia

In this exclusive interview, Mark Baratto sits down with Rapper and Singer of the Dirty Heads, Jared Watson (aka Dirty J). This interview happened 30 minutes before the band went on stage for the beginning of their national tour, down here at the Key West Amphitheater. It may have been short, but for those fans out there, we touched on the bands origin story and their beginnings. This episode is brought to you by the Backyards of Key West Gallery Looking for local Key West art?  We've got you covered!   More on the Dirty Heads Following in the footsteps of their California brothers Sublime, Huntington Beach’s Dirty Heads mix hip-hop, reggae, and rock along with that laid-back South Cali attitude. The group formed in 2003 when punk rocker Dustin Bushnell (aka Duddy B) asked his friend, rapper Jared Watson (aka Dirty J), to collaborate on a project that would focus on positive vibes and infectious grooves. Watson added singing to his vocal skills, and with percussionist Jon Olazabal, an acoustic trio version of Dirty Heads began playing shows and building an audience.  They soon hooked up with producer Rob Cavallo and headed into the studio to record their debut album for Warner Bros., but differences with the label had them looking for other opportunities. Still, the band was able to retain most of its work, including sessions with drummer Josh Freese, along with the late-Beatles collaborator Billy Preston in one of the keyboardist’s last recordings. The finished album, Any Port in a Storm, would arrive in 2008, with a deluxe edition following in 2010. The deluxe version featured the track “Lay Me Down” with special guest Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome. The song would top Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart just before the summer of 2010.  They followed up two years later with Cabin by the Sea and later recorded an acoustic version of the title track. This, in turn, led to an entire acoustic album in 2013 called Home: Phantoms of Summer. Dirty Heads’ next album, Sound of Change, would prove to be a breakthrough for the now-veteran band, debuting at number eight on the Billboard Top 200 while topping the Independent and Alternative Albums charts upon its May 2014 release.  Building on their renewed success, Dirty Heads enlisted a bevy of industry hitmakers to work on their self-titled 2016 follow-up, which — thanks to its mainstream appeal — again charted high on the Billboard Top 200. The following year saw the band drop its sixth studio album, Swim Team, featuring the singles “Vacation” and “Staloney.” Also included on the album was the track “So Glad You Made It,” featuring 311’s Nick Hexum. The single “Listen to Me” arrived in early 2019 and was later included on Dirty Heads’ Dave Cobb-produced seventh album Super Moon. ~ David Jeffries, Rovi Website: https://www.dirtyheads.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtyheads Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirtyHeads Twitter: https://twitter.com/dirtyheads YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DirtyHeads Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/artist/6GkJh85o22LfD2vgL9DP6f?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open Apple iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/dirty-heads/id287941061 Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/preview/As2zqtl4npvdfmp3q2a7pwkyh3a?u=0#

