Hayseed Summer Issue 2016

HAYSEED EVERYTHING COUNTRY

AUBRIE SELLERS JAWGA BOYZ ANDERSON EAST

SUMMER 2016

SHANNON HOUCHINS: NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE

FIVE WAYS TO STAY COOL IN TENNESSEE SURVIVE INFIDELITY

HOW TO AVOID 3 MISTAKES MOST WOMEN MAKE

# THEFUTURE COLT FORD | ALL FOR GOD AND COUNTRY HAYSEEDMAGAZINE.COM

HAYSEED EVERYTHING COUNTRY

MAGAZINE

HAYSEED | EVERYTHING COUNTRY | SUMMER 2016

PUBLISHER Blueprint Publishing and Media, LLC 300 North Dean Road, Suite 5-108 Auburn, Alabama 36830 CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER | PARTNER Steven Johnson sjohnson@hayseedmagazine.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR | EDITOR IN CHIEF | PARTNER Victor Flavius vflavius@hayseedmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTORS Braney Damir Mujezinović Leticia Braun Roselyn Onuche Hesbon Kerongo Ashley Cooke John Edwin Greg Riley Denise A. Dilmore EDITORIAL hayseedmagazine.com editoral@hayseedmagazine.com

BLUEPRINT PUBLISHING AND MEDIA, LLC Hayseed is published quarterly by Blueprint Publishing and Media, LLC. Reproduction or use of the contents of this magazine in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Hayseed is a registered tradmark of Blueprint Publishing and Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

BPM, LLC assumes no liability for the return of any unsolicited materials and may use them at its discretion.

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CONTENTS | SUMMER 2016 FEATURES

24

06

Positive Thinking And Its Effect On Your Health

The Future: Hick Hop’s impact on the Country music industry

26

Southern Comfort A Taste of Good Food

15

COVER FEATURE

Colt Ford, All For God & Country

09

Four Keys to a Successful Project

18

Mega Truck Series” Returns

20

29

First Look, Martha’s Trouble

11

12 Things You Need to Know About Being Married to a Mud Truck Junkie

12

22

Five Ways To Stay Cool in Tennessee

28

Find What You Like and Take the Work Out of Work!

Not your Average Joe: Shannon Houchins takes us behind the music scences

Survive Infidelity How To Avoid 3 Mistakes Most Women Make

30

Breakthrough Artists

THE FUTURE Hick Hop’s impact on the Country Music Industry

I

by BRANEY | photo credit LABEL t is distinctively clear that rap music has taken a sturdy firm position in the music industry in the recent years. Apparently, Hick-hop is now the emerging trend among the young with its unique combination of rap beats and country rhymes. The artists who are doing this form of genre music are making it out to the fans at the backwoods using social media platforms.

What is actually the Hick-hop rap music? You will discover that this is a kind of music that borrows the country narratives with great story lines based on beer swilling, pickup driving and other different experiences that can lead to generation of music. Since this music genre has not developed much in the music industry, it has taken a different perspective to promote and establish itself; for instance the use of YouTube, concerts in mudbogs. When interviewed, Colt Ford, an established musician of this music genre clearly outlines that the major fun base emanates from the country people.

The CEO of Average Joes Entertainment (that is based in Nashville), Shannon Houchins, explains that what was needed is to establish the main subject matter that this music genre would focus on. Thus they came to a conclusion to bring out the theme of mud and bonfires, dirt roads, hunting, trucks and even fishing. Being a music producer, Houchins thought it was critical to bring out a great combination of the rap beats and the Southern country music.

Another great Hick-hop star that has come out distinctively is Big Smo. This current A&E reality pilot star’s real name is actually John Smith. He has actually secured a record deal with Warner Music Nashville that will see him gaining fame in the music industry. Apparently, Big Smo, a self-proclaimed “Hick Ross” started small by uploading his music on YouTube. His major debut “Kuntry Livin” produced by Warner Nashville was a breakthrough to his music career that made him a major-label rapper.

Besides, the Florida Georgia Line tour that targeted close to 34 cities including Atlanta, highly boosted in creating awareness of this Hick-hop music. Ford was on the forefront in offering great performance to the audience. Chris Lacy, Vice president at Warner Music Nashville was quoted saying that the tour targeted the niche market of this music genre; this tour was meant to bring mass appeal from the public. Tom Baldrica, who is in charge of radio marketing and promotion at the Show Dog-Universal Music further stated that raplike verse is now more introduced in the country music. Besides, it is like the country rap has established itself as a “movement”.

As Hick-hop music resonates more from the country dwellers, mud-filled pits, rural roads found in the South, Big Smo adds that his music also incorporates the classic rock and the Southern rock. Besides, he points out that his playground is more composed of massive vehicles in a competition, beer bottles, mason jars, moonshine light and bonfires.

In recent times, the Hick-hoppers have recorded great hits that have made them to be recognized on the Billboard Charts in the category “Billboard’s Top Rap Albums”, “Billboard’s Top Country Albums” and “Billboard’s Hot Country Music”. A great Hick-hop artist Tracy Lawrence has actually won the CMA and ACM awards, proving that this genre is getting more acclamation from the audience. It is clear that Hick-hop is here to stay; the creativity and its inventive nature in the lyrics is a clear indication of its future prominence.

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EVERYTHING COUNTRY | HAYSEED MAGAZINE|7

Four Keys to a Successful Project photo credit HELLOQUENCE

1.

Start: Many people are always discussing what they are going to do, what they might do, or what they should do; but very few actually do something. In order for a difference to be made, there has to be a beginning point. Forget about the “what ifs” and the fear of failure and just start. You will never know what you specifically need to improve upon until you start.

2.

Never Forget the Process: We often want to win a championship on the first day of practice or training camp because of the mindset of mainstream society.

Everything has to be the best right now with no time for progress or reflection. How can one write a book or make an album without the experiences that only happen with time. Even God took six days to create the world. He could have been like us and done everything at once with very little quality. He instead partitioned various tasks for specific days. He might have worked

for six days, but he spent seven days in reflection. Give your deep thoughts and your personal experiences time to catch up with one another. Those easily overlooked hardships and interactions with people are saturated with inspiration and wisdom.

3.

Embrace the Random and Unexpected: We often have a long list of things we don’t do because we fear that they will stop us from achieving our goal.

The “don’t” list might also be a pseudo-refuge for flaws that you prefer no living soul to know about. Stop living in denial. Reevaluate that list and do some of the random things you usually wouldn’t do. There are paradigm shifts, opportunities to grow, and revelations hidden in those unexpected experiences. We tend to rob ourselves by thinking that our project in question is only for the benefit of our audience.

In actuality, a project should refine its maker as well, bringing out beautiful character traits that could only be revealed in the face of trial and comfort zone abandon.

4.

Pray: Prayer is truly the glue that holds the previous 3 keys together. Therefore, prayer should be considered a key-ring.

Prayer brings greatness to the surface and helps you properly evaluate each stage of the success process. Prayer also gives us a greater awareness. Prayer should be at the beginning, the end, and in the midst of each scene. Most importantly, it will lead you into a greater opportunity to understand and relate to God, who also had to follow these same four points in order to restore this world back to the united peace and harmony that it once was.

EVERYTHING COUNTRY | HAYSEED MAGAZINE|9

S

truggling with the unfair expectations put on you is something you don’t have to do alone. And So Worth Loving is a community of people dedicated to spreading that message and helping empower people to love themselves no matter their past mistakes. We truly believe that there’s a restorative power in knowing and owning that you are worth loving. It’s time to take the power of the negative voices back and remember that we can’t change who we trusted, who we loved, or our pasts, but we can learn from it. We are all worthy of love and we plan to make that stance through fashion.

About founder: My Name is Eryn. (whoiseryn.wordpress. com) I currently live in Atlanta, Ga. soworthloving.com and here is my story:

photo credit and Words by So Words Loving

Have you ever been the joke of small talk? In every classroom, every year of my life, I was that girl who was shorter than everyone else, by a lot. I was called every cruel thing related to my size and mocked for what I didn’t have.

Shortie, runt, vertically challenged, do I need a booster seat, when do I visit the north pole- the list could continue. With all these voices telling me what I wasn’t and who I was supposed to be, I was constantly comparing my body to other girls, because in my mind I WAS a runt. For a moment, I placed my value on what boys thought when all the girls were maturing much faster and hitting puberty much sooner than me.

From being shown what real love was, I came to the realization that I will not get any taller and my size will not change. I needed to accept myself for who I am and not what others think I should be. Singing around the city, I started to be known as the little girl with the big voice. And it was surrounded by those positive voices that I got the confidence to begin pursuing my dreams as a recording artist so that I could give a little hope to people who struggled in some form, like me.

Then So Worth Loving was born. It started as stencils and spray paint, but now it’s so much more than that. I started a blog broadcasting that anybody is worthy of love and while doing that I was spray painting the phrase on my friends shirts, then their friends shirts then random strangers shirts that found me through the blog. People from all over the world would send me their own shirt to be branded with this phrase. I realized… I am not alone. I am someone that felt unworthy of love by others opinions and I didn’t want anybody else to feel this way. SWL is now committed to spreading this message and using fashion to do so. Through our clothing company, we have discovered a community of people who are busy redefining themselves because they were brave enough to believe in second chances. No matter what your size is, your relationship status, or your past mistakes… you are worthy of love. I’m Eryn “Eddy” Erickson, and I am So Worth Loving.

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FIRST LOOK

martha’s touble Our first look at the Auburn, Ala.-based husband-and-wife folk/pop duo - Rob and Jen Slocumb as they go from small town to the billboard charts.

by DAMIR MUJEZINOVIĆ | photo credit Cocoas Entertainmentt

W

hen they first met in a coffee shop in Houston, 19 years ago, Jen and Rob Slocumb never for one moment thought they would be where they are now. They bonded through music and their friendship and musical partnership gradually grew into love. They are now happily married with children but their relationship isn’t the only thing that’s evolved. Their music and their lives transformed at the same time and, in many ways, continue to do so.

One thing Jen and Rob have never stopped is dreaming. To this day, they still do. They are, quite obviously, ambitious individuals but they are at the same time grounded and humble. When they reflect on their early days, traveling across the country in a van, they don’t look at that time nostalgically, on the contrary, they appreciate it for what it was and see how it has shaped them and helped them become who they are now, but they wouldn’t trade the idyllic family life they now have for anything.

They named their musical endeavor “Martha’s Trouble” after reading an inspiring Bible story (also named Martha’s Trouble) that, they say, helps them stay humble and always look at the bigger picture. These two are deeply spiritual individuals with an incredible sense of empathy, which became even more blatantly obvious after they released “A Prayer For a Broken Heart”, a heartfelt tune about a woman named Sharlene Bosma, who’s husband, Tim Bosma, was tragically murdered.“A Prayer for A Broken Heart” holds a special place in their musical catalogue, but a lot of their songs (such as: Some Piece Tonight, Brighter From Here, Forget October and Christmas Lights) have been featured in prominent TV shows, and music publications such as AOL Music, Billboard Magazine and USA Today have written extensively about the duo.

However, Martha’s Trouble’s career is incredibly versatile as they have released an album of children’s lullabies titled “A Little Heart Like You”. When they talk about that album the couple usually says:”These are songs we’ve written and always sang to our children and we are happy to share that music with other families.” Sharing.

That’s what music and life is about to Rob and Jen and that is why they continue to enrich our lives with their music.

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Five Ways To Stay Cool in Tennessee Burning up? Check out these five way-cool ways to beat the heat when summer sizzles.

by LETICIA BRAUN | photo credit VARIOUS

CHECK OUT BREATHTAKING WATERFALLS Burgess Falls State Natural Area, Sparta

The park’s three rumbling, tumbling waterfalls about 12 miles south of Cookeville are among the most scenic (and accessible) in Tennessee. Don’t miss: The Native Butterfly Garden, near the park’s upper parking lot. Filled with native wildflowers used to attract nearly 30 species of butterflies, the garden is an ideal spot for resting up before heading home. 4000 Burgess Falls Drive, sparta, 931/432-5312

or tn.gov/environment/parks/BurgessFalls

SPLASH AROUND IN A WATER PARK (THAT’S ON A LAKE!)

HEAR MUSIC UNDER THE STARS Live At The Garden Summer Concert Series, Memphis Botanic Garden

You can walk into rolling waves, float on a lazy river, or cruise across a placid lake—all just 15 minutes east of downtown Nashville. Set on the banks of the 14,000-acre J. Percy Priest Lake, Nashville Shores Waterpark offers the state’s biggest variety of ways to get wet. Don’t miss: Kowabunga Beach includes a fourstory tree house with 70 cool interactive features.

Live At The Garden Summer Concert Series, Memphis Botanic Garden Staged on a lawn in a corner of the 96-acre Memphis Botanic Garden, the summer music series offers some of the city’s best concerts. You can bring a picnic and a lawn chair, or reserve a table seat and preorder a meal from one of the Garden’s catering services.

The gates open at 6:30 p.m., but the concert doesn’t start until 8:30 p.m., giving you time to wander through 25 specialty gardens before settling down for music under the stars. 750 Cherry Road, Memphis,

4001 Bell Road, Hermitage nashvilleshores.com

901/ 636-4107 or liveatthegarden.com

ROW ON THE TENNESSEE RIVER

TAKE A SPIN ON ICE

Nashville Shores Waterpark

The William G. Raoul Boathouse, Chattanooga

Based in one of the South’s most enthusiastic rowing cities, two Chattanooga organizations offer adults and teens the chance to learn the wave-riding, muscle-making sport. Don’t miss: The Lookout Rowing Club’s Chattanooga Head Race, October 8, when the best college teams in the country compete—a treat for rowers and nonrowers alike. The Walnut Street Bridge offers the best views of the race. 1001 Riverside Drive, chattanooga

chattanoogajuniorrowing.

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The Ice Chalet, Knoxville

Ice skating instructors help beginners learn to glide on ice, while more advanced skaters can practice on their own or join a pickup game of hockey. Don’t miss: Curling. (It’s actually a pretty exciting sport!) Members of the Great Smoky Mountains Curling Club curl at the Chalet Sundays starting in September, and they’re always looking for new players. If you’re interested, visit the Web site curlknoxville.com.

100 lebanon street, 865/588-1858, chaleticerinks.com

BE UNIQUE

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THE FC

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MAIN FEATURE

colt ford

All for God & Country

by ROSELYN ONUCHE | photo credit AVERAGE JOES ENTERTAINMENT

I

t’s no secret that Colt Ford is a showman.

His charisma is infinitely alluring; his visual presentation a tour de force for the eyes, ears, and heart; and his dominating stature offer a not-quite-intimidating, but non-yet-understated presence. Behind it all, though, is a musician at play; a poet and author of rural life, told through auditory lenses.

Colt took some time to speak with Hayseed regarding life, music, his roots, changing perceptions, reinventing norms, and the power of country.

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C

olt Ford has said it from the beginning that he believes in GodFamily-Friends-America-Hard work and Freedom and he always tries to let that show in his songs.

He likes to have fun also and put a smile on folk’s faces. He believes his story shows that if you really want to do something you can because he beat all the odds. His mother told him since he was little that God never gives you a gift he doesn’t intend for you to use.

His roots can be traced back to Hartwell, Ga. then to Anderson, SC. That’s where he had his early years and also where he learned about hard work and family. His dad while growing up, didn’t have plumbing till he was 18 years old. He used to pick cotton to make a living back then. Real life is what he writes about in his songs and that’s where he gets all his inspiration from.

The influences in a person’s early life shape them and make them who they become later.

Colt attributes the major influence in his life to his parents. They were supportive of all the things he wanted to do and encouraged him at every step of the way. He knows he was really lucky to have that. When he got married to his beautiful wife Jessica she became the next biggest influence in his life. He is convinced there is no way he would be here doing music if it was not for her.Despite writing songs for various genres, Colt is generally classified as “only” a Country rapper. But, he defines himself as both a writer and musician. He loves doing both writing and playing music. For him, there is no better feeling then being on stage and seeing people having fun and singing his songs. It’s also a really special feeling for him having another artist record something he wrote.

This multi-talented singer and writer started his career in Nashville 8 years ago. He was also labelled as a Country rapper back then which obviously must have been very challenging to him on Music Row. Colt admits that much but understands that he had always faced challenges and accepted them as just how it is, but the Musicians and Artist and Song Writers have always been very supportive of him and his endeavors.

The younger generation has been demanding for more “hip” country music and fresher beats.

As a major player in this industry, Colt tries to make the best songs he can not necessarily trying to create something new but just being honest and being himself and that is what his fans get. One of his favorite things is that he has songs that kids and their parents and their grandparents all like. That does not happen

remembers being told “NO” so much and being knocked down so many times but he always got back up. Always. He sees nothing wrong with failing but he couldn’t live with himself knowing he didn’t try. He acknowledges that it’s hard being gone from his family so much and there are so many temptations that are thrown at him. He just makes sure he surrounds himself with great people on the road. He knows he really has to stay focused out here.

He doesn’t believe in all the press and hype, he feels he is just a regular guy that is lucky to play music.Another kind of struggle he faces is that it can be really hard in this business with folks pulling at him and telling him this and that. He just tries not to let himself get caught up in all the ego stuff. He makes sure he talks to his wife and kids everyday a few times a day and that really helps.

Colt Ford is a firm believer in family values especially those that are passed down from one generation to the next. He has two kids and along with his wife, they have been able to teach them to have respect for other people and themselves. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have tried to teach them that they have two ears and one mouth so that they can listen twice as much as they talk. Their kids both know that people will let them down but GOD will not.

very much. He doesn’t shy away from being a role model for kids. He thinks it goes with the territory and actually loves it. He wants to make songs that country kids can be proud of and wants them to say “Yes Ma’am” and “Yes Sir”. Colt believes there’s nothing better than a kid with great manners and behavior.

He always takes time with the kids or anyone and wants them to be his fan their whole life.

On way in which he reaches out to kids is through the Mudd Diggers comic series by Average Joes Entertainment released this year featuring Colt and his label mates. The comic series was just something that Shannon and he had talked about for a while. It was a chance to give Country Kids something in that world they could really identify with.

Just like anyone else, he has had his fair share of challenges and coping with the responsibility that comes with power. For instance, he

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For someone who grew up with Georgia’s Home-style Southern food, it’s interesting to see how he has adapted to Nashville food.

Turns out that’s hardly a problem since he actually still lives in Georgia and insists he always will. The food in Nashville is great but he doesn’t really have a favorite place there.

They do have a ton of cool places he likes, like The Corner Pub and Stoney River. He also loves Sambuka. He thinks that is how it is spelt, it might be a little fancy but it sure is good. Everyone has their own perception of success measured by different standards. Colt’s definition of success in general is: “If you are happy and make a difference in other people’s Life then that is successful”.

On a lighter note, he has a crazy music collection on his iPod. He has all kinds of stuff and he believes his iPod is one of the more diverse ones out there. He just loves music and appreciates anything that is real and honest.

Moving into 2015 as compared to 2016, he is focusing more on his health as he still has a lot of things he wants to do with his Life. He is ever grateful to God for his awesome music and talent and never ceases to admit that he is truly blessed. He hopes to keep making music that people want to hear and giving them all he’s got at his live show.

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EVERYTHING COUNTRY | HAYSEED MAGAZINE|17

Find What You Like and Take the Work Out of Work!

by HESBON KERONGO | photo credit PEXELS

S

ome people say you’re supposed to work like you don’t need the money. However, with prices for everything from gas to milk going up, that’s not exactly practical advice. Instead, you need to make sure the work you do 40 hours a week (or more!) is something you like - or even love.

Yes, there’s a reason why it’s called “work” and not “play”, but if you like the work you’re doing, you’ll feel more energized. Sure, you’ll still long for lazy days at the beach instead of long days in front of your computer screen, but you’ll long for them a lot less often. You’ll find it’s easier to get up in the morning and easier to fight off the temptations of Facebook and your Fantasy Football roster.

But how do you actually FIND something you like and TURN it into work?

1. Think about what you’re good at.

The better you are at something, the more likely to excel at it. So, if you’re great at striking up conversations with strangers, you might love being a salesman. Or, if you’re great at coming up with new recipes, you might be a great food blogger.

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2. Think about what you don’t like about your current job.

You don’t necessarily have to change professions to love your work. Instead, you may just need a change of pace! For example, if you hate having an overbearing boss standing over your shoulder all day, why not start a business in the same industry and become your own boss? Or, if you hate being cooped up in a salon all day, why not offer mobile massage services so you can be out and about?

3. Be open to new things.

As important as thinking is, sitting around and pondering your future may not get you anywhere. Instead, a job you really like may fall into your lap. So, don’t throw away that course catalog from the local community college and don’t give up on trying that new hobby you’ve heard people gushing about.

Who knows - they just might turn into a fun business opportunity!

4. Learn as much as you can.

It may be OK to “fly blind” on a new hobby and learn the ins and outs as you go, but work is different. For example, if you have a passion for the stock market - and want to turn trading into a full-time job - don’t just trade a few stocks on the side and hope you strike it big. Instead, learn all about the current market trends, the big historical data, and what makes for a safe amount of risk.

Bottom line - you’ll still have to work hard, but you’ll wind up enjoying the journey a whole lot more!

12

Things You Need to Know About Being Married to a Mud Truck Junkie

2 Do not be jealous of the bromances that will occur.

3 Expect fun filled mud bog trips instead of tropical vacations.

by ASHLEY COOKE | photo credit VARIOUS

4 Your gift giving options are easy. tools or truck parts make them smile.

1 Late nights in the shop, don’t mean 7 or 8p. don’t wait up.

5 A prescription for xanax may be required. event days/weekends can be nerve wracking

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6 During event weeks, expect his phone to blow up. texts, calls, fb notifications. it is all a part of their adult-child competitive behavior

10 Expect cranky withdrawals, or mood swings, when their truck is broken… and/or they cannot attend an event. handle with caution, they can be extra sensitive during this time.

7 Plan to fall to sleep to the sound of engines roaring because he’ll likely be next to you in the bed watching youtube videos

11 12. His clothes will be real dirty all the time, from oil and grease stains to mud. buy stock in shout.

8 Fed-ex, ups, usps will frequent your house.

12 9

Know you are not alone and will meet some of the most awesome folks on the road. you will have some of the most exciting experiences and you will create lasting memories at every event you follow your mud truck junkie too.

Lots of money will be wasted. i mean, like lots. they tend to break it, fix it, repeat… it’s all part of the game.

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handful artists which isn’t the case today. There are currently about 250 hick hop artists with about 160 being associated with AJE. Although there are many artists who are willing to join the genre, there are limited avenues for promotion of the genre. Currently there is only one label that is fully dedicated to the genre. There are other smaller labels which do not have the same expertise and financial muscle as AJE to say that they are a strictly hick hop label. Hick hop generally needs its own XM station and iTunes category to make sure that the genre grows. What is notable is that individuals such as Houchins have continued to create outlets that are meant to promote this music.

Houchins further advises that not just anyone can get into the artists management business. Many individuals have the misconception that just anyone can do this but that seems not to be the case. For you to be a successful artist’s manager, you need to be trained so that you can make a good job out of it. The job requires a lot of planning and executing. It needs one to leverage relationships and look into a certain artist’s needs and tailor plans to different artists.

MUSIC MANAGEMENT

not your average joe Our conversation with one of the hardest working visionaries in Country Music

A

verage Joes Entertainment has slowly been growing since its inception in 2008 to become a powerhouse in Indie music.

Although the company initially started out in Atlanta, it opened its first Nashville office in 2009. The Nashville office gradually grew in size with more of the Atlanta employees moving to Nashville until the whole company moved to Nashville to make it its headquarters in 2012.

The brain behind AJE, Shannon Houchins, has had years of experience, having started out early in his career working with many producers and executives, among them SoSo Def’s Jermaine Dupri. This gave him the requisite experience to finally start his own record label, turning it to one of the fastest growing labels in country music.

His move from Music production and song writing was mainly fueled by his deep desire to unleash his creative side. Working for someone else always meant that most of his creative work was more often than not always full utilized. This prompted him to start his own full service company through which his creativity would not be inhibited. While he has managed to grow

his label’s rooster, which included adding a Monster Truck Series and a comic book, this saw to it that he has increasingly been having a very busy life. Houchins says that his ability to balance his work life and personal interests has been made possible by having a great support team. Each e ntity within Average Joes Enteretainment has a team and team leader who makes sure that everything within the AJE entity runs smoothly. All he has to do is periodically switch between micro and macro managing depending on where he is needed the most.

