When did you first start getting involved with music?
Growing up in rural Nebraska, I was mostly exposed to country music, with the occasional strong signal from a pop station about a hundred miles away. My small town had TNN on the cable options, but not MTV, so I ended up becoming really interested in country music. When I was 19, I moved to Nashville so I could be closer to the music scene here. I completed my journalism degree from Belmont University and started working at a music magazine.
You’ve been a music journalist for years now. Tell us a little bit about where you’ve worked and what you’ve covered.
My first job was at a magazine called New Country. After that I went to a website called Citysearch.com. With print and web experience, I landed a sweet gig at CMT in 2002 writing news and producing video performances for CMT.com. Along with concert reviews, I ended up interviewing a bunch of major country artists, ranging from Reba to Luke Bryan. These days, as a freelancer, I’ve enjoyed writing about local music for the Nashville Scene.
What’s your favorite part about living in Nashville?
I really enjoy having so many options as a music fan. If I want country or bluegrass, of course I can find that. Songwriters are everywhere — and many of them are very talented! The pop scene is really special, with cool bands like Escondido. I’ve always been a super-motivated person, despite my laid-back personality, so it’s a treat to be surrounded by people who are working hard to make their career dreams a reality.
How did you get involved with ReverbNation/CONNECT?
Shortly after my time at CMT ended, one of my friends recommended me for the job. I had been doing some writing the program books for the Billboard Music Awards and the American Music Awards, so I felt comfortable listening to a lot of pop music in the name of research.
When you’re reviewing music, what are the main elements/strengths you look for? What are the most interesting things about emerging acts you currently like?
I like lyrics that catch me off guard. If a musician can throw in a lyrical twist, I love it. Also, I like a singer with confidence in his or her voice, even if the vocals are soft.
Who are your favorite artists right now?
While curating for ReverbNation, I’ve found quite a few artists I really like. I’ve enjoyed the roots-rock vibe of Even the Animals out of Asheville, North Carolina. And Open Air Stereo from LA is worth cranking up. Lovelast’s “San Francisco,” Heartracer’s “Summer Gold,” and Twelve24’s “Higher” are a few more of my favorites. These three songs are all pretty different, but it’s the emotion in the songs that gets me. Even after 20 years in the biz, it’s still exciting to discover an artist that’s poised for a big break. To me, that is the best part of the job.
Check out some of Craig’s favorite ReverbNation artists below:
