Memories With A Beat

25 Strawberry Fields with Greig Watts

Send us a textDespite being a successful music publisher today, Greig Watts’ career almost never happened due to early discouragement. He recalls a pivotal school report where a teacher claimed he was "not interested" in music, leading him to abandon his studies for a "proper" career in business and banking. For years, he felt the pressure to move away from his creative passions, a struggle he now shares in his book, Keeping the Dream Alive, to inspire other artists to persevere through rejection and ignore the critics who doubt their potential.The trajectory of Greig’s life shifted at age 14 when a supportive teacher, Mr. Bland, allowed him to use the school’s recording studio to cover "Strawberry Fields Forever." This six-week project became a transformative experience where Greig discovered he could sing and fell in love with the production process. He credits this specific act of mentorship and his fascination with The Beatles' innovative recording techniques as the "catalyst" that eventually drew him back to the music industry full-time, proving that one person’s belief can change a student’s entire future. Full Show Notes

Holiday Bonus: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas with Nicole Crangle

Send us a textWho loves Christmas Music?  Nicole loves Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas because she experienced a similar move as the little girl in this movie.  She comforted herself, alone in FL, with this song as she worked through a lost relationship and moved on to new opportunities!  Who knew she’d meet someone so special by staying in Florida in faith?Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: https://youtu.be/CreWsnhQwzY

Holiday Bonus: Blame It On the Mistletoe with Colleen Orender

Send us a textI love the scene in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation where Chevy Chase is in the attic and he steps on board after board that hits him in the face.  I used to almost pee my pants over that part.  This music video for Blame It On the Mistletoe reminds me of the sentimental scene that follows the slap-happy board face-smacking scene. Clark found old family movies and he's reminiscing. Colleen was purposeful in having the video have that feel as well as a nostalgic timeless feel to the song. Colleen used her contacts during the pandemic to get this video created.  She remembered asking a bandmate and his wife to do a kissing scene since you know, no actors during the pandemic were going to do a kissing scene, LOL!!  Colleen shared about the venue, The Standard, in which the video was recorded. Colleen has performed there many times and met a lot of stars throughout her singing career. She had her friend, Nikki Williams, sing back up on this song. Nikki has some pretty impressive chops and is the go-to in Nashville for songwriting. Colleen gave the inside scoop as to how she and Nikki became friends.  Nikki was all too happy to back up Colleen.  I hope you all check it out but I don't hope for you to get it stuck in your head for a week, like I did!  I "blame it on the mistletoe...." This is on my personal Christmas playlist and will stay there for all future Christmases. Full Show Notes 

Holiday Bonus: Little Drummer Boy & Peace On Earth with Kristin Hannon

Send us a textThe tradition continues...good news more cookies baked this year! What are your family traditions? This year with a new chapter of life I am realizing I need to set new expectations because my two of my kids have moved out. What new traditions did you start when your kids moved out? Check out Krisitn's memories to Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth!Full Show Notes

24 - Mighty K.C. with Dan Stewart

Send us a textDan Steward reflects on how The Mighty KC by For Squirrels became part of his personal and musical memory. He first heard it in Gainesville in 1997, and when friends from California came to visit, they knew it too. They all went together to buy their own copies—and soon after, they started a band. As a member of Strange Day, Dan saw parallels between his band and For Squirrels—the same drive and scene. If For Squirrels could do it, Strange Day could too. The song still sticks with him today, tied to friendships, shared experiences, and a moment in time that’s never really left.Full Show Notes