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with two of the most well-known songwriters in Nashville; Craig Wisman and Lee Thomas Miller. If you are an aspiring songwriter or musician, this episode is filled with so much wisdom, that it's a can't miss. We discuss their writing process and how they pump out over 100 songs per year... year after year. Between them, they have 33 # 1 songs, winning a number of industry awards, and have written songs for some of country music's top artists like Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Brian Kelley, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Terri Clark, Jamey Johnson, Chris Stapleton... the list goes on and on! Be on the listen for a little jam session by Craig Wiseman on the guitar after the closing music... ENJOY! Reach out to Craig here: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebigloud Big Loud Publishing Website: http://bigloudpublishing.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigloud Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigloud Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigloud Reach out to Lee here:  Website: http://www.leethomasmiller.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leethomasmiller More on Craig Wiseman Craig Wiseman is one of country music’s most renowned, talented and distinguished writers. From his early days of writing and drumming in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to being crowned Songwriter of the Century by ASCAP, he has indeed created for himself a monumental platform in the history of country music. As the writer of songs including Brooks and Dunn’s “Believe” to Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here”, Wiseman has amassed over 350 cuts, 125 singles, and 27 #1’s. After moving to Nashville in 1985 to pursue a career in songwriting, he received his first chart success after having co-written “The Only One” from Roy Orbison’s album, Mystery Girl. In 1990, Wiseman signed his first publishing deal with Almo/Irving Music, and ten years later, he signed with BMG Music Publishing. In 2003, Wiseman opened his own publishing company, and within the first year of the independent company’s operation, Wiseman experienced the first single of the catalog; “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw not only peaked at the top of the charts for ten weeks, but it also was named NSAI Song of the Year, CMA Song of the Year, ACM Song of the Year and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song. In 2012, Wiseman co-founded Big Loud’s management division, the launchpad of Florida Georgia Line, followed by Big Loud Records in 2015. Wiseman’s success has continued to escalate at exponential levels throughout the years. He was proclaimed ASCAP’s “Songwriter of the Year” in 2003, 2005, and 2007 in addition to being named “Writer of the Year” by NSAI and Music Row in 1997. In 2009, he received the impressive honor of NSAI’s “Songwriter of the Decade” and won the 2014 Heritage Award from ASCAP as the most performed country songwriter of the century. Following those years of success, hard work & accomplishments, Wiseman was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October of 2015. In 2017, Wiseman was honored with a CMA Triple Play Award for FGL’s “Anything Goes” & Blake Shelton’s “Gonna” & “Came Here To Forget.” Although his accomplishments are nothing less than extraordinary, Wiseman’s talents and endeavors extend far beyond the field of songwriting. As a complement to Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying”, Wiseman co-wrote a book with the same title, which topped the New York Times Best Seller list in 2004. Additionally, he co-wrote the book A Baby Changes Everything in 2008, in conjunction with Faith Hill’s #1 single. The following year, Wiseman starred in a reality TV show, The Hitmen of Music Row, which aired on GAC. For the past 15 years, Wiseman has hosted The Stars of Second Harvest Show at the Ryman, showing his philanthropic heart and giving all proceeds to the Second Harvest Food Bank Of Middle Tennessee. To date, this musical event has raised more than $1.5 million for the food bank. Craig's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebigloud Big Loud Publishing Website: http://bigloudpublishing.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigloud Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigloud Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigloud More on Lee Thomas Miller FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE NASHVILLE SONGWRITER'S ASSOCIATION (NSAI) 3 Time Grammy Award Nominee: 2003 Grammy nomination:   “The Impossible” (Joe Nichols) Country Song of the Year: 2009 Double Grammy nomination: “You’re Gonna Miss This”(Trace Adkins)-  Country Song of the Year “In Color” (Jamey Johnson)- Country Song of the Year Music Row Magazine: Breakthrough Songwriter of the year 2003 Awarded one of NSAI’s  ‘Ten Songs I Wish I Had Written’ 2003: “The Impossible” Awarded one of NSAI’s  ‘Ten Songs I Wish I Had Written’ 2008: “You’re Gonna Miss This” Won Song of the Year at the 2008 NSAI awards for “You’re Gonna Miss This” Nominated for Song of the Year at 2008 CMA awards for “You’re Gonna Miss This” 2009 Double ACM Nominee: “You’re Gonna Miss This” and “In Color” for Song of the Year. Won Song of the Year at the 2009 ACM awards for “In Color” Won Music Row Magazine’s 2009 Song of the Year  for  “In Color” Awarded one of NSAI’s  ‘Ten Songs I Wish I Had Written’ 2009: “In Color” Won Song of the Year at the 2009 CMA awards for "In Color" Awarded BMI's inaugural "Champion's Award" 2015 Nominated for Song of the Year at the 2018 ACM awards for "Whiskey and You" #1 Country Singles: “The Impossible” (Joe Nichols)** “I Just Wanna Be Mad” (Terri Clark)** “The World” (Brad Paisley)** “You’re Gonna Miss This” (Trace Adkins)*“I’m Still A Guy” (Brad Paisley)“Southern Girl” (Tim McGraw) "Perfect Storm" (Brad Paisley) (*received BMI Million Play Award) (**received BMI 2 Million Play Award)                                 Other top 10 singles: "It Aint My Fault" (Brothers Osborne) #9 "Crushin' It" (Brad Paisley) #7 “In Color”  (Jamey Johnson) #7 “Nothing To Die For” (Tim McGraw)  #5 “Jesus In Disguise” (Brandon Heath)  #8 "Just A Girl" (Brandon Heath) #8 Other top 20 singles: “Something To Do With My Hands” (Thomas Rhett) #15 “Crying On A Suitcase” (Casey James) #14 “Leaving Eden” (Brandon Heath) #17 Cuts include: Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Josh Turner, Brad Paisley, Joe Nichols, Terri Clark, John Michael Montgomery, Sammy Kershaw, Andy Griggs, Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence, Randy Travis, Rhett Akins, Blue County, Billy Currington, Craig Morgan, The Wreckers, Chris Young, Blackhawk, Mark Wills Production credits include  Curb recording artist Steve Holy including the 2006 #1 single: “Brand New Girlfriend” and 2010 top 20 single "Love Don't Run" Website: http://www.leethomasmiller.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leethomasmiller

