An Absolute Dream Come True

Posted on 11.03.09 in Music and there are

photo by bashed

Grumpy. Cranky. Should not have been allowed to open my mouth.

That was me this morning. For no particular reason.

By the grace of God, I was able to get my kids to school without much damage. Much.

After dropping the last one off, I grumpily got in the car, grumpily started it and with every bit of grumpiness and cynicism in my body, I turned on the radio.

Grumpily. 

Turning on the radio could have been DANGEROUS this morning. Because, really? If Big, Big House by Audio Adrenaline was playing ONE. MORE. TIME…

As I pushed the button, I thought doubtfully (and grumpily), “Hmm...I wonder if there’s ANYTHING playing that could kick me out of my moooood.”

“....When my world is shaking, Heaven stands. When my heart is breaking, I never leave Your Hands.”

I instantly smiled, giggled and, if I can be embarrassingly honest, I shouted with glee.

Yes, glee.

Jimmy told me that JJ Heller’s song was on KLOVE, but this was the first time I heard it.

My Late Night Surfing - Justified

One of my absolute most very, especially, favoritest things to do - ever - is to listen to new music on YouTube. I just love watching artists perform and hearing it live.

One way or another, that’s how I happened upon JJ Heller. I loved the sound of her voice, the sound of her music and the deep yet accessible lyrics.

I asked her to be a part of the Bloggable Music Network, a blog which I never had as much time for as I wanted. I also raved about her and gave a copy of her CD to my sister in law, Diana.

Diana then chose the song for her try out dance at SYTYCD. The show that one of my old co-workers at KSBJ (one of the biggest CCM stations in the coutry) watched. He loved the song and played it on the air.

KSBJ got such a great response that they added it to their rotation. I heard it was only the 2nd time they’ve added a song from an independent artist to their rotation in 20 years!

Now KLOVE is playing JJ’s music and I’m sure many smaller stations will follow.

For Your Reference

If you haven’t seen these, here is Diana’s segment from SYTYCD and JJ’s video from the Bloggable Music Network:

Now You’ll Probably Think I’m Weird

This is one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me! I’ve worked at radio stations and venues most of my adult life. I’ve been around lots and lots of music, but oddly enough, playing this miniscule part in JJ gaining a bigger audience is the most amazing music thing I’ve been a part of.

Granted, I could never replicate it. I didn’t really do anything. But, just knowing that all this happened partly as a result of my music nerdery… Well, that’s just fun.

I have no desire to be a musician or to be famous, but the idea of connecting incredible lesser known artists with all the other music geeks out there - thrills me to no end.

I have this sneaking feeling that this isn’t going to make much sense to anybody, but it’s just been SO incredibly exciting to me that I had to write about it…

And the icing on my musical nerd cake? There is a 90% chance that JJ is going to play a concert AT. MY. HOUSE!!!! I love live music, but to have it playing in my own house is just crazy amazing.

Hmmmm....I can’t believe I was grumpy this morning.

So, if you could have any musician perform at your house, who would it be?

The Comments:

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YAY! That is so great for you. An amazing artist, an amazing song. And how great to have a concert at your house. You’re gonna be the coolest parent on the block to your kiddos.

mocha_chick

I get it. And that is very cool. And the coolness just keeps going right up to JJ singing at your house. WOW

Congrats on being a part of all this - you set it into motion.

And your sister did an amazing job. Really.

Mandy - Yay! I’m so glad someone gets it. I think I knew you’d get it.

Suzanne and Mandy - you both still need to tell us who you’d want to sing at your house…

WOWsers!  Sorry for the rough start this morning!  Um, amazing & ahh can I get an invite!?

Jenni - You did NOT need to ask…

Kat,

That is so cool that JJ maybe playing there - I was half kidding when I made that comment the other day! I only wish I lived closer to Waco to see it. And, it is very cool and fun on the connection part too.  Will Diana be able to there too??

Dew

Well that is definitely cool!  I’m sure it will be amazing. 

I think I would choose David Crowder because I LOVE his music and I find him to be fairly entertaining too.

I don’t think you’re weird at all!  I think it’s so exciting, and I hope she plays at your house!

TOLD you you were like a famous person

Hmmmm, right at my house? Kinda makes me nervous......I get all kinds of tongue tied around famous folks......

Maybe KT Oslin.

Just kidding.

I really don’t know. Hope you aren’t grumpy tomorrow.

Whoa, Kat! That’s incredible!!

Dew - Let me know if you change your mind about the drive!

Lisa - Good one!

Erin - Me too!

Jamee - I’m so not famous, I just ride on the coattails of my nifty sis in law.

Marla - It’s been super fun!

um, if this happens, i will be there. just sayin.

if anyone were to play at my house, it would have to be Audio Adrenaline. I love me some Big, Big House.

not really. it would most def be Relient K. that would make my life.

Shelby,
Yes, you will be here.

You crack me up. Hope you’re feeling better!

Ok, so JJ definitely linked to you blog from her Facebook page! I’m not a blog-reader, per say, but I peeked around and I love the authenticity in your posts! Very real. Almost JJ-esque. I can see why God has had you play a part in her story, and her in yours.

OMG...you are so lucky!  I found JJ on myspace about two years ago and bought every one of her CDs.  She has truly touched the life of my children and I...My 6 year old daughter goes to sleep to her CDs every night, we just love her.  Her song ‘Only Love Remains’ has been the theme song of my life.  Last Christmas I gave her CDs out as gifts, and my friends and family adore her too.  She is such a blessing, an angel in disguise!!!

JJ and Dave are terrific artists but even better people from what little I have seen. 

If I could have anyone come to my home and do a concert it would be Waco locals David Crowder and crew.  Those boys are silly!

But my favorite musician is JJ’s college roommate and my worship leader at church Heather Miller.  Blessings to you all!

Thank you for your posting.  I had a bunch of grumpy, impatient kids this morning and it was getting me down.  Now I am doing better and looking forward to today.  I would have Toby Mac at my house if that was possible.

I’m one of the many who discovered JJ’s music after the show aired. Thank you for playing a part—I LOVE it!!!

And right at this moment, I think I would say that I’d have JJ come play at my house because I’ve been falling in love with her music for the last few weeks.

If I couldn’t get JJ, it would be Waterdeep for sure . . . the way they put words to every emotion and struggle I’ve ever had is just baffling and comforting both at once.

If I could have any artist play at my house, it’d be Dave & JJ Heller!

First off I totally agree about Big Big House!  I want to throw the radio out the window whenever it comes on...every hour! 

I am friends with Diana so I was anxiously watching the night she was on SYTYCD!  I had not heard JJ before her performance.  But I (like everyone else) fell in love with the song and her music!  Since then I have been so excited to see the way that God used Diana (and you) to bring JJ’s music to everyone!  I personally think that Diana’s SYTYCD story is much cooler than if she would have won the whole thing! 

Diana told me that you may be getting JJ to have a concert at your house and that she might get to meet her!  Which I think would be so cool!  I may just stow away in Diana’s suitcase if you get to have the concert;) How cool for everyone!

Sarah - Wow. Thank you!

Amanda - That’s one of my favorite songs too!

Shari - Even though I live in Waco and could see DCB live most any Sunday, I never have. I must remedy that.

Heather S. - That would be a seriously fun show!

Amber - It amazes me how a 5 minute segment in which they don’t even mention the name of the artist can do so much for an artist. I’m so glad you found and are enjoying JJ’s music! And Waterdeep....you clearly have good taste.

David - Nice pick!

Erin - Nice to meet you! Any friend of Diana’s is a friend of mine!

unbelievable. thank you for sharing this with me.

You’re welcome Crystal. Hope you enjoy the music!

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