While AJE has had a lot of success, it continues to give back to society by training young talent that hopefully will help shape the future of country music. This training is not limited to the creative part of the business but also includes overall business understanding. Houchins keeps on motivating these young minds to be creative and learn as much as they can so that they can go and start their own enterprises, so that maybe one day, he might “work for them”. Hick Hop has been a fast growing side of country music, this is albeit many individuals terming hick hop as not being a part of country. In 2008, the genre had a

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While there has also been a lot of changes in the industry, chief among them social media, Houchins reiterates that there is an importance for artists to connect with their fans using social media. A constant online connection is important to nurture their relationships with their fans. AJE has continued to have a lot of success, and in the process it has grown its roster of artists to include Bubba Sparxx, The LACS, Colt Ford, Lenny Cooper, Sarah Ross, Demun Jones, Moonshine Bandits, Charley Farley, Twang and Round and Cypress Spring. These artists are all set to release some great material at some point in 2016.Charlie is set to release a new album in spring while Lenny will be releasing his new album in late spring. Colt Ford will go on to release a new album in early fall. Moonshine Bandits are also set to release a new album in late spring. Demun is also set to release a new album this year although a release date is yet to be set.

Speaking on promoting their roster of new artists which includes Sarah Ross, Cypress Spring and twang and Round, Houchins said that his biggest hurdle will be the same that they have been handling all along. He said that they have to find the music that they connect with and build from there on. He says that although they have the direct reach with media exposure, it is important for them to find the right music that will gravitate the AJE core to gravitate to the new artists. Speaking on how he evaluates who he gets to sign to his label, Houchins further went on to say that the process of selecting new talent first involves listening to their music.

While on some occasions it is an automatic connection, sometimes the connection is not obvious and signing the new deal will depend on whether the direction and sound of the song shows talent. Selecting the talent is just a small part of the selecting process. The next process relies solely on whether the individual is someone that they would want to work together or not.

As Average Joe entertainment continues to foray into 2016, the company continues to diversify to other entities. This will include TV/Film, technologies, gaming and even MTS. The company has been fortunate to grow in an industry that is shrinking. AJE has been able to grow because they are a team of focused individuals who work hard. And that’s what Houchins says the company will continue to do, they will continue being creative and working hard.

Positive Thinking And Its Effect On Your Health

by GREG RILEY | photo credit PEXELS

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he first situation to consider is the relationship between thoughts and conditions like depression and stress. A crucial question is whether the person’s thoughts are creating the physical depression or the physical depression is creating the negative thinking. When it comes to how you can use your mind to help, this can be accomplished consciously and subconsciously. When someone has a habit of imagining things turning out very badly, rational thinking can show show them that they often exaggerate. However, the unconscious mind is much more powerful in shaping our habitual behavior, oftentimes beyond our conscious control. Visualization and hypnosis can be very effective in modifying beliefs and, if you do this, the long-lasting effects can be more powerful than using logic only.

It is likewise true that positive thinking can have an impact on our physical health, and you may be aware of the placebo effect on people who feel ill. This is when individuals are given a pill which in reality does not have any healing value, and yet they claim to notice an improvement in how they feel. This is evidence of the connection between mind and body, and there are many examples of men and women with a positive outlook being able to recover faster from malady and injury. You can also use the power of your mind to help you in achieving your fitness goals. A historic example of this is when the four minute barrier for running the mile was broken, which had been considered as unachievable up to that point. Once the “barrier” had been broken, other runners also began to break through what had really been a barrier of belief.

The effects of aging are likewise influenced by how we think about the process. As you get older, do you talk to your friends about your “aches and pains” and your weakened capabilities? It seems there’s a great deal of truth to the saying, “You’re only as old as you think you are,” and our thoughts can be used to undo a lot of the so-called effects of aging. Unfortunately, numerous individuals will continue to hold on to old beliefs about the unavoidable “decline” of health in old age, and not pay attention to the benefits of a positive outlook.

Now that you are aware that your attitude can bring you a much better state of health, it’s up to you to take advantage of this information and set your intention to think positive thoughts whenever you remember.

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SOUTHERN COMFORT EXPERIENCE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY ACROSS NORTH AMERICA

THE SOUTHERN NASHVILLE

photo credit The Southern

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he Southern is located on the ground floor of the Pinnacle at Symphony Place building in downtown Nashville. The restaurant features a state-of-the-art, shuck-to-order oyster bar and a wood-fired grill. It’s kitchen serves locally-grown produce and directly-sourced, sustainable seafood. And they do it mighty well! We sat in one of their high back booths and enjoyed an array of dishes that truly satisfied our palettes… and our belly’s!

