Betsey

Being a third generation musician, what are some of the biggest things you were able to learn from your family that shaped you into the artist you are today?
Betsey: My dad has always taught me not to take anything too seriously. When I would get upset, he would start dancing like a fool and I’d immediately feel better. He has helped me musically in so many ways. I’m a lucky girl! Dad has always been there for me through thick and thin.
Your father is a renowned guitarist that has played with the likes of, Aretha Franklin and growing up what were some of the musical experiences that have played an important impact on you?
Betsey: My dad has always accompanied me if I needed it. He has played for me from my fifth grade talent show up to my shows at Third and Lindsley last year! Each time he would tell me to “have fun.” That always calmed my nerves. He also reminded me that my gift comes from God, and I will always remember that.
Aside, from growing up around a musical family, what is that ultimately made you want to choose music as a career?
Betsey: I would watch VH1 music videos all day growing up and watching those artists achieve their dreams inspired me to go all the way. Everyone has been given a gift, and it’s their job to utilize that gift in whatever career they will be happiest. For me, I want to reach people through my music. So, the only way to do that is to work as a recording artist and hope to touch zillions of people!
You are termed as a pop/r&b artist, but how exactly do you describe your sound and style?
Betsey: I love to dance, I’m a romantic, boys piss me off, and I play piano. Add all of that that together and you’ve got my sound. My songs range anywhere from an up beat dance tune to a romantic song about someone I love.
You are described as changing the stereotype of the Nashville music community and how do you believe you are able to achieve this task?
Betsey: All that Nashville seems to produce is Country, Christian, a little Rock, but never Pop. I am proud to be a Nashvillian, but I intend on coming out of Nashville as an obvious Pop artist, not an assumed Country, Christian, or Rock artists just because I’m from Nashville.
Aside, from your family who were some musical artist that you grew up admiring and what is it about this artist that inspired you to like them?
Betsey: Michael Jackson has always been an influence of mine. Michael wasn’t afraid to be an original. When he would dance it didn’t look human. Michael is a legend, and seeing that made me want to work even harder to reach his level or higher.
What are some of your goals you would like achieve through music?
Betsey: I would like to help people through break ups, heart breaks, or give them a song to slow dance to with a loved one, all while incorporating my love for the Lord to those who don’t believe in him. As a Christian I am called to spread the good news to non- believers and performing in a genre that rarely speaks of Christianity gives me the chance to reach out to non- believers.
When it comes to what you discuss in your music, are there any themes or topics you try to focus on?
Betsey: I typically write about love. I have been hurt, fallen in love, been the bad guy, and had harmless crushes on boys. I also have several things that inspire me, and if I feel inspired I write about it. For example. My song “Self Respect” is about a girl trying to steal my boyfriend. This has happened in my life and will happen again to other girls. It’s nice to have a song to sing along to when you are feeling betrayed.
What has it mean to you, to be given such praise and respect, from individuals in such a short time even thou you have been working on your craft your whole life?
Betsey: I feel truly blessed that I have gained this much success in such a short time. I have been told that in life you are always climbing a ladder, and you should enjoy the climb while maintaining patience. It’s hard to enjoy the moment when you see something you want so clearly, but I have learned that every second counts and I don’t want to lose a single one!

This entry was posted on Monday, November 1st, 2010 at 3:43 pm and is filed under Female Interview. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
- The Music Coliseum

What's the first thing you would say to someone when they ask you to describe yourself as an artist?
I believe that God gave me a gift of music, and I intend on using that as my artist representation, not selling my body for a quick buck. People should always utilize what they excel in over something they see other people use to achieve success.
How long have you been in the industry?
About two years, professionally.

Do you have any projects out now?
I have recently released my very first E.P., produced by Zodlounge, www.Zodlounge.com.
My brand new song “Toy Box” will be released mid October along with a new Philadelphia style ballad, “Share The Moonlight”.

What inspires your music?
Life inspires my music. Love, heart aches, friends, my surroundings, it can be anything, I write what I feel.

Where are you from?
Nashville, Tennessee.

What artists in the industry inspire you the most today?
Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga.

Why is that?
All of these woman are smart, business minded individuals not afraid to express who they are and what they believe in.

What makes you different from other artist today?
My songs are not explicit, like the majority of music today. I also like to think that I have a unique voice. I sing, play piano, and write. There are many female artists with the same talents, but my sound is fresh and I think that separates me from all of the artists in the top 40 world right now.

What do you want your future fans to know about you?
I am here to help their heartaches, depressions, share love with them, and do it all with somewhat clean lyrics. I have been through hell with relationships, have a of a very sticky past, and after cleaning my life up, I want to share my stories with you, the fans, and hopefully make a difference in the world of pop-r&b music. I am a goofy person. I like to mess around and prank people to annoyance. I don’t take like too seriously because I know that it will always work out the way God planned it. I am very strong in my faith, but I am down to earth and non-judging. Every single one of my fans thus far are the loves of my life and I don’t know what I would do with out them. They keep me going, and I can’t wait to see where my journey goes from here!

How can we connect with you online?
I am on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and Reverb Nation. You can reach all of my social networks from my website www.betseylong.com.


In an exhaustive search for the perfect production team, Betsey Long discovered "Zodlounge Music," thanks to friend and CLASP inventor, Chris Estes. Based in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, the Zods consist of three extremely talented musicians/producers/engineers: Brett Vargason, Todd Shay, and Tom Michael.

Betsey’s father and executive producer, Jim Long, renowned Nashville guitarist was so confident in the Zods that he gave them complete creative freedom. Betsey’s songs and the Zods production style were a perfect combination!

"The project came off without a hitch,” said Vargason. “We just built the production around Betsey's wonderfully unique and beautiful voice and her effective pop songwriting style."

When acclaimed record producer Michael Omartian first heard the tracks he said, “She’s something special!”

Betsey has since been featured in two very acclaimed A&R websites, Kings of A&R and Hits Daily Double, featured as an up and coming artist to pay attention to. Betsey’s recording project has also scored her a strategic partnership with MAC cosmetics (www.maccosmetics.com).

She has been featured on Tadcast.com as per request by the owner, and recently, Betsey signed with Bunim/Murray Productions for placements in the The Real World and Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Betsey Long has a goal of inspiring people to live a better life, and she hopes to do it through her lyrics and melodies.

You can find music, videos, and photos on Betsey’s Official website, www.betseylong.com, where there are also links to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and Reverb Nation. ???For more information contact: betseylongmusic@yahoo.com
- Alwayz Therro

Check out the track Remedy by Betsey Long.
She will perform Thursday August 19th at The Rutledge (Nashville).
Click here for Youtube Channel.
Contact: zodlounge@comcast.net - Kings of A & R

This Week, Jesse Gets a Big Surprise on Music Row, Fishes for a Catch in the Lower Demos

July 30, 2010

This week, Wheels takes its ears to the 615 area code to spotlight a brand new indie pop/R&B artist who’s in the process of changing the stereotype of the Nashville music community. Keep feedin’ the inbox—jesse.beerdietz@hitsmagazine.com—and let us know if you love, hate or are indifferent to our weekly picks.

ARTIST TO PAY ATTENTION TO
Betsey Long: (www.betseylong.com):
Betsey grew up in a musical home—her dad played guitar with Aretha Franklin and her mom is a blues singer. In fact, she’s a third-generation musician; her grandfather was the first musician to play electric bass on the Grand Ole Opry stage. Talk about bloodlines.

Facts:
— Shopping management
— Debut EP, produced by Zodlounge (Charity Vance, Emily Osment), to be released in the fall
— Regional tour begins this summer
— Mac cosmetic endorser www.maccosmetics.com
— BMI affiliate
For more information on Betsey, contact betseylongmusic@yahoo.com - Hits Daily Double