Makenzie Phipps's version of O Holy Night

Makenzie Phipps recorded O Holy Night, adding a country twist to this timeless Christmas hymn. Growing up attending church, Mackenzie always loved singing O Holy Night. However, she felt out of her comfort zone, aware that the low notes could pose a challenge since she is a soprano singer. To address this, she chose a key that would highlight the power and emotion of the lyrics and the musical progression. Celebrating Christmas is a treasured family event for Makenzie and her loved ones. This year, they are especially excited because her grandmother is visiting, adding joy to their holiday traditions.

lyrics

O holy night the stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks

A new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees

O hear the angel voices

O night divine

O night when Christ was born

Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains He shall break

For the slave is our brother

And in His Name

All oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy

In grateful chorus raise we

Let all within us praise His holy Name

Christ is the Lord

O praise His Name forever

His power and glory

Evermore proclaim

His power and glory

Evermore proclaim

(chorus repeated)

Makenzie Phipps moved to Nashville from a small town in Virginia about a year ago. She mentioned that her parents are her biggest supporters and that they relocated to Nashville with her. Her mom plays a vital role behind the scenes, helping to keep Makenzie grounded. Makenzie describes herself and her dad as having a similar calm demeanor. Her mom serves as the family's cheerleader, actively celebrating every success and inspiring everyone to share in that excitement. Makenzie is having great success with her prior releases boasting over 300,000 listens on Spotify for Pink Whitney and You Bring the Beer and nearly half a million streams for Pick Your Poison.

Makenzie maintains a positive outlook on life, and it’s important for her to surround herself with like-minded individuals. She has surprised some social media followers who posted negative comments by responding in a kind way that effectively shut down their unwarranted communication. You can follow her on the buttoned links featured below.

Makenzie Phipps, Facebook

Makenzie Phipps Instagram

Makenzie Phipps TikTok

Thanks so much, Makenzie Phipps for sharing your version of O Holy Night with the world and letting me chat with you about it In a Country Minute. It is Truly Beautiful

Eric Hagen released his final songs before the launch of his latest EP in January

"If you wanna accuse me

Of drinkin' too much

If you wanna abuse me

For never being enough

If you think I can take it

Take it on the chin

If you wanna accuse me

Where do I begin

You wanna spend your nights out not knowin' where you've been

Then you wanna bust down my door at 2am

You wanna stand there and say it's all for love

Baby, I'm walkin' out cuz I've had enough"

(Accuse Me lyrics)

Eric Hagen's most recent releases are Accuse Me, which came out on November 1st, and Deja Vu," released on December 13. Both songs will be featured on an upcoming EP, Americana Lonesome set to be released in January 2025.

Eric is an independent artist who draws inspiration from simple moments, words, or phrases that catch his attention. Unlike many other artists, he does not schedule writing sessions or dedicate specific time slots on his calendar for songwriting. Writing and performing is not his full-time job, so he waits for inspiration to strike before beginning a song or lyrics. Once he starts the writing process, he commits to working on it until it is complete.

Accuse Me marked a departure from Eric Hagen’s usual style of music and lyrics, incorporating horn instruments for a soulful country fusion. It was well received upon its release. Although Eric was hesitant to record it that way, the 90% increase in streaming since its release proved it was a great idea. Deja Vu portrays a determined and struggling woman striving to succeed, who caught the eye of a man who recognized her potential beyond her own self-perception.

"She worked herself to the bone

Her heart and her home out on loan

She never paid on time and she lived in squalor

But I never saw someone work so hard for a dollar

She always wanted something new

When every night felt like deja vu

She danced to the song of the pines

And captured hearts like mine"

Deja Vu lyrics

Eric Hagen not only writes his own music, he has a studio in Sturgeon Bay where he records his music. In areas where he feels he lacks expertise, he collaborates with other musicians who contribute their skills to his recordings. Phil Madeira plays the keyboard on Accuse Me, while Patrick Lyons showcases his talents on Deja Vu with pedal steel and mandolin, and Marcus Trana lent his talents on drums.

Eric Hagen said he is a fan of Charley Crockett and Sturgill Simpson, both of whom blend styles that are difficult to categorize into a single genre. Stepping beyond your usual boundaries can be an intimidating process, but by embracing the opportunity for adventure and committing to the experience, you have the potential to significantly expand your audience. This proactive approach encourages growth, fosters creativity, and allows you to connect with a diverse range of fans who will appreciate your willingness to explore new paths.

Keep up with Eric Hagen on his social media pages buttoned below

Eric Hagen Instagram

Eric Hagen Facebook

Congratulations on Accuse Me and Deja Vu, I am excited to hear the rest of Americana Lonesome. It was a pleasure "meeting you", Eric Hagen, In A Country Minute.

" What Mama Don't Know" by Kyrsta McKade

Kyrsta McKade is an International Business student at Belmont University, writing music, and recently published her first single and video for What Mama Don’t Know.

Kyrsta and her mom (Deborah) have a close relationship which inspired Kyrsta to write What Mama Don't Know in homage to her mom visualizing her mom in the video. What Mama Don't Know has a fun, rebellious flair that she thought her mom would also enjoy.

"what Momma don't know

ain't gonna kill her

sneakin' out the back door, I'll be back before the truth has even hit her

momma's little girl

makin' up her own rules

what momma don't know won't kill her so...

boy put on your dancin' shoes"

What Mama Don’t Know was written in collaboration with Kyrsta McKade's producer, Will Rambeaux, and Sherrie Austin who have mentored Kyrsta in the business side of music through their artist development company, helping her with many facets including managing social media. Will Rambeaux and Sherrie Austin are known for writing hit songs for many top performers, including Tim McGraw and George Strait. The video was filmed at the Nashville Palace and directed by Stormlight Pictures' Logen Christopher.

Kyrsta McKade has performed on every stage that provided a microphone since she was 8 years old, giving her the experience to shape her stage presence into a vibrant performance.

Kyrsta McKade has a few more songs waiting to be released, ready to "throw them at the wall to see what sticks."

Kyrsta McKade Instagram

Kyrsta McKade Facebook

Kyrsta McKade TikTok

Congratulations Kyrsta on your first release! I am excited to watch your journey.

Thank you for talking with me about your music and career, In a Country Minute.

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