The Southern is located a few minutes walk from the hustle and bustle of the downtown Nashville bars. It is the perfect place to get away from the loud music and enjoy a relaxing meal in a fun atmosphere. Try a little bit of everything, if you can. The flavor cues on the menu vary between dishes which makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Note on the parking… if there is an event at Bridgestone Arena or at the Symphony Center, the three free hours of parking may not be valid so I would confirm that before parking there. thesouthernnashville.com

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YARDBIRD SOUTHERN TABLE AND BAR MIAMI

photo credit The Yardbird

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ardbird is bringing a taste of Southern cuisine and hospitality to the country’s southernmost metropolis, Miami Beach, a city surprisingly absent of down-home cooking. Their chicken (straight from grandma’s recipe) spends a whole day in brine before it’s dredged in spiced flour and fried, resulting in a perfectly crisp, juicy bird. (Try the chicken on the homemade biscuits or alongside cheddar waffles with spicy Tabasco honey.) The bourbon-spiked cocktail list has a mix of classics and new inventions, such as the Pork Chop, made with apple cider, bourbon, Dijon mustard and thyme. runchickenrun.com

MIGHTY QUINN’S NEW YORK

photo credit Virginia Rollison

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hen confronted with city ’cue, purists are often quick to add the begrudging qualifier, “It’s pretty good…for New York.” Hugh Mangum’s low-and-slow meat haven needs no such addendum—it’s mighty good barbecue, period.

The drummer turned chef first hawked his Texalina— Texas spice meets Carolina vinegar— specialties at his immensely popular Smorgasburg stand, and when the operation went brick-and-mortar in December 2012, the hungry throngs followed. Lines snake through the steel-tinged East Village joint, gawking as black-gloved carvers give glistening meat porn a dash of Maldon salt before slinging it down the assembly line. Paprikarubbed brisket ($8.85)—slow-cooked for 22 hours— boasts a quarter-inch smoke ring and a girdle of fat that will have your taste buds cheering, if not your arteries.

The thick campfire bark of the pulled pork ($7.75) elevates it from the usual saucy porcine slop you’re used to, and the Jurassic-sized beef rib ($23), which looks like a prop from The Flintstones, is so impossibly melt-inyour-mouth tender, one bite will quiet even the pickiest of BBQ hard-liners. 103 Second Ave at 6th St (212-6773733, mightyquinnsbbq.com)—Christina Izzo

EVERYTHING COUNTRY | HAYSEED MAGAZINE|27

MEGA TRUCK SERIES

RETURNS FOR THE MOST EXCITING SEASON YET !

by ASHLEY COOKE | photo credit VARIOUS

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ega Truck 2016 Series returns for a bigger, more thrilling line-up of extreme motorsports entertainment for the entire family. The six-race series kicks off April 2 and runs through October 15 (see dates below) and will feature Mega Trucks, Side By Sides (SXS) and Rock Bouncers going head-to-head for the win. Added to the excitement this year will be Friday/Saturday night Average Joes’ DJ parties kicking off each event.

For tickets and additional information, go to www.

MegaTruckSeries.com.

“

FANS CAN EXPECT A VALUE-ADDED SEASON IN 2016 WITH BIGGER AND BETTER RACES AND EVENING ENTERTAINMENT BY AVERAGE JOES DJS,” SAID SHANNON HOUCHINS, CEO/PRESIDENT, AVERAGE JOES ENTERTAINMENT. “FROM CAMPING AND BON FIRES, TO MEET AND GREETS WITH DRIVERS, EACH RACE WILL HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERY FAN.

”

Popularity of extreme motorsports is at an all-time high as attendance at the race events continues to grow. From rookie drivers to top-seated champions, competition will be fierce.

“We saw MTS races explode in 2015 with increased participation by drivers from all over the country traveling to compete,” said Jeremy Forsyth President/MTS Race Series. “There was also a marked increase in attendance with upwards of 5,000 fans at many of the races.”

THE MEGA TRUCK SERIES OFFICIAL 2016 DATES 4/2/16 – Taylor County Boondocks – Butler, GA 4/23/16 – Rush Offroad – Rush, KY 5/21/16 – Twitty’s Mud Park – Ulmer, SC 6/3, 6/4, 6/5/16 – Louisville Expos Center, Louisville, KY 9/17/16 – Adventure Offroad Park, Chattanooga, TN 10/15/16 – West Georgia Mud Park, Tallapoosa, GA

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is trying to put the marriage back to “the way it was.” For a couple to survive infidelity, both must realize there was a fault line in the foundation of their marriage for the affair to happen in the first place. Usually feeling underappreciated, misunderstood or a communication break down between the couple has occurred prior to the affair. There are many online resources available for couples willing to repair their marriage and find new ways of communicating.

TIPS TO HELP YOU CREATE NEW WAYS OF COMMUNICATING + Stop yourself from falling into the same communication patterns as were present prior to the affair + Accept the marriage will not be the same as it was prior to the infidelity + Get professional counselling or find online resources to help you develop new ways of communicating

SURVIVE INFIDELITY

+ Learn to listen to your partner rather than jumping in with a response

How To Avoid 3 Mistakes Most Women Make

MISTAKE #3 - FOCUSING ON THE AFFAIR RATHER THAN THE MARRIAGE

by DENISE A DILMORE | photo credit PEXELS

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or a couple to survive infidelity, the general theme is the cheater wants to get on with the relationship and quickly move past the affair, while the injured party prolongs the misery and mistrust. And with good reason. It is difficult to “move on” once you have been devastated by an affair.

If both you and your husband want to survive the infidelity and rebuild your marriage, realize that it is a process. After the initial shock of the infidelity has settled, it is not so much the “sexual act” which is the most difficult to survive, but the deciet, disrespect, lies and lack of loyalty that has taken place. The lingering feelings of deception and mistrust do not immediately go away once the affair stops.

MISTAKE #1 - VISUALIZING THE DETAILS AND PLAYING IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN The number one mistake most women make which prolongs mistrust and misery is visualizing the details of the affair and playing it over and over again in their minds. Envisioning the “what, when, where and how they did things” is destructive to your sanity and will prohibit you from rebuilding your marriage.

To survive infidelity you must learn to take control of your mind and stop the negative visualizations. Understand it is natural to doubt your husbands loyalty but unnatural for you to torture yourself with “thoughts of them.”

+ Become aware of what triggers your negative thoughts and images + Make a conscious decision to stop yourself when these thoughts and images appear + Stop telling yourself and others that you can’t stop thinking this way because you can + Realize you are in control of your thoughts and need to distract yourself with other people, things and places to keep your mind occupied + Make a written list of 10 things you are grateful for and pull it out and read it every time your negatative thinking begins

TIPS TO HELP RID YOURSELF OF UNWANTED THOUGHTS ARE

MISTAKE #2 - TRYING TO PUT THE MARRIAGE BACK TO “THE WAY IT WAS”

+ Be aware of when negative thoughts are taking over so you can learn to change your thought pattern

The number two mistake most women make which prolongs mistrust and misery

The number three mistake most women make which prolongs mistrust and misery is focusing on the affair rather than the marriage. For obvious reasons feelings of anger, rage, hurt, betrayal and disappointment are all natural and must play a part in the healing process. Keep in mind, if you did not care about your husband, none of these feelings would be arising.

Therefore, once you have both made the decision to survive the infidelity and save your marriage, focusing on the affair rather than the marriage is destructive and futile.

TIPS TO HELP YOU FOCUS ON YOUR MARRIAGE AGAIN + Every day make a list of things he did right + Ask yourself why did you fall in love with him in the first place and does he still have some of those same qualities + Take time away from the everyday routine to spend quality time together + Find new activities and things you are both interested in doing together + Designate specific times to discuss the marital issues and solutions on how to make the marraige stronger Ultimately, your husband carries a large responsibility in trying to help you alleviate your mistrust and misery. It is after all, his indiscretions that created the breakdown of your relationship.

Realize that if you are both committed to saving your marriage, there are many ways that you can restore the trust which was lost to the affair. Take responsibility for avoiding the three most common mistakes many women make. If you put in the daily work, you and your husband will be among the many couples that have succeeded in regaining the trust and surviving infidelity.

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NEW MUSIC

breakthrough artist From Hip hop to soul searching vibes, we’re presenting a few of the best, most promising newcomers that has what it takes to breakthrough.

AUBRIE SELLERS If you listen closely, you can hear the musical legacy bestowed to Aubrie Sellers. Songs like “Light of Day” and “Sit Here and Cry” possess the poetic lyrics and thoughtful turns of phrase that her dad, hit songwriter Jason Sellers, passed down through the gene pool, and the captivating half-whisper, half-growl in her voice is reminiscent of mom Lee Ann Womack’s. Even without those facts, it only takes a moment to be intoxicated by the graceful grit of her new album, New City Blues. + aubriesellers.com.

JAWGA BOYZ A Beer Drinking, Hell Raising, Gravel Slinging Good Time is what you can expect at a Jawga Boyz show. These Athens, GA boyz celebrate the redneck way of life through their dirty south beats and country twang style that puts the redneck rappers in a league of their own. “We were influenced by the trailblazers of southern rap like Rehab, Outkast, and Bubba Sparxxx. Man. The Jawga Boyz are a Youtube phenomenon with over 50 million views and music available at amazon.com, or for download from iTunes, Google Play, or other digital outlet. + rollinlikearedneck.com.

ANDERSON EAST You might know him as Miranda Lambert’s new boyfriend, but Anderson East is far more than a piece of arm candy. Born and raised in Athens, Ala., he’s an exciting new addition to the Americana scene who released his debut album, Delilah, in 2015. It was produced by rootsrecording wizard Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell) and features a sound soaked in swampy soul and R&B. With poetic songs and a smoky, full-throated vocal presence that commands attention, he could be the next supernova to blow up along the lines of those previously mentioned stars. + andersoneast.com.

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