Becky Middleton

Ishi: Best Electronic/Dance Act

Ishi, the brainchild of frontman John Mudd and producer Brad Dale, has been a Dallas mainstay for nearly four years at this point. Their records blend indie dance with touches of folk in an interesting way, but it's their high-energy live set that has made them so popular in their hometown.

Still, Mudd has his sights set further these days: "Dallas has been good to us and been in our heart," he says, "but we want to show that we're not just a Dallas band and we have big ambitions."

The plan? To start touring, and ASAP. To prepare on that front, the band is hard at work on their follow-up full-length to last year's Through the Trees. They're shooting for a summer 2012 release date that will undoubtedly help with their goal. - Dallas Observer, 10-20-11

Ishi: Best Electronic/Dance Act

Ishi, the brainchild of frontman John Mudd and producer Brad Dale, has been a Dallas mainstay for nearly four years at this point. Their records blend indie dance with touches of folk in an interesting way, but it's their high-energy live set that has made them so popular in their hometown.

Still, Mudd has his sights set further these days: "Dallas has been good to us and been in our heart," he says, "but we want to show that we're not just a Dallas band and we have big ambitions."

The plan? To start touring, and ASAP. To prepare on that front, the band is hard at work on their follow-up full-length to last year's Through the Trees. They're shooting for a summer 2012 release date that will undoubtedly help with their goal. - Dallas Observer, 10-20-11

”Disco Queen” (single) – Ishi: To call the beats of “Disco Queen” infectious is not enough. The track is downright contagious. You just gotta groove to the ‘70s inspired track. We’ll call it an electronic-infused dance epidemic that gets better with each listen. Play this track when you are ready to get the party started. - PegasusNews.com, 12-19-11

Picking up where Brown left off and then turning it up to 11, Ishi proved that they are the band in Dallas to get bodies moving on the dance floor. The band’s electronic beats were just the thing to kick the party up a notch, and with lead singer John Mudd’s eccentric dance style and stage presence, it was hard to deny the desire to dance the year away, especially when Mudd put away his cane and donned his signature Indian chief headdress. Continuing a night of retro covers, Ishi’s female vocalist Becky Middleton performed an updated version of The Bangles “Walk Like An Egyptian” which was quite the crowd pleaser. - PegasusNews.com, 1-1-12

DALLAS — Lately, Dallas songstress Becky Middleton is the female lead vocalist for local folktronic dance outfit Ishi, first filling in when singer Taylor Rea departed in May of last year. Middleton hasn’t had much time to focus on her solo career. That is, until now.

While she works with members of Ishi to release a new album before the end of the year, she’s also recording her yet-to-be-titled sophomore record, which she calls a departure from the music she has created before.

“Well, it's still me,” Middle said of her forthcoming album. “I'll always be a mix of genres, but this is more of me finally coming into my own as an artist. I've grown a lot since my last album, musically and personally.”

Middleton says she is heading in a more soulful direction, which she says she lightly touched the surface of on No Trouble. After recording a few spots on other artist’s songs in the studio, she realized she was doing more for others than herself and needed to get down to business. With her new album in the works, she is embracing her soulful side and letting it take the wheel.


YouTube still
Becky Middleton is raising money for her latest album.
Currently, Middleton is holding a campaign on pledgemusic.com where fans can donate to help her fund the recording of her new album. Since Middleton is an independent artist and is not signed to a record label – or receiving any form of outside financial backing – she needs all the monetary support she can get. She's politely asking for $10,000, and as of press time, she was about 65% of the way there.

Those who give to her campaign will receive five unreleased recordings, exclusives, and help support Middleton’s favorite charity Falling Whistles, a non-profit that helps rescue, rehabilitate, and educate victims who are forced into the war taking place in the Congo. If Middleton goes beyond her goal, she will give the remainder to the charity.

Fans who want to give more can have their name in the album credits, receive singing lessons via Skype, have Middleton sing a their wedding or host a concert at their house, or receive an executive producer credit.

