Thursday, August 06, 2009

Andrew Witt/Rough Draft

Well, some of you may have realized through my twitters that Rough Draft has broken up. Andrew (lead singer) recently came into town to start writing for their full length record and the more we talked and assimilated the information we had at hand - what labels were saying, what we both saw as strengths and weakness, etc. - and finally Andrew came to the decision that it was going to better to leave the band and go solo. It was a tough decision, but ultimately, I believe, the right one.

Andrew is 18 years old and is literally one of the most talented, awesomely creative kids I've ever been around. He has great song writing skills, as well as good instincts about what feels right in a co-writing session. He has a great voice that is literally progressing by the day and is a fine musician. I think he has a long and fruitful career ahead of him.

Anyway, all that to say that, this week, Andrew has been in town writing for a full length album that we will (hopefully) begin recording before the end of the year. I am PUMPED about the music we've been turning out. I don't have anything for you guys to hear yet, but know this: his record is going to be incredible.

62 comments:

risalea said...

I was surprised to see the band break up, and a little disappointed as well, but I know these things happen in the music world all the time. Gosh, I didn't realize Andrew is only 18. Wish him nothing but the best, and looking forward to hearing him this fall.

Heading to bed now. Sugarland/Keith Urban concert is some kind of awesome.

HstryQT said...

I had read their announcement on their site and was also disappointed but knew that there had to be a bigger reason behind it. Glad to hear from you about it and looking forward to seeing what Andrew does on his own - he's very lucky to have you as his mentor!

rosalee said...

Best of luck to Andrew.

I just got my floor seat tickets to the American Idol show on 8/12 at the Nassau Coliseum. It's time for me to stop reading the recaps from other cities.(Yours was a good one, Lori). I feel like I've seen the show a dozen times already!

HstryQT said...

Thanks Rosalee (& Risa) :) I'm just glad my re-cap got such a positive reception over at MJ's where they're not such big Danny fans!

Just checked the Back to School tour dates again, fingers crossed for an Indy show, but no go :(. Lots of Illinois love, though! A little far for an evening drive home for me.

..BUT Chris will be going to Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA which is where my sister graduated and is now the assistant volleyball coach! I wish I could go back home for it and go to the show with her; it'd be a blast! If she doesn't have a game to coach that night I'm sure she'll be there. I can live vicariously through her :).

risalea said...

Floor seats? Woo Hoo!

I was tweeting like crazy through Sugarland and Keith Urban, only to discover once I got home that they weren't going through. Ever since the twitter attack, my text tweets are going pfff in cyberspace. I was on the other side of the stage from where I was for AI and higher up, so my pics aren't as good, but I think I got some pretty good ones.

Chris, you need to write that boy a song!

Carmen said...

Rosalee,
congrats on the floor seats!! I guess it pays with ticket master not to buy too far in advance.

Let me be the first in wishing our resident MK lady, Ms. Risa, a very happy birthday today. Girl, you rock! Here is my birthday wisdom to share with you:

Age is like underwear...it creeps up on you!


Hope you have a wonderful birthday!!
Carmen

HstryQT said...

Happy Birthday Risa!

And that also means Happy Birthday to Jon Skaggs, right (because all the cool people have birthdays today?)

Hope you have a good one!

chamilton said...

Wow I can't believe it's been a year!! Anyways, Happy Birthday Ms. Risa!!!I hope our unoffical leader has a great day. I am off to do the dreaded school clothes shopping. Mall open at 7 today. Take care all and again Happy Birthday.


Candy

gdahimself said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rosalee said...

Happy Birthday, Risa and Jon Skaggs!

To commemorate the occasion, I was trying to find a suitable, new Rotel and the Red Hot Tomatoes video on Youtube, but they were all too awful to post!

So as a replacement, here's a "Rotel" dip recipe using all fresh ingredients instead of canned Rotel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01Y0jfOUBpg

EmilyBoo said...

Prayers needed! I just found out on twitter that a car hit Mercy Me's tour bus, and two of the three people in the car didn't make it. A pregnant woman survived.

In other news, happy birthday to Risa! I didn't think I'd be here today, so I think I already said it on facebook. I was supposed to be camping this weekend, but it's raining too much, so we didn't go!

And last but not least, I was bummed when I heard about Rough Draft breaking up, but I look forward to hearing Andrew's new music. I also didn't realize how young he is. I'm sure he has a great career ahead of him!

gdahimself said...

Risa,

Happy Birthday

Amy's Purple Poodles said...

I knew when I went to Chris' website to look at concert dates that something was up with Rough Draft when I didn't see they were part of the tour, but I saw Andrew's name there (and I also saw there was NO COLORADO DATE!). I didn't realize Andrew was that young either. I wish him the best. I look forward to seeing him whether its in COLORADO or somewhere else. I have to go to more Chris Sligh concerts so I can catch up to Carmen and Risa!

Risa-HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! You're not getting older-you're getting wiser!

I'm saddened on hearing the news about the people who lost their lives when their car was hit by Mercy Me's tour bus. I'll keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers.

Carmen-Risa told me about your TV and computer. Having problems with one thing is enough, but two things really stinks-sometimes technology is more trouble than its worth! I'll have to give you a call-on another piece of technology-my cell phone.

Amy

risalea said...

Thank you, friends...It's been a great 3 days, starting with my date with Keith Urban (yes, cheating again, but only temporarily) and ending up tonight enjoying some chocolate covered strawberries sent by a friend. I think I shall try and see if I can stretch this b'day thing one more day. ; ) Love y'all.

DJ in AL said...

OMG, how much trouble do you think I'm in? I missed Risa's Birthday! No idea how to get out of the doghouse.

Andrew is a little hottie with a great voice and personality-recipe for success no doubt.

So sorry to hear about MM-I love them.

I missed alot in 3 days. Just got back from Longest Yard Sale-654 miles, we probably only did about 100 in 2 days-crazy fun.

Back to reality and the mess that is my house.

Working on ideas to get back in my sista's good graces.....

Cathy Storms said...

Risa~I didn't forget your birthday, but you already know that..I was at Big Bear for a few days and had a rockin time I might add...

Hischild said...

Well, I remembered Risa's birthday but then, I didn't have a life this weekend like you girls did!
I'm sure all is forgiven.

Hischild said...

Oh, I *did* go see Sean Hannity Freedom Concert tonight @ jobing.com Arena - fondly remembered as the first place I met Chris. :o)
Surprise guests: Jon Voigt and Rich Little! Yes, he's still alive.

I'm seriously suffering from Country Music overload though!

Very fun and inspiring night. All proceeds go to children of fallen military. Lots of patriotism.
3hrs and 45 min, no intermission!

Billy Ray Cyrus was surprisingly good. A bit confused though. Addressed us as SCOTTSDALE AZ 4 times! Finally crowd started shouting "GLENDALE/PHOENIX"! A band member finally set him straight. Why is someone else's embarrassment SO darned funny?
SOOOO happy he did the best song in the UNIVERSE Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl"!!! Said he won the Teen Choice Award (tonight) for Best Parental Unit! I thought he said Eunuch! Huh? HAHAHAHA!!!

Charlie Daniels Band - INCREDIBLE musicians! OMG!

AND Michael W Smith sweetness!

Only 3 shows left, NJ, Cincinnati and Atlanta. Go if you can!

Next up: Monday! UGH!

Have a great week everyone!

risalea said...

Sounds great....but none of those places are close enough to me. I only go to extreme measures for Chris Sligh concerts.lol

Another 2 degrees of separation...my brother-in-law is retired AF and was at the Air Force Academy for many years. One of his side jobs was taking care of the acts who would come through to play at the Academy. He became friends with Charlie Daniels through their golfing together.

No worries on the b'day thing cause I am the world's worst on remembering dates. I guess I've stretched it out far enough for this year. OK, back to work setting up appts. with child care sites/schools this week. Y'all have a good one!

Back-to-School said...

Best luck Andrew.
This is one of the best post I've read last day when my daughters go Back-to-School for their projects. I hope this is not the end of postings like this.

risalea said...

Be sure and check out the link Rosalee posted on chris-sligh.info with Chris at Immerse. I didn't have time to watch the whole thing tonight, but scanned ahead and found him singing "I Am" (gorgeous!)and "Empty Me" beginning at about 2:18. I CAN'T WAIT for the Back to School Tour which will also include Andrew (what do you know, I managed to get back to the original post!) We REALLY need to try and have some blogger friends at every stop. Let's do it, people!

Cathy Storms said...

What a great day. Had Chris Sligh playing real loud all the way to work and today is the offical day I have been cancer free for one year. I feel like it's my Birthday. WhooHoo!!

The good Lord and I have kicked cancer's butt...

rosalee said...

Congratulations, Cathy!

Risa -
Thanks for pointing out the Chris Sligh concert towards the end. I hadn't gotten that far into the broadcast.
Actually, Chris's segment starts at about the 2 hour and six minute mark and ends at about the 2 hour and 29 minute mark. He sings "I'm Clean", "I Am" and "Empty Me", and talks in between.

rosalee said...

I just got back from the American Idol buses at the Nassau Coliseum. Big disappointment. After waiting almost 4 hours in the hot sun, Matt Giraud was the only one who came out to sign. However, I got my photo:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff4/rosaleeNY/100_1386.jpg

Tomorrow night I will see the show.

Hischild said...

Yay Cathy! Way to fight!!

Rosalee,
Was just reading last night on Rickey regarding Adam tweeting about his exhaustion and fan demands getting to be too much, security having problems w/the crowds etc.
Was wondering if there would be big changes in the bus meetings.
I don't envy the idols one bit. MUCH is expected of them. But as we learned in Kindergarten oftentimes a few unruly kids spoil it for the whole class.

Here's hoping you get access to more of them tomorrow night, Rosalee.

risalea said...

Cathy, we are so happy!!!

Clearsa, I too, read Adam's comments. I'm sure he has had to deal with many unruly folks and inappropriate fan behavior. But yet, the tone of his remarks came off a little ungrateful to me. Having seen how he came out in NLR, whizzing by a bit Diva-like, compared to all the others, including Kris, well....let's see...how did he put it? "Entitlement-not sexy". Neither is "I'm just a bit above all this" behavior. Michael Sarver is a good example of someone who seems to really appreciate the opportunity that has come his way. Just my two cents. Wait, I'm too wordy again, I think I gave you a quarter's worth. LOL

risalea said...

Oh, and I forgot..loved your picture, Rosalee and I tweeted the link to @MGiraudOfficial. That Chris Sligh is EVERYWHERE.

rosalee said...

Clarissa -

My experience from the previous two seasons has been that at least half of them come out to sign before the show. On the Idol Forums "AI 2009 Live Tour" section there is a thread devoted to "Who Came Out" (before and after the show). There is a track record of at least 3 - 5 of them coming out before the show. I left at 4:30 PM, so maybe some came out later, but I doubt it. Usually, if they are not out by 4:00 PM, they're not coming out. They usually have meet and greets to do inside.

This year, the security guards were not particulary good at keeping us updated either. They could have just told us to go home when all except one guard disappeared at 4:00 PM.

I may try again tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow night after the show will be a zoo and I probably won't be able to get close. At least in the afternoon there are only a couple of hundred people there. And they were very well mannered.

BTW, our local tv news station was there and interviewed the kids with the signs standing next to me. I tried to get my bag into the shot. I hope it worked... The reporter saw my bag and laughed, saying that Chris wouldn't be here today. That's for sure.

Risa -
Good work!

Cathy Storms said...

Rosalee, I loved your picture. That boy does get around doesn't he? I guess we should all get a purse so he can be all over the US..

Hischild said...

Risa,
I can commisserate with the people on both sides of this. The fans have sacrificed time, effort, money etc. to come see them and what a HUGE disappointment if they don't get a minute or two with them. On the other hand, the stars only have so much energy, time and patience also. I know I'd be going crazy!
As for Adam being diva-like...well...I don't know one way or the other. Blake was accused of the same thing. I'm sure its hard to totally guard against w/fame. It's a wicked thing that messes w/your self-perception. Who's to say I wouldn't get a bit big-headed myself. My opinion: Man wasn't meant to be idolized.

risalea said...

Someone should write a song about that...oh, wait I think someone we know did! ; )

Hischild said...

Rosalee,
I'm thinking of you as it would be 6PM your time now and your adventure should be in full swing!

I wouldn't be surprised if there were a website w/bar graphs and everything that showed stats on how frequently each idol came out (before and after each show), how much time they spent there and the level of kindness that dripped off their lips while there! LOL

Risa,
My guess is Sarver would indeed be at the top of the graphs!

Amy's Purple Poodles said...

Cathy-Congrats on your one year "anniversary or "birthday" The Lord and you sure did kick cancer in the bootie!

Rosalee-Did you have to buy your purse and then send it to Snap Totes or did you just order the whole thing online? How does that work. I think we all should get purses!

Amy

rosalee said...

Amy –
Go to Snaptotes.com for instructions on how to “create” a bag. All ordering is done online with one of their bags and your photo.

http://www.snaptotes.com/home/

I didn’t go to the Nassau Coliseum yesterday afternoon because it was raining most of the time. According to a posting on Idol Forums, Michael Sarver was the only one who came out. However, I saw the show last night. It was pleasant, but not great. It followed the same predictable countdown format and had the same bare bones set. The back up band often drowned out the vocals. It seemed strange not seeing the Poptarts character there.

The venue was sold out. Being on the floor meant having to stand most of the time because everyone in front of you was standing, blocking your view. Although everyone was standing, one woman three rows behind me had the nerve to ask me to sit down.

Adam got the loudest screams every time his face was shown on the screen. My favorite performer of the night was Allison. The others did a competent job, too. The Matt and Scott “dueling pianos” were nice. Matt seemed much more relaxed than he did on the AI show this season. Lil Rounds surprised me with her nice, strong, voice. Although I liked Adam better than Kris during the season, I thought that Kris did a better job last night. Maybe it was the material. All of the performers gave energetic performances, but again, they seemed scripted and not spontaneous.

The bubbles coming down from the ceiling at the end were a nice touch. The show could have been improved with more group numbers. I still feel that the Season 6 format, mixing up the combinations of singers, was much more interesting. Of course, that required more work, costume changes, etc.

Towards the end, a security guard walked up the aisle, pointed to my bag and said, “Who’s that?”. I jogged his memory for him. He knew he was familiar, but just couldn’t place him. What two years passing has done…. (A few others recognized the face right away).

I didn’t get photos with any of the Idols after the show. I hung around for a while, but it was just too crowded. I couldn’t get near the barricades. The crowd was at least four rows deep. I understand that Michael, Anoop, Matt, Scott and Danny came out.

I’ve posted a few photos from the show. Unfortunately, our good camera was banned because it was deemed “professional”.

http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff4/rosaleeNY/

risalea said...

Looks like you still got some good shots, Rosalee. I'm sorry you didn't get a chance to meet more of the performers. It looks like the longer the tour goes, the less they are coming out. In NLR, I saw all the guys, and I heard Allison was on the other side. I think Megan and Lil didn't show. Sarver has been the one who has hardly missed any contact with the fans, it seems, and Matt as well. I'm surprised Kris didn't go out afterwards, I think he's made most of those, from what I've read. As exciting as this has been, I'm sure by this time, they are ready to wrap it up. Chris could probably comment on that.

Amy's Purple Poodles said...

Rosalee-thanks for the info. I'll have to check it out. I'm sorry you didn't get to get your pic with any of the idols or meet them. It seems from what everyone has said that Season 6 was the best. It's funny now that I think of it, I didn't even check to see if the Season 6 tour was coming to CO. We had other things going on that summer and guess I just didn't think about it. We were somewhere near the Misouri River the night of the Season 6 finale and I didn't even get to watch it.

Hope everyone is doing fine and having a good week!

Amy

DJ in AL said...

Happy Weekend Chris and Fro Patro!

Sending you love and fabulous weekend wishes from a content DJ in AL!

Missing my Blogger Girls though!

Amy's Purple Poodles said...

I miss everyone, too! Not much going on here, its been pretty quiet here. I watched Chris' interview before that show he hosted (some kind of finals, but I can't remember the name). I liked the interview. Tried to watch Chris' min-concert during this show, but my computer, as usual, decided to act goofy.

Amy

Cathy Storms said...

Happy Sunday to all..
DJ, I am so missing all of the "Blogger Girls". This living so far away really sucks.
Hope everyone had a good weekend.

risalea said...

Long weekend with family in town from CA--love them, but look up EXHAUSTED in the dictionary and there will be a picture of me!

Y'all have a good week. I am really bummed that I'm not going to get to a "Back to School" concert until late in October!

risalea said...

And I miss my Blogger sisters, too!

rosalee said...

Since there's a lull in the action, here's a recent partial take on "Eleanor Rigby" by Chris.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE7iz12bKfs

The same user (4allegro)captured "I'm Looking Through You" as sung by Jon Peter Lewis:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKwUlBmojrY&feature=channel

You can't go wrong with some Beatles music!

EmilyBoo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cathy Storms said...

Where is our fearless leader?

Hope everyone is having a good week so far...

I'm still missing my "blogger girls"...

Amy's Purple Poodles said...

I miss all the "Blogger Girls" too. July seems like it was a hundred years ago!

Yeah, where is our fearless leader?

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Risa-Hope everything is going well with family in town.

Amy

risalea said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
risalea said...

They've gone.

All's well! : )

Kind of a bittersweet day...besides this being the first day back of public schools here (though this is starting my 3rd year of retiring from teaching, I still get twinges of sadness about not being there around this time), I realized this is the first opening day since 1985 that I haven't been pushing one of my kids out the door. (Older two are 8 and 10 years older than the youngest, hence the long period of time). I don't know whether to cry or say "Thank you, Jesus!" : )

Calling Chris Sligh, calling Chris Sligh...seen on twitter, but not on the blog.

DJ in AL said...

Chris, dude, what's up? We need a new topic. Throw us a bone will ya?

Cathy Storms said...

I still get sad on the first day of school Risa. I think that's why I love taking the girls school shopping. Besides the fact it's just really fun. So I know how you feel today girlfriend...

Cathy Storms said...

Happy Sunday from a very humid So. California.
Still wondering where our fearless leader is..

DJ in AL said...

This blog has been woefully neglected. Where is it's owner hiding out? We miss you Chris, come back to us dude!

Happy Sunday fellow Fro Patroers from a Happy DJ in AL!

Amy's Purple Poodles said...

Hey Everyone,
I'm with you, DJ and Cathy! It's been a month almost since anything has been written. We miss you, Chris!

Today when I tried to go to Chris' official website a bunch of garbage came up for some site called "Go Daddy"-there was absolutely nothing about Chris on it. I went to the same one I always do-www.chrissligh.com. Has something happened to this website?

Amy

DJ in AL said...

Amy-I got the same junk too. Hmm, what's up with that? Rosalee, you know anything?

DJ

Nicholas said...

The website's non-existance probably has something to do with chris's switch in record labels. And still awaiting the official announcement from chris. Legalese takes wayyyy too long.

gdahimself said...

Changing record labels or not, he should still own the URL.
Would understand if the page had on it "Under Construction" or "Down & Being Updated"

risalea said...

OK, I tried to go to chrissligh.com last night and noticed the same thing. Could it have something to do with the company in charge of the hosting, instead of the record label? I am webmaster for a couple of sites, so hope it's not an issue with the domain name...there's folks waiting to jump on a name if it becomes inadvertently available.

Technically, it hasn't been quite 3weeks since Chris has posted...we're just a needy bunch. lol

OK, worn out from a classroom visit, working out and a pile of personal and Junior League chores left to tackle. Later, friends!

rosalee said...

I have made an inquiry and it is being looked into. In the meantime, use Chris-Sligh.info for the latest news.

rosalee said...

ChrