Welcome to Judy's Village Newsletter!
Can you believe it's the end of February? Early spring is preparation time... for vocal sessions, gigs, tours and for growing in your craft. Time to get mentally, physically and vocally in shape! Start now. And keep the rain gear handy!
Client News 
Upcoming Event:
Preston James will be on American Idol and the Tennessean caught the wind! Tune in to ABC TV March 11th to see Preston’s journey!
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Jordyn Pepper, an Americana artist signed with Howlin Dog Records, is
touring and doing newspaper and radio interviews to promote her album "Mountain Rain". The title track, I'm thrilled to say, is our co-write! Here is a great article on her in the Montrose Press.
More about her:
Looking delicate as a flower, Jordyn is actually an extreme sport enthusiast (mountain climber, camper, etc)!
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Ricky Cook had his debut on the Devon O'Day show (WSM) this month! His first single 'Thanks a Lot Loretta' just beat Blake Shelton for downloads on Country Weekly's Top 20. He's working with industry mover & shaker Bob Saporiti (thx, Bob for sending him in for lessons- we're having a blast!) and is preparing for his first radio tour in March. Lots of buzz!
More about him:
Ricky has become a master of more than one discipline. He is a renown champion horse trainer; he owns a very successful real estate business and is a brilliant songwriter. His rich low voice has drawn some major interest as he puts the smart and authentic into traditional country
music.
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Abby Stephens did her surprise Ryman debut when Kelsea Ballerini asked her up on the stage to sing "Dibs" as a duet. She's sung this duet with
Ballerini at a couple other gigs and they really rocked the house!
More about her:
She won Youth Music Video of the year in the Carolina Music Awards 2016 for her original song 'Best Day Ever'. This kid is already actively helping others, starting a "Best Day Ever Foundation" for kids. Thanks to PCG Artist Development for sending her my way!
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Mason Zgoda has a performance video out that will make you smile about every Karaoke night you've done! This awesomely quirky alternative pop artist is unlike anyone else. It's been great fun to watch her grow!
More about her:
Launched by PCG artist development, she just signed with BigNoiseNow for A&R. This company has helped many music icons reach major market success, and they are perfect for this unique, confidently creative artist!
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John Mailander has a great reason to be coming for vocal lessons. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, he will be playing on the road with the legendary Bruce Hornsby... and singing bgvs!
More about him:
Along with being a busy performer, John is also a teacher. He published his book 'A Fiddler's Guide To Movable Shapes' in fall of last year. AND he is a great friend and collaborator of Leah Grams Johnson (thank you Leah for getting us together!)
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Congrats to my friend Lyn Stevens, aka Lyn Rumler, who is currently featured in a 7-page spread for her hometown (Watertown, WI) magazine "Family & Friends", distributed by Times Publishing Company.
More about her:
Lyn has worn several hats in the industry including radio producer/DJ/interviewer, three-time winner of Nashville Independent Music Award (NIMA) Winner for "Best Visual Art" for her photography, and promotor/international tour documenter for blues artist Travis Bowlin. She is proof that a closed door signifies there is a better door of opportunity waiting!
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Karoline Rhett just found out she landed the #2 position for her song "I'm The Melody" on Blacksheep Network's Top 40 countdown!
More about her:
Referred to me by Tommy Neal of Stars2Come when she wasn't even quite a teenager, Karoline has become not only the incredible artist she now is, but also brilliant at social network promotion. Follow her and you'll see what I mean... she protects her privacy, yet offers the appropriate level of friendship and connection to her fans. She is in the early stages of a long, successful career.
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DID I MISS YOUR NEWS? Be sure and email me if you have something newsworthy to share. I keep the info til I create the new edition to share with this village!
Judy's News
I was truly honored to be interviewed for two awesome podcasts this month... both bring out unique angles of discussion, both do a tremendous amount of homework to create excellent shows! You can find these podcasts on most podcast player apps and sites:
Unstarving Musician's Podcast
My interviewer was Roberto Hernandez (aka Robonzo), the founder of this podcast and author of the book 'The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs'.
and...
The Musicality Podcast
My interviewer was Christopher Sutton, founder and director of Musical U, a music education platform based in the UK. Christopher is also creator of the iOS app Relative Pitch, ear training website EasyEarTraining.com, and the viral sensation ToneDeafTest.com. (I tried the test. Apparently I am not tone deaf:)
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Next ... look for my All Things Vocal Blog and Podcast update in your email mid-March. Got some great new episodes to share!
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