Editor's note: The pledge drive has been extended through Monday. - PegasusNews.com, 9-29-12

It’s hard not to be taken in by Becky Middleton, both with her music and as an artist. The soulful singer-songwriter injects plenty of heart into a front porch romp like “You’re A Stone” and then so easily discusses her own heart for a beautiful cause like Falling Whistles. And if somehow those elements don’t impress you, then perhaps her impeccable ability to wrap Christmas presents will.

All of these dimensions of Middleton are now available to her fans on her new PledgeMusic campaign with the goal of making a new record with producer Beau Bedford (Dovetail). Here’s a bit more insight into the well-rounded Dallas native.

How did you first come together with Beau?

I’ve been friends with Beau for several years. We’ve played together a lot and have the same circle of musician friends. He’s a crazy gifted musician and writer, and he played on my last record, No Trouble. In the last few years, he’s become a sought-after producer in Texas, able to weave in and out of a lot of genres. So with this album being more soulful and grander in scope, it just made sense to work with him.

When you’re out on the road with Ishi, what you take home for your own artistry and songwriting from that experience?

Oh man, I think the biggest thing I take home is moxie! Being in Ishi has brought out more confidence and fearlessness, to do my own thing and not care what people think. I didn’t realize that had happened until I was playing a show of mine recently, and I was just a new person on stage. It was refreshing.

Where does PledgeMusic enter the picture for you?

PledgeMusic is a Godsend. I was trying to decide who to do this campaign with around the time my dear friend David Ramirez launched his with PledgeMusic. That was the first time I’d really encountered it, and I was sold. The aesthetics, the pledger interaction, charity support, the built-in systems, checks and balances. Look, I can be business-minded but at the end of the day, I need accountability and help ‘cause I know myself. PledgeMusic is my best friend right now.

I love the Christmas present exclusive. Where did that idea come from?

Oh thank you! There’s still two available if you want to get one. [Laughs] Really, I was just brain-storming ideas for exclusives. I was trying to think of random things I was good at that even a non-fan might be intrigued by. And then it came to me. My roommate always tells me around Christmas-time that my presents look like they could be in store windows. So if this music thing doesn’t work out, at least I have that.

You mentioned your previous ties with Falling Whistles. Can you tell us specifically what you were able to partner with them on?

Well, I was actually at one of the origin meetings before Falling Whistles came into existence. Some friends invited me to come hear the founder’s story and ideas on how he wanted to help make a difference in the lives of the people forced into the war in the Congo. It moved me, and I’ve been a supporter ever since.

In 2009, I played on the bill for Falling Whistle’s big LOVE event in Dallas, one of its first benefits. Since then I’ve stayed connected with some who work for the organization, and I’ve proudly worn my whistle on stage. People at shows will ask me if I’m wearing a rape whistle; it’s a good conversation starter. - PledgeMusic.com, 8-2-12

It’s hard not to be taken in by Becky Middleton, both with her music and as an artist. The soulful singer-songwriter injects plenty of heart into a front porch romp like “You’re A Stone” and then so easily discusses her own heart for a beautiful cause like Falling Whistles. And if somehow those elements don’t impress you, then perhaps her impeccable ability to wrap Christmas presents will.

All of these dimensions of Middleton are now available to her fans on her new PledgeMusic campaign with the goal of making a new record with producer Beau Bedford (Dovetail). Here’s a bit more insight into the well-rounded Dallas native.

How did you first come together with Beau?

I’ve been friends with Beau for several years. We’ve played together a lot and have the same circle of musician friends. He’s a crazy gifted musician and writer, and he played on my last record, No Trouble. In the last few years, he’s become a sought-after producer in Texas, able to weave in and out of a lot of genres. So with this album being more soulful and grander in scope, it just made sense to work with him.

When you’re out on the road with Ishi, what you take home for your own artistry and songwriting from that experience?

Oh man, I think the biggest thing I take home is moxie! Being in Ishi has brought out more confidence and fearlessness, to do my own thing and not care what people think. I didn’t realize that had happened until I was playing a show of mine recently, and I was just a new person on stage. It was refreshing.

Where does PledgeMusic enter the picture for you?

PledgeMusic is a Godsend. I was trying to decide who to do this campaign with around the time my dear friend David Ramirez launched his with PledgeMusic. That was the first time I’d really encountered it, and I was sold. The aesthetics, the pledger interaction, charity support, the built-in systems, checks and balances. Look, I can be business-minded but at the end of the day, I need accountability and help ‘cause I know myself. PledgeMusic is my best friend right now.

I love the Christmas present exclusive. Where did that idea come from?

Oh thank you! There’s still two available if you want to get one. [Laughs] Really, I was just brain-storming ideas for exclusives. I was trying to think of random things I was good at that even a non-fan might be intrigued by. And then it came to me. My roommate always tells me around Christmas-time that my presents look like they could be in store windows. So if this music thing doesn’t work out, at least I have that.

You mentioned your previous ties with Falling Whistles. Can you tell us specifically what you were able to partner with them on?

Well, I was actually at one of the origin meetings before Falling Whistles came into existence. Some friends invited me to come hear the founder’s story and ideas on how he wanted to help make a difference in the lives of the people forced into the war in the Congo. It moved me, and I’ve been a supporter ever since.

In 2009, I played on the bill for Falling Whistle’s big LOVE event in Dallas, one of its first benefits. Since then I’ve stayed connected with some who work for the organization, and I’ve proudly worn my whistle on stage. People at shows will ask me if I’m wearing a rape whistle; it’s a good conversation starter. - PledgeMusic.com, 8-2-12

We've been unabashed fans of Becky Middleton, well, for about as long as we've had a website. (See the scads of in-studio visits linked on her band page.) Tonight she's releasing her first full-length CD, supported by her (and nearly everyone else's) producer, Salim Nourallah, as well as The O's. Come out and see what the fuss is about--you won't be disappointed. - PegasusNews.com, 5-29-09

We've been unabashed fans of Becky Middleton, well, for about as long as we've had a website. (See the scads of in-studio visits linked on her band page.) Tonight she's releasing her first full-length CD, supported by her (and nearly everyone else's) producer, Salim Nourallah, as well as The O's. Come out and see what the fuss is about--you won't be disappointed. - PegasusNews.com, 5-29-09

Most new acts release a debut album as soon as they can. That's not how Becky Middleton wanted to do it. She honed her strumming and singing skills for several years, playing around town almost weekly and building a solid group of supporters. She took her time to get the right producers and songs together, and she's finally ready to put out a full-length CD.

Her country-tinged pop collection No Trouble was recorded at Pleasantry Lane, and hit iTunes earlier this week. Middleton will play a release gig on Friday at the Prophet Bar. Salim Nourallah (above, who co-produced her album) and the O's (below) open. Find out more at beckymiddleton.com.

Check out her show, she's one of the best-kept secrets in town. - Hunter Hauk, Dallas Morning News Quick Guide, 5-28-09

Most new acts release a debut album as soon as they can. That's not how Becky Middleton wanted to do it. She honed her strumming and singing skills for several years, playing around town almost weekly and building a solid group of supporters. She took her time to get the right producers and songs together, and she's finally ready to put out a full-length CD.

Her country-tinged pop collection No Trouble was recorded at Pleasantry Lane, and hit iTunes earlier this week. Middleton will play a release gig on Friday at the Prophet Bar. Salim Nourallah (above, who co-produced her album) and the O's (below) open. Find out more at beckymiddleton.com.

Check out her show, she's one of the best-kept secrets in town. - Hunter Hauk, Dallas Morning News Quick Guide, 5-28-09

(excerpt from Air Review ACL Fest interview)
Favorite local acts: Baron Fox, because Jon Whitlock is the epitome of “badassery.” Salim Nourallah and Radiant for paving the way for indie rock in Dallas. Also, one of the best female voices in town, Becky Middleton. - Hunter Hauk, Dallas Morning News Quick Guide, 9-17-09

(excerpt from Air Review ACL Fest interview)
Favorite local acts: Baron Fox, because Jon Whitlock is the epitome of “badassery.” Salim Nourallah and Radiant for paving the way for indie rock in Dallas. Also, one of the best female voices in town, Becky Middleton. - Hunter Hauk, Dallas Morning News Quick Guide, 9-17-09

Becky Middleton, No Trouble: Dallas singer-songwriter Middleton enlisted a few Metroplex musical heavy hitters (Chris Holt, Salim Nourallah) to help craft her debut full-length, but she is unquestionably the star of this show. Gifted with a pleasant, limber voice that curls around her folk-leaning ditties, Middleton convincingly stakes a claim in the ever-growing field of Texan tunesmiths. She'll share a bill with the scary-talented Maren Morris at Lola's Saloon Sixth on June 26. More info: www.beckymiddleton.com - Preston Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram DFW.com, 6-17-09

Becky Middleton, No Trouble: Dallas singer-songwriter Middleton enlisted a few Metroplex musical heavy hitters (Chris Holt, Salim Nourallah) to help craft her debut full-length, but she is unquestionably the star of this show. Gifted with a pleasant, limber voice that curls around her folk-leaning ditties, Middleton convincingly stakes a claim in the ever-growing field of Texan tunesmiths. She'll share a bill with the scary-talented Maren Morris at Lola's Saloon Sixth on June 26. More info: www.beckymiddleton.com - Preston Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram DFW.com, 6-17-09

Summer Ames, Camille Cortinas and Becky Middleton have all found loyal fans in Dallas, without the benefit of constant blog buzz or headlining gigs at high-profile venues. But it’s time more folks found out about these talented singer-songwriters.

Ames recently released an impressive debut EP, Complicated Daydream. Her breezy, slightly soulful tunes provide a perfect soundtrack for, well, summer.

You may have heard Cortinas’ warm, cheery vocals on catchy commercial jingles for the Texas Lottery and TXU. She developed a similarly upbeat sound as frontwoman of local band Fishing for Comets. She’s now working on songs for a solo album, some with a darker side than we’ve heard from her before.

Middleton has workshopped her material on the coffeehouse circuit for a few years and hosts a regular songwriters’ showcase at Opening Bell Coffee. The practice paid off on her latest CD, No Trouble, an oft-bluesy pop set recorded at Pleasantry Lane studios with Salim Nourallah.

While none of the women put style above substance when it comes to making music, each seemed to relish the opportunity to get glamorous for our photo shoot. While playing dress-up and trying to achieve the perfect poses, they hit it off so well that they decided to set up a show together. You can see them perform, minus the ball gowns, on Sept. 4 at Opening Bell’s South Side location.

Here’s more on Ames, Cortinas and Middleton.

BECKY MIDDLETON:
Age: “It’s a secret.”

Day job: “Glorified office temp. Have you seen The Office?”

Hometowns: Grew up in Dallas

Favorite singers as a child: Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey
and Whitney Houston. “Well, they are singer’s singers. They
hit all the notes. It’s sad, but you could pop in any early
Mariah album and I would still know all the melismas.”

Favorite singers now: “Still Aretha … Aretha any day. But
Patty Griffin is my hero. I’m definitely my own person, but I
identify with her a lot vocally and in songwriting. She’s
amazing. I love Norah Jones’ style. She can sing almost any
genre. Ryan Adams — you just feel the heartbreak. And of
course Ray Charles — so much soul.”

Favorite local acts: Salim Nourallah, Sam Anderson and the
Thriftstore Troubadours, Jonathan Tyler and the Northern
Lights, Philip Creamer and his band, Dovetail, Hoyotoho,
Johnny Lloyd Rollins and Jack Doyle. “I feel really blessed that
my friends are exceptionally gifted. It’s so fun to play shows
with each other.”

When and how you started playing music: “I’ve been
singing since I was born. I grew up in church and school
choir, always in performances and competitions. I’m
classically trained. Piano? I was the worst at practicing when I
was little, so I quit but then picked it back up again in college
’cause they made me. And I started playing guitar just in the
last five years or so. I was ready to practice then.”

Sum up your songs in one sentence: “My songs are about
truth.”

Favorite places to play in town: House of Blues, the
Prophet Bar, the Loft, the Moon and, of course, Opening Bell.

Complete this sentence: The Dallas music scene is …
“a well-kept secret that you have to search out, beyond the
few artists that actually get acclaim.”

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much of a girly girl are you?
“I’d say a 4, maybe. It used to be a zero, but I’ve finally
embraced mascara and heels since I started playing.”

Next live show: Sept. 4 at Opening Bell – South Side.

Web site: myspace.com/beckymiddleton

- Hunter Hauk, Dallas Morning News Quick Guide, 8-27-09

Summer Ames, Camille Cortinas and Becky Middleton have all found loyal fans in Dallas, without the benefit of constant blog buzz or headlining gigs at high-profile venues. But it’s time more folks found out about these talented singer-songwriters.

Ames recently released an impressive debut EP, Complicated Daydream. Her breezy, slightly soulful tunes provide a perfect soundtrack for, well, summer.

You may have heard Cortinas’ warm, cheery vocals on catchy commercial jingles for the Texas Lottery and TXU. She developed a similarly upbeat sound as frontwoman of local band Fishing for Comets. She’s now working on songs for a solo album, some with a darker side than we’ve heard from her before.

Middleton has workshopped her material on the coffeehouse circuit for a few years and hosts a regular songwriters’ showcase at Opening Bell Coffee. The practice paid off on her latest CD, No Trouble, an oft-bluesy pop set recorded at Pleasantry Lane studios with Salim Nourallah.

While none of the women put style above substance when it comes to making music, each seemed to relish the opportunity to get glamorous for our photo shoot. While playing dress-up and trying to achieve the perfect poses, they hit it off so well that they decided to set up a show together. You can see them perform, minus the ball gowns, on Sept. 4 at Opening Bell’s South Side location.

Here’s more on Ames, Cortinas and Middleton.

BECKY MIDDLETON:
Age: “It’s a secret.”

Day job: “Glorified office temp. Have you seen The Office?”

Hometowns: Grew up in Dallas

Favorite singers as a child: Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey
and Whitney Houston. “Well, they are singer’s singers. They
hit all the notes. It’s sad, but you could pop in any early
Mariah album and I would still know all the melismas.”

Favorite singers now: “Still Aretha … Aretha any day. But
Patty Griffin is my hero. I’m definitely my own person, but I
identify with her a lot vocally and in songwriting. She’s
amazing. I love Norah Jones’ style. She can sing almost any
genre. Ryan Adams — you just feel the heartbreak. And of
course Ray Charles — so much soul.”

Favorite local acts: Salim Nourallah, Sam Anderson and the
Thriftstore Troubadours, Jonathan Tyler and the Northern
Lights, Philip Creamer and his band, Dovetail, Hoyotoho,
Johnny Lloyd Rollins and Jack Doyle. “I feel really blessed that
my friends are exceptionally gifted. It’s so fun to play shows
with each other.”

When and how you started playing music: “I’ve been
singing since I was born. I grew up in church and school
choir, always in performances and competitions. I’m
classically trained. Piano? I was the worst at practicing when I
was little, so I quit but then picked it back up again in college
’cause they made me. And I started playing guitar just in the
last five years or so. I was ready to practice then.”

Sum up your songs in one sentence: “My songs are about
truth.”

Favorite places to play in town: House of Blues, the
Prophet Bar, the Loft, the Moon and, of course, Opening Bell.

Complete this sentence: The Dallas music scene is …
“a well-kept secret that you have to search out, beyond the
few artists that actually get acclaim.”

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much of a girly girl are you?
“I’d say a 4, maybe. It used to be a zero, but I’ve finally
embraced mascara and heels since I started playing.”

Next live show: Sept. 4 at Opening Bell – South Side.

Web site: myspace.com/beckymiddleton

- Hunter Hauk, Dallas Morning News Quick Guide, 8-27-09

I hadn't heard of Dallas native Becky Middleton until her debut CD was sent my way a couple of weeks ago. But she's not new to the scene. She has been singing and playing piano for such bands as the Jeff Berry Band, and Tim Ward Band over the last five years.

So much of her first solo venture, No Trouble, reminds me of Jewel's 1998 Spirit, but it's not fair to peg Ms. Middleton to just that. Becky is a true talent who can take on almost any genre, be it folk ("You Never Speak"), country ("There's No You (Austin)" and "You're a Stone"), rock, soul or blues ("Lost My Heart"). And she proves all that on this album. She's a singer-songwriter who understands the power of soft, clean, innocent and emotional melodies and lyrics. And her range is worthy of applause. Seriously, you should hear me try to sing along in the car - there's no reaching those high notes for me, but oh how I try because that's just how much her music overpowers me.

I'd have to say my favorite track on the 11-song disc is the catchy "Abilene, Tx," especially when the full band kicks in. I could easily see that song extended past its 3 minutes, 20 seconds and not mind one bit. I just wander around, with my feet on the ground ...

Another fave is "Sadie," about "growing up together" and "learning to love you better." Plus, Sadie is just a beautiful name -- one I hadn't heard before but is so made for Ms. Middleton's voice.

I also love the empowering "Lost My Heart," which when compared to the rest of the CD gives us a glimpse of the strong, confident woman the perhaps more reserved Ms. Middleton is.

Local musician Salim Nourallah co-produced the album, which includes a full band comprised of members from Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights, Hoyotoho, Dovetail and Sam Anderson.

You can get No Trouble on iTunes now, or better yet, go get it for only $10 at the CD release party at 8 tonight at The Prophet Bar, where Dallas' The O's will also perform. - Erika Nuñez/Editor, Dallas Morning News, 5-29-09

Thursday night, Salim Nourallah marked the release of his late friend Carter Albrecht's last album. Tonight, he'll help Dallas singer-songwriter Becky Middleton introduce her first.

Nourallah helped produce No Trouble, an 11-song Americana record centered on Middleton's sugary vocals and heartfelt, small-town prose. The songwriting is so transparent and unpretentious that it exudes a brave innocence like Middleton's voice itself, a soulful, budding sound, like a young Alison Krauss at its sweetest points and, at its best, reminiscent of Leona Naess' bridled expression.

No Trouble is an accessible record -- maybe even a Nashville record -- and it will be interesting to see where it takes Middleton.

Performances by Nick Jay of Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights and seasoned Dallas musician Chris Holt among others pepper the record with cred as Middleton's band serves her tender style with muted playing. The songstress put down the acoustic guitar and handed off keyboard duties to focus on vocals in the studio.

Upbeat tracks like "There's No You" and "Abilene, TX" are the gems to skip to -- the band rides smoothly through twangy changes like a Cold Roses-era Ryan Adams. Two tracks from Middleton's 2006 EP Repercussions made it on, and you can measure her growth with a yardstick.

In the well-established boys' club of Dallas alt-country, the arrival of Middleton's full-length has been anticipated as she chose its producer from the head of that pack (Nourallah recently worked on Dallas ex-pat Rhett Miller's solo album.) Middleton is the organizing songbird behind Opening Bell Coffee's weekly Songwriters In The Round series and a semi-regular on the Dallas club circuit, having generated just enough buzz among the right industry folk to set her up for an entrance into the larger Dallas scene.

Middleton talked to Pegasus News last month about matching visions with Nourallah, her emotional lyrics ("Not everything is autobiographical," she said) and her hopes for the Songwriters in the Round. See a performance of "Abilene, TX," from No Trouble, below.

The all-ages CD release show starts at 9 p.m. tonight at The Prophet Bar and features sets from Nourallah and The O's. It's $8 for over 21, $10 for minors. - Lyndsay Knecht Milne, NBCDFW.com, 5-29-09

(excerpt from top 20 list)
#14. Becky Middleton, "Lost My Heart" - A sultry, soulful vocal performance from one of Dallas’ hardest-working singer-songwriters. - Dallas Morning News Quick Guide, 1-6-10

Summer Music Issue Photoshoot & Interview here: http://issuu.com/bleepmag/docs/bleepmag206 - Bleep Magazine, July 2012

Summer Music Issue Photoshoot & Interview here: http://issuu.com/bleepmag/docs/bleepmag206 - Bleep Magazine, July 2012

Dallas singer-songwriter Trey Johnson wasted little time following up 2009's superb Mount Pelee. Where the East Ends arrives barely a year after his solo debut. Knocked out in less than two weeks, this collection is more of Johnson’s irresistibly eclectic folk-rock and features a wealth of area talent backing him up. (BECKY MIDDLETON, Chad Stockslager, Don Cento and Rich Martin, among others, appear here.) Johnson’s voice grabs hold early on, an appealing mixture of grit and easy charm; the amiableDon’t Let Them Wear You Down is an undeniable highlight. Johnson will play Dan’s Silver Leaf on Wednesday. - Preston Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9-3-10

For the sixth installment of the Photo Interview series, I hope you will enjoy learning a little bit about Becky Middleton. Becky is an exciting young singer/songwriter from Dallas, who released her most recent album, No Trouble, last summer. What you will find below is what you end up with when mixing an interview with a splash of wine and a photo shoot.

Zlew.net: Name, Rank, and Serial Number?

Becky: Becky Middleton, Team Member, 4 8 15 16 23 42.

Zlew.net: How old were you when you wrote your first song?

Becky: I was in 6th grade, so I guess that made me 11 years old.

Zlew.net: Do you remember the song?

Becky: It was called “Why” ... it was hilarious and will never be repeated. Ha! It was a good start for an 11-year-old.

Zlew.net: One of the things I struggle with is trying to define someone’s sound or style. I think “folk” and “indie” are overused and most times don’t do justice or accurately describe any given music. How would you characterize your style and sound?

Becky: Well, I’d only say that it is 1/3 folk. I would say it is a mix of folk, soul, and roots music.

Zlew.net: A lot of times there seems to be some disdain for “pop” musicians from the singer/songwriter crowd. Are there any pop performers you are willing to admit that you enjoy?

Becky: For sure! The thing about pop is that like most things, there is good pop and bad pop, good country and crappy country. That holds true for any genre I suppose. Having said that, I do like me some Britney. Christina Aguilera is awesome. Who else ... Beyonce, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson.

Zlew.net: Dallas has a few radio options that don’t follow the Billboard charts, or common radio playlists, and allow you to have a Gaga-free listening experience. Among them, The Range has been around a while for non-Nashville/pop country, and recently we added KXT public radio. Do you listen to either, and what are your thoughts about KXT?

Becky: Yes, I listen to both. I’ve listened to the Range for a while; I was a finalist in their songwriter contest a few years ago and they have always been very cool and kind to me. They have great alternative country; I love it. I do find myself listening to KXT a lot. The music they play is the music that is on my iPod/iTunes.

Zlew.net: Can you tell us a little bit about your first live performance?

Becky: I think my very first one was at Club Dada several years ago for the Dallas Music Fest in Deep Ellum. It was very cool. We had a packed room for the festival. It was very nerve-racking, I had a slight panic attack outside for a moment before I went on, but as soon as I got on stage I was fine. It’s always like that for me, as soon as I get up on stage and start doing my thing I’m OK.

Zlew.net: Auto-Tune has gone from something used sparingly behind the scenes, to more overtly as a vocal effect, and now it seems it is almost impossible to listen to the radio and hear a song that doesn’t use it. What do you think about Auto-Tune, and is it here to stay?

Becky: I hate Auto-Tune! I think Jay-Z is right! I think Auto-Tune is way overused, especially in the Top 40 style radio stations. As an obvious effect, I hope it is just a fad. Sadly a lot of things in major markets are overused, so it might be here for a while.

Zlew.net: Who are some of your favorite local bands/ musicians?

Becky: David Ramirez, Summer Ames, Salim Nourallah, Dovetail, Jack County, Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights, Johnny Lloyd Rollins, to name a few.

Zlew.net: Tell me about how you started Songwriters in the Round at Opening Bell, and how it has evolved.

Becky: It started three years ago. It was my drummer's (Aaron Haynes) idea to start it, so I can’t really take the credit. I started hosting it just once or twice a month, and now it is on almost every Monday night to strong crowds each time. I am very proud of it, and have learned what works and what doesn’t. There really isn’t much to do on Monday evenings as far as live music goes, and being so early in the evening, it allows people to get out and enjoy the shows and the music.


If you guys get the chance to check see a “Songwriters in the Round” at Opening Bell, I highly recommend it. You will get the opportunity to hear Becky along with other talented acts from the Dallas area and around the country. You can see that schedule as well as her other performances and music on her MySpace. Besides, what else do you have to do on a Monday night?

For more pics from the shoot, click on any of the pics on zlew.net or visit Becky’s set on my Flickr. - Zach Lewis, Pegasusnews.com, 3-1-10

I went to Opening Bell coffee shop for a YST feature on its singer/songwriter series. (Imagine Phoebe Buffay singing Smelly Cat at Central Perk.) Five minutes into the first set, I found myself all boo-hoo that I couldn't put down my camera, pick up a latte, sit back and listen. So, think of this as the YST acoustic listening room. So take your pick of artist one, two, three, and four -- then let me know what you thought.

Artist #1 is Camille Cortinas member of the north Texas band Fishing for Comets.

Artist #2 is Chris Holt the Dallas Observer 2005 Musician of the Year with great hair.

Artist #4 is Becky Middleton host of Opening Bell's singer/songwriter series every Monday on at the Southside on Lamar.

Artist #3 is Travis "Billygoat" Brink who I never got a chance to speak to, but found his performance rather charming.

http://youngstreet.wfaa.com/2008/06/dfw_artists_unp.html

http://www.wfaa.com/video/youngstreet-index.html?nvid=259092&shu=1 - WFAA-TV Channel 8’s

I went to Opening Bell coffee shop for a YST feature on its singer/songwriter series. (Imagine Phoebe Buffay singing Smelly Cat at Central Perk.) Five minutes into the first set, I found myself all boo-hoo that I couldn't put down my camera, pick up a latte, sit back and listen. So, think of this as the YST acoustic listening room. So take your pick of artist one, two, three, and four -- then let me know what you thought.

Artist #1 is Camille Cortinas member of the north Texas band Fishing for Comets.

Artist #2 is Chris Holt the Dallas Observer 2005 Musician of the Year with great hair.

Artist #4 is Becky Middleton host of Opening Bell's singer/songwriter series every Monday on at the Southside on Lamar.

Artist #3 is Travis "Billygoat" Brink who I never got a chance to speak to, but found his performance rather charming.

http://youngstreet.wfaa.com/2008/06/dfw_artists_unp.html

http://www.wfaa.com/video/youngstreet-index.html?nvid=259092&shu=1 - WFAA-TV Channel 8’s