Critically-heralded Stoney Creek Records artist Lindsay Ell joined forces Monday with the CMA Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, and Lowe's Renovation Across the Nation, to officially open the flagship Notes for Notes recording studio at the Cleveland Park Boys and Girls Club in Nashville. "The CMA Foundation has been a tremendous supporter in helping us launch studios across the county for youth to have a safe, professionally run space to explore, create, and record music," said Philip Gilley, Notes for Notes Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "So, it seemed very appropriate to open our 18th and most advanced studio in the heart of Music City during the biggest week of the year for Country Music, and christen it with a live, recorded performance by Lindsay Ell."
"I'm so happy to be a part of Notes for Notes, and everything the CMA Foundation is doing in order to give kids a space where they can learn and create music," said Ell. "My life would not be the same without music, I wouldn't be the same. I think having a studio readily available to kids across the country is an amazing opportunity for them to connect more to who they are."
Ell performed Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" with Stephen Dashiff, a promising guitar player from the Notes for Notes studio. The performance was recorded by Executive Vice President of BMG Nashville Kos Weaver, who is a Notes for Notes Nashville Soundboard Member. Ell also performed her current single "Waiting on You." The songs will be included in a future EP of live recordings from the studio featuring a variety of artists and student musicians.
The CMA Foundation made an initial donation to the first Nashville Notes for Notes chapter in 2014 and has since supported the opening of recording studios in Boys & Girls Clubs and other facilities in several markets including Atlanta, Austin, Brooklyn, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
The CMA Foundation receives the bulk of the funding to support these and other worthwhile programs from CMA Music Festival. To date, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated nearly $2 million to Notes for Notes.
"Our mission each day is to bring opportunities through music to children across the country and because of our partnership with Notes for Notes, we've been able to impact 13 communities with state-of-the-art recording studios designed to give kids a place to express themselves musically," said Sarah Trahern, Chief Executive Officer of the Country Music Association. "We have a rich heritage in Music City and this studio will provide the resources and support for a new generation of music makers and industry leaders."
The new Nashville studio features a plethora of gear recently donated by Converse including an API 1608 console. Notes for Notes is also thankful to have the support of so many music instrument and gear manufacturers like Avid, Audio Technica, Casio, Dell, DW, Gibson, Kala Ukuleles, Native Instruments, and Stagg.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee received a grant from the Lowe's Renovation Across the Nation program, which provided support for construction and many willing hands to transform Clubs for kids. Clark Construction, a national construction firm, generously helped manage the project working with a variety of local trades who also supported the buildout.
"Lowe's is committed to making a large impact on our future leaders - kids and teens," said Lowe's store manager (Madison, Tenn.) Bruce Oechsel. "By partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs, we are proving the necessary resources to engage children in a positive environment that will enrich the community."
"Thanks to the generosity of our partners, our kids will have another uplifting space where they can learn and grow," said Dan Jernigan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee. "This Notes for Notes studio is a welcomed addition to our programming, along with our two existing studios, and will creatively inspire youth while educating them on workforce opportunities in the music industry."
About Lindsay Ell Named one of The Huffington Post's "Top Country Artists to Watch," Lindsay Ell is a triple threat: accomplished musician, unique vocalist, and songwriter. The Calgary native learned to play guitar while traveling with her father to Country-bluegrass camps as a young girl. Ell honed her craft as a musical stylist and songwriter after being discovered by BTO and The Guess Who's Randy Bachman ("American Woman" / "Taking Care of Business") who discovered her at the age of 13. The multi-instrumentalist was soon touring alongside the likes of Luke Bryan, Buddy Guy, The Band Perry, and Keith Urban, as well as wowing audiences as Carrie Underwood's guitar player live on "The 50th Annual CMA Awards" and holding her own alongside icon Melissa Etheridge on "Skyville Live."
A 2016 CMT Music Award and multiple Canadian Country Music Award nominee, Ell exhilarated audiences from coast-to-coast as part of the 2016 CMT "Next Women of Country Tour" and is featured on Brad Paisley's 2017 "Weekend Warrior World Tour." Ell's debut album The Project was released on Aug. 11 and debuted at No. 1 on the Nielsen Soundscan Current Country Albums Chart. For more information visit: http://www.LindsayEll.com.
Photo Credit: Caitlin Harris/CMA
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