When a five-year-old recognizes that the singer on stage is nervous singing “Frosty the Snowman” and proceeds to go to the stage, take the microphone, and finish the song it’s a pretty sure bet there is a career in music or entertainment in that child’s future.
And this is exactly how Lyndsey Highlander’s music career got its start. Known most recently for her single “Flowers Ain’t Gonna Fix This,” which found itself on CMT’s Pure 12 Countdown (6 weeks at the #1 slot) and is available on Highlander’s EP “You Can’t Stop Me” available at lyndseyhighlander.com or at her shows.
Highlander started writing songs as a very young teenager, and toured with a musical group performing in Disneyworld and events around the southeast U.S. While she is excited about her new music and the success she has already found, touring with artists like Thompson Square, Brantley Gilbert, Blackberry Smoke and Travis Tritt, Highlander is also extremely passionate about empowering women in country music.
Her musical influences include the women she grew up listening to, like Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, Faith Hill and Trisha Yearwood, but she adds that her influences include singers from all genres and include Bonnie Raitt (who she would most love to do a Crossroads-type show with) and Aretha Franklin as well. The combination of influences is evident in her singing, which bears a resemblance to the sass and southern twang of Miranda Lambert but is unique at the same time.
Realizing a void exists in the Country music world, largely dominated by male singers, Highlander wanted to find a way to bring female artists back to the forefront of country music. Many female artists are overlooked and definitely underplayed on most country radio formats. Highlander wanted to find a way to change this trend, and her idea was to work together to build a community based on trust and respect rather than on competition.
“I realized something is just missing in the country music family. Country music is all about family and stories, and somewhere along the way, women have been overlooked and left out. I love the guys and their songs but the whole full circle is not complete. I wanted to find an opportunity for women to come together in some way to celebrate our strengths, our passion for music and our stories,” Highlander explained.
As a result, and with the help of sponsors Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment and BootDaddy, Highlander has put together a concert series called “The Stomp” on the second Thursdays of each month on the top floor of the Soulshine Pizza Factory in Nashville starting September 11. “I’m so thankful for our sponsors. This would not be possible without them. And the first show means so much because Angie Johnson, one of the ladies who will be performing that night, was formerly in the military, so the September 11 date will be very special,” said Highlander. “The Stomp” September 11 show will also feature Hailey Steele and Highlander.
“So often in my own life I’ve been made to feel like I need to be more this or more that, or better at this and better at that. I am really passionate about creating this community because it’s not about who looks better or sings better. It’s about each of our individual talents and gifts and what we bring to the table, and how we can support each other,” Highlander explained. “It feels good to bring that women’s point of view back to the table again.”
“Women need a group like this where they feel they are accepted and supported. Where they feel appreciated, not labeled. Not like they have to compete,” she added. “One style or one perspective is not better than another. We need what each person brings, and we need to find a way to help them feel supported and appreciated.”
You can follow Lyndsey Highlander on her website and on Facebook and Twitter.
Chelsea Dartez
Can't wait for this amazing concert series!