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Real Estate Broker Associate Krystal Thomas. We talk about everything from the state of the market in Key West, home buying ranging from under $500K to $1.5M+, the different neighborhoods, rental prices, how to rent out your home, and codes to look out for. If you are thinking about purchasing real estate in Key West, this is the episode for you! More about Krystal Thomas Key West and The Florida Keys are my passion. As an agent with Preferred Properties, I provide a wealth of local Key West knowledge, real estate and vacation rental market experience, and an unbeatable client experience. I decided to make Key West my home in 2006 and consider it a privilege to live and work where others vacation. As an agent, my focus is assisting you in the purchase of the best property for your investment needs, island home, or both!I have over 11 years of experience in Real Estate, including 6 years of Key West real estate and vacation rental market experience. As a graduate of Florida State University and former research manager for a commercial real estate research company, I promise to combine my education and work experience with my passion for Key West and will be an invaluable asset to you in the sale or purchase of your Key West home. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystalthomas.realtor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystalThomasRE/ Email: krystalthomasre@gmail.com

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Stephen Kitsakos, Opera creator, stage director and Artist Advisory Council for The Studios of Key West. We talk about his career in NYC and how he made it down to Key West. More on Stephen Kitsakos STEPHEN KITSAKOS is an opera librettist and stage director. With the American composer, Sheila Silver, he wrote libretti for The Wooden Sword, winner of the Sackler Prize for Composition (World Premiere 2009), The White Rooster for the Smithsonian Institution (World Premiere 2010), and A Thousand Splendid Suns, adapted from the international bestselling novel by Khaled Hosseini, commissioned by the Seattle Opera (World Premiere scheduled 2022, previously presented by the National Opera Center New Works Forum). With the composer Martin Hennessy he wrote the opera-theatre one-act operas, An Incident in Sutton Place & The Woman in Penthouse A (World Premiere 2020) & the upcoming  The Pleasing Recollection (2021) and A Fairy Tale (2021). Other opera & music projects include The Other Voice with Robert Starer & Gail Godwin, Ashokan with Greg Allen & The Woodstock Cycle. Kitsakos is the recipient of grants or commissions from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Commission on the Arts, the Florida Council on the Arts, the Catskill Watershed Commission, the Episcopal Diocese of New York, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, NYFA and American Opera Projects. His work as a stage director concentrates on new works with established and emerging playwrights and includes Smithtown by Drew Larimore starring Michael Urie, Ann Harada, Colby Lewis & Constance Shulman, The Thing About Pipecleaner People by Drew Larimore with Constance Shulman, Anne by Adi Eshman, Red Masquerade by Jack Wade, and Here’s Your Hat, What’s Your Hurry? by Eric Weinberger. Since 2018, he has focused on both directing and engaging in scholarly research for the lesser, unknown and experimental one-act plays of Tennessee Williams including Lifeboat Drill, Kingdom of Earth, Green Eyes & The Traveling Companion as an Artistic Associate of the Tennessee Williams Key West Museum.  A graduate of New York University and the BMI Musical Theater Workshop, between 1999 & 2013 he was a member of the Theatre Arts Faculty at SUNY New Paltz in New York’s Hudson Valley teaching courses in theatre studies, musical theater and performance as well as at Shantigar,the spiritual retreat of playwright Jean-Claude van Italie, and at Kripalu. During that time he was a contributing writer for The Sondheim Review and ABC-CLIO’s Music in American Life. Professional affiliations include a librettist member of Opera America, the Dramatists Guild, and a writer member of ASCAP. His experience as an opera-theatre writer has informed his approach to directing and his approach to directing has informed his writing libretti for the opera stage.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter James T. Slater to talk about how he got started, and where he is headed in his amazing career. More on James T. Slater James is a two time, grammy nominated, piano-playing, bilingual singer-songwriter of Bolivian American descent signed to BMG Music Publishing/Nashville with songs recorded by everyone from Carrie Underwood to Tim McGraw to Willie Nelson and Kenny Chesney. Website: https://www.jamestslatermusic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestslatermusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesTSlaterMusic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXJS8pWNTUt6z_E-dJcW-3g Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_T._Slater

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter Cliff Cody. We talk about how he went from bouncer to songwriter to give it a shot in Nashville.  With nothing lucrative insight and family life calling, Cliff gave up music and moved to his wife's hometown in Ohio.   After many nights staring at his guitar sitting in the corner, Cliff picked up that 6 string again to give it one more shot, (with a little motivation from his wife), and the rest is now history! More on Cliff Cody Working as a bouncer at a West Texas honky-tonk, Cliff Cody’s life changed forever when the waitress dared him to sing at Karaoke Night. Lucky for Cliff, a band was in the audience looking for a lead singer. They offered Cliff the job that night. The next day he bought a guitar, a week later he had written his first song and 6 months after that, he moved to Nashville.   After living in Nashville for 4 years with little success, Cliff went back to school and became an RN. While at a songwriter’s retreat in Wyoming, he met his songwriting hero—D. Vincent Williams and he told Cliff something that would change his path. “Whatever “it” is, you’ve got it and I don’t think you even realize it.” That was the encouragement he needed and in 2005 Cliff signed his first publishing contract with EMI/Sony Music. “Chasin Whiskey” was Cliff’s first cut and recognized as a highlight of Julie Roberts’ album “Men and Mascara” by Rolling Stone Magazine. Cliff's second cut was "Glad You're Gone", a song he co-wrote with the members of Halfway to Hazard David Tolliver and Chad Warrix.  He co-wrote "Gotta Go to Heaven" with artist Josh Thompson and co-wrote the first single on D. Vincent Williams' freshman album, "Down by the River."  Since first playing the Key West Songwriters Festival 12 years ago, Cliff has become a favorite and regular performer in the Keys. He has opened for Dwight Yoakam, Gary Allen, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Phil Vasser, Aaron Lewis, Blackberry Smoke, David Allan Coe, Parmalee, Tracey Lawrence, Travis Tritt, The Charlie Daniels Band, Chris Young, Justin Moore, Ashley McBride and many more. Cliff made the Top 15 national finalists on the ABC talent Show "Rising Star" and wrote a song for the book, "The Shoe-Burnin' - Stories of Southern Soul" available on Amazon. His soulful voice and story telling style of writing has helped Cliff build a loyal following. He makes fast friends and forever fans and once you hear him, you become both. Cliff met his wife Amy at the legendary Bluebird Cafe and they married in 1998. They live in a log cabin with their 125 pound rescue dog--Bronx in the hills of Appalachian Ohio. They are enormously proud of their only child, Veronica who is an honor student at Ohio Wesleyan University—who doesn’t call home nearly enough.  Where to find Cliff Website: https://www.cliffcody.com Where he's playing: https://www.cliffcody.com/calendar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliffcody

In this episode of the show, Mark Baratto sits down with Jenny Lorenz and Emily Nixon, the women behind the Local Life Media agency. We talk about how they got started and how they are helping local Key West businesses go from the unknown to socially outgoing ;) More on The Local Life Media KW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_local_life_kw/

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West local musician Jason Lamson. We talk about how he got started in the business, where he is at in his career, where he plays regularly, and where he is headed. More on Jason Lamson Soul-filling, southern vocalist fusing island style, down-home soul, and a touch of funky personality to create a unique sound filling the streets of Key West. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlamsonmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlamsonmusic