Launched into Stardom By Michelle Morgan Eric Church Launched into Stardom By Michelle Morgan

Kenneth Eric Church May 3, 1977 North Carolina Eric Church’s life seems to start the same as any ordinary man. He was born Kenneth Eric Church on May 3, 1977, in Granite Falls, North Carolina. He is one of three children born to Ken and Rita Church. (Bauman, Eric Church - Carolina)

Musical Beginnings Began to love music at an early age Began singing at 3 years old Started writing music at 13 years old Taught himself how to play guitar His musical talent began to manifest at an early age. He recalls being 3 or 4, standing on a table singing his little heart out, occasioning receiving change for his performance. By the age of 13 he was beginning to write his own songs. Shortly after, he bought his first guitar. He says it was a “cheap, hard to tune” guitar. He began to teach himself how to play (Let's Sing it). He was driven to learn to play the guitar so he could share his thoughts; that he had made into lyrics. (Jam Base)

School Years Played sports in high school Attended Appalachian State University Majored in marketing Rediscovered his love for music Although Church liked music it wasn’t his main focus when he was younger. In high school he was athletic. He loved basketball, baseball, and golf (Let's Sing it). Immediately following high school he attended Appalachian State University, where he eventually majored in marketing (Fabian). However, while at college he discovered his love for music. During the beginning of his second year he was at a little bar one night watching a local band. At that moment he realized that he knew all the songs they did. The only difference was they were making money doing it, while he was singing in his dorm room. (Jam Base)

The Mountain Boys During college Church formed a band His brother, roommate, and a guitarist Rough start Broadened his musical horizon Became regional act Church add originals to set 1999 The Mountain Boys Live at the Blues Room During the beginning of his second year he was at a little bar one night watching a local band. At that moment he realized that he knew all the songs they did. The only difference was they were making money doing it, while he was singing in his dorm room. (Jam Base) Shortly after that night Church formed the band named The Mountain Boys, the name was given to them by their fans. The band consisted of Church, his roommate, his brother, and another guitarist. They had a rough beginning. Their first show was at a small restaurant named Arizonas (Let's Sing it). He believed the people would come and go, allowing him to play the same 14 songs over again. He was wrong. Half way through his second set this realization set in. He asked them to write down what they wanted to hear the following weekend, and he would learn them. He spent the next week learning the request for the show that weekend. Church is grateful for that experience because it broadened his musical horizon. (Morris) As The Mountain Boys became a regional act Church began to play a few originals during his sets. In 1999 the band recorded and sold their own album, The Mountain Boys Live at the Blues Room (Morris)

Going to Nashville Wanted to leave college Made a deal with his father Graduated in December 2000 Moved in January 2001 Church wanted to leave college, move to Nashville, and make music. His father made a deal with him, that if he finished college he would pay for Church’s first six months in Nashville (Fabian). Church agreed. He graduated in December of 2000, than headed to Nashville the following month.

Start the Music Young and stupid Six months after moving, got a “regular” job First publishing deal six months later Terri Clark, The World Needs a Drink Jay Joyce Record deal with Capitol Records After his six months were up Church had to get a day job. He continued writing and playing. Six months after that he got his first publishing deal with Sony Tree. Coming from a strong working background, he figured he was getting paid to write, so he wrote – a lot. The first year at Sony Tree he demoed about 60 songs. Terri Clark picked up Church’s song The World Needs a Drink. Shortly after he was introduced to Jay Joyce, a producer who helped him make a couple of demos. After a performance Church was offered a record deal with Capitol Records. (Jam Base)

Albums Produced by Capitol Records Sinners Like Me Carolina Chief Caught in the Act, live

Sinners Like Me Released in 2006 Debut single, How ‘Bout You Top 20 before album release Raw, relatable lyrics Tight instrumentations Working with Capitol Records Church released his debut single “How ‘Bout You” early in 2006. The song had reached the Top 20 by the time his album, Sinners Like Me was released that summer. (Ruhlnamm). The album is made of songs Church either wrote or co-wrote. His lyrics cover topics from hard headedness and hard work to black and white morality. This album stands out because of tight instrumentations that is on the verge of turning to shards of sound. (Morris)

Carolina Released in 2009 More contemporary Two Top Ten singles “Love Your Love the Most” “Hell on the Heart” “Smoke a Little Smoke”, certified gold Country Music Awards In 2009 Church released his second, more contemporary country album. Carolina. The album had two Top Ten singles, “Love Your Love the Most” and “Hell on the Heart”, while “Smoke a Little Smoke” became certified gold in 2010. This led him to win the Top New Solo Vocalist award at the County Music Awards in 2011 (Metro Lyrics)

Chief Released in 2011 Superstardom Number 1 on the Billboard top 200 “Drink in My Hand” “Springsteen” Album of the year Church’s third album, Chief, launched him in to superstardom. When it was released in July of 2011, it debuted at number 1 on the Billboard top 200 (Ruhlnamm). Church’s first song to reach number one was from, Chief, “Drink in My Hand”. Shortly followed by “Springsteen” as number one on the Country Charts, and crossing over to the Top 20 of pop. Chief won album of the year in 2012 (Ruhlnamm).

Caught in the Act Released in 2013 Only live album as soloist Tivoli Theatre, Chattanooga Tennessee Caught in the Act is the only live album Church has released as a solo artist. It was recorded in the Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was released in 2013 (Ruhlnamm).

Influential music Truthful lyrics People can relate to the lyrics Influences from Bluegrass to Motown Hank Williams Jr Merle Haggard Waylon Jennings Church’s success can be accredited to his truthful lyrics. He writes what he knows, hard work, learning through experience, drinking cheap beer, and the larger meaning of life (Morris). It is something the average person can relate to. He gets his musical influence from his parents, anything from bluegrass to Motown (Let's Sing it), and from artists such as Hank Williams Jr, Merle Haggard, and Waylon Jennings. (MSN Entertaiment)

A closer look at the music Wrote by himself You Make it Look So Easy Carolina Lightning I have chosen three songs that Church wrote by himself, “You Make it Look so Easy”, “Carolina”, and “Lightning”

You Make it Look So Easy Written for his wedding First performance January 8, 2008 Very honest lyrics You make it Look So Easy, was written by Eric Church for his wedding with Katherine Blasingame. They were wed on January 8, 2008 in North Carolina (CMT news). Church wasn’t planning on writing a song for his wedding. He believes love songs are over done and clichés. He approached the song with honesty. He wanted to tell the truth about her – and him. He performed the song for the first time at his wedding. It was the first time Katherine had heard the song from start to finish. (Hump Head Country) You Make it Look So Easy is included on his Carolina album, which was released on March 24, 2009 by Capitol Nashville (Eric Church)

You Make it Look So Easy In a glance Sounds like: Soft simple texture Violins play the harmony and melody Guitar plays a softer rhythm   Sounds like: 0:00 The intro is played by violins in minor key, in a simple meter 1:07 Chorus; a crescendo occurs, changing the dynamic of the song. The guitar plays the rhythm the violins pick up the melody. This leads to a very intense, powerful texture. 2:10-2:17 the harmony is played with minor chords by the violins 3:00 The tempo of the music begins t slow down. The lyrics are repeated from the first verse, to reiterate their importance. You Make it Look So Easy 4:15 This song has a very soft, simple texture. It is played through a mixture of violins, and Church’s guitar. The rhythm is softer, while the melody and harmony lead the song.   0:00 The intro is played by violins in minor key, using a simple meter (4/4 time) 0:23 The guitar starts playing in major key, continuing with a simple meter but switching to 2/4 time. 0:32. Violins join the guitar, playing in major, carrying the melody 0:37. The violins fade out as the vocals being. The guitar begins to play the melody, there is a soft sound of a shaker being played 1:07 Chorus; a crescendo occurs, changing the dynamic of the song. The guitar plays the rhythm the violins pick up the melody. This leads to a very intense, powerful texture. 1:35 The violins present the harmony in two chords. This softens the music in preparation to transition back to the verse 1:59 Second verse begins. The violin resumes playing the melody. The guitar controls the rhythm 2:10-2:17 the harmony is played with minor chords by the violins 2:20 Pizzicato, leading into the chorus 2:23 Chorus begins, the song is softened. It is attention grabbing The guitar plays the rhythm the violins pick up the melody. 2:30 Crescendo leading into the main part of the chorus. The violins are playing in minor key with accidentals. The texture of this chorus is different then the other. This texture is big, bold, and meaningful. 3:00 The tempo of the music begins t slow down. The lyrics are repeated from the first verse, to reiterate their importance. 3:32 Chorus; a crescendo occurs, changing the dynamic of the song. The guitar plays the 3:58 Outro, the violins begin in major key but end in minor.

Carolina Title track of second album About home state, North Carolina Lyrics about his life there Portrays the feeling of being homesick Carolina is the title track of Eric Church’s second album, Carolina, which was released on March 24, 2009 by Capitol Nashville. (Eric Church) Church wrote this song about his home state, North Carolina. It talks about real things from his home. (Hump Head Country) The lyrics and music give a daunting feeling. It gives the feeling of being homesick. Eric Church says about the song “ When I sing that song, I am transported every night.” (Hump Head Country)

Carolina In a glance Sounds Like: Begins as simple and easy Increases to up-tempo, complex texture Bass plays rhythm, in sixteenths Sounds Like: 0:01 No intro. It begins with the bass playing the rhythm, and guitar playing the melody. The vocals begin at the same time. The song has a strong, outdoors, manly feel. 0:43 Chorus The guitar, and lyrics contain a crescendo followed by a diminuendo. A snare drum plays a triple on the second beat of the bar. 2:16 The cymbals and snare drum play a crescendo into the chorus. The snare drum switches to playing a triple on the second beat of the bar. The bass plays in sixteenths. Cymbals change the increase the dynamic. This song’s dynamic and texture varies through out the song. It begins as simple and easy. It slowly increases to a more up-tempo, complex texture. The song is played in a simple meter. The bass carries the beat throughout the song playing in sixteenths. 0:01 This song does not have an intro. It begins with a strong bass playing the rhythm, and guitar playing the melody. The vocals begin at the same time. The bass gives the song an interesting texture. The song has a strong, outdoors, manly feel.   0:21 The bass plays the beat. The piano takes over playing the melody. The vocals blend nicely with the strong bass, and light guitar. 0:43 Chorus The guitar, and lyrics contain a crescendo followed by a diminuendo. A snare drum plays a triple on the second beat of the bar. 1:09 Crescendo with the addition of cymbals to end the chorus, and lead into a short bass and vocal bridge 1:24 Second verse begins with the bass playing the beat. The drum is carrying a basic rock rock beat, snare on 2 and 4. The dynamic of the song increases with the addition of the rock rhythm. A violin plays small harmonic chords though out the verse. 2:16 The cymbals and snare drum play a crescendo into the chorus. The snare drum switches to playing a triple on the second beat of the par. The bass plays in sixteenths. Cymbals change the increase the dynamic.

Carolina, Sounds like continued…… 2:58 guitar solo in major key 3:09 Repeat chorus. The bass plays in sixteenths, harmonic chords are played by the piano. The dynamic is not as intense as in the previous choruses 3:36 The bass continues to play sixteenths, while the piano plays the melody. The cymbals add a strong feel while playing on the second beat of every bar. 4:21 Outro begins. All instruments fade expect the bass playing the rhythm and what sounds like a chord on the violin. 2:37 A short vocal and bass bridge into a short guitar solo   2:58 guitar solo in major key 3:09 Repeat chorus. The bass plays in sixteenths, harmonic chords are played by the piano. The dynamic is not as intense as in the previous choruses 3:24 Lyrics repeat “O Carolina, Carolina…..” with a crescendo, building in intensity, ending with cymbal 3:36 The bass continues to play sixteenths, while the piano plays the melody. The cymbals add a strong feel while playing on the second beat of every bar. The lyrics “keeping calling me home, Carolina, Carolina” are repeated. 4:21 Outro begins. All instruments fade expect the bass playing the rhythm and what sounds like a chord on the violin but could very well be on an electric keyboard.

Lightning Wrote shortly after moving to Nashville Inspiration came from “The Green Mile” Death row story Depicts prisoner's sadness and remorse Lead to record deal Debut album, Sinner’s Like Me Eric Church wrote Lightning shortly after moving to Nashville. His inspiration to write about the last day of death row inmates came from the movie The Green Mile. (Bauman, Eric Church - Sinners Like Me) At the end of the movie the electric chair is referred to as lightning, which he found an interesting reference (Morris). Church not only tells the story of how the prisoner got there but also depicts his sadness and remorse. Church believes this song is what got him his publishing deal and knows it is what got him the record deal (Morris). Lightning is the oldest song on Church’s debut album Sinners Like Me. Capitol Records released it on July 18, 2006. (Eric Church)

Lightning In a glance Sounds Like: Emotional texture Guitar rhythm with piano melody Texture allows you to feel the emotion Sounds Like: 0:00 The intro is in minor key. It has a sobering texture. The intro is played using a simple meter 0:32 Church starts vocals. The guitar begins to play the rhythm. The piano is faintly playing the melody. The song is now played in a triple meter 1:14 Chorus; bass takes over the melody, guitar and drums to play the rhythm. 2:02 second verse begins. The drums and guitar play the rhythm. The melody is played by the piano. Lightning 5:14 mins This song is full of emotion, which the texture presents well. The way the strong guitar rhythm and softer piano melody blend together presents a daunting feeling. The texture makes you feel the lyrics, feel the sadness and pain. 0:00 The intro is played in minor key by an electric keyboard and piano. It has a sobering texture. The intro is played using a simple meter 0:21 The guitar begins playing in minor key, with the piano. The piano carries the melody. The texture can be described as soft yet haunting. 0:32 Church starts vocals. The guitar begins to play the rhythm. The piano is faintly playing the melody. The song is now played in a triple meter 1:14 Chorus; a deep bass takes over the melody, leaving the guitar and drums to play the rhythm. 1:54 Bridge, the drums carry the rhythm during the bridge. The piano plays two sharp notes. 2:02 second verse begins. The drums and guitar still play the rhythm. The melody is played by the piano. The song remains in triple meter.

Lightning, Sounds like Continued….. 4:00 The vocals pause, as to imitate the death of the prisoner. The piano ascends softly to nothing 4:50 The outro begins. The drums slowly stop, as do the piano. The lyrics slowly fade 5:02-5:14 Electric Keyboard finishes the outro, presenting an eerie feeling 2:46 Chorus; a deep bass takes over the melody, leaving the guitar and drums to play the rhythm. 3:27 Third verse begins. The verse is played in triple meter. The guitar carries the rhythm while the piano holds the melody. 3:55 chorus 4:00 The vocals pause, as to imitate the death of the prisoner. The piano ascends softly to nothing 4:04 The vocals resume, with the line “now I am flying”. It is played in a triple meter 4:50 The outro begins. The drums slowly stop, as do the piano. The lyrics slowly fade 5:02 Guitar stops 5:02-5:14 Electric Keyboard finishes the outro, presenting an eerie feeling

Works Cited Bauman, Sue. Eric Church - Carolina. 7 June 2013 <http:/countrymusic.about.com/od/cdreviewsal/fr/Carolina.htm>. —. Eric Church - Sinners Like Me. 7 June 2013 <http://countrymusic.about.com/od/cdreviewsal/fr/sinnerslikeme.htm>. CMT news. CMT news: Church Marries. 15 January 2008. 7 June 2013 <http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1579702/eric-church-marries-in-north-carolina.jhtml>. Eric Church. Carolina-Eric Church. 15 June 2013 <http://ericchurch.com/music/carolina>. —. Sinners Like Me - Eric CHurch. 15 June 2013 <http://ericchurch.com/music/sinners-me>. Fabian, Shelly. Eric Church Biograpghy. 7 June 2013 <http:countrymusic.about.com/od/ericchurch/p/EricChurch_pr.htm>. Hump Head Country. Eric Church - Carolina Album. 7 June 2013 <http://www.humpheadcountry.com/Eric_Church_44/Carolina_68.html>. Jam Base. Eric Church, Bio, History, Info. 7 June 2013 <http://www.jambase.com/Artists/40323/Eric-Church/Bio>.

Works Cited Let's Sing it. Eric Church Biography. 27 Sept 2011. 2013 June 2013 <http://artists.letssingit.com/eric-church-3wpzd/biography>. Metro Lyrics. 2011 Academy of Country Music. 2 April 2011. 19 June 2013 <http://www.metrolyrics.com/2011-academy-of-country-music-awards.html >. Morris, Edward. CMT News. 2 August 2006. 7 June 2013 <http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1537741/eric-church-turns-heads-with-sinners-like-me.jhtml> MSN Entertaiment. 7 June 2013 <http://social.entertainment.msn.com/music/blogs/one- >. Ruhlnamm, William. Eric Church Music Biography. 7 June 2013 <http://www.allmusic.com/artist/eric-church-mn0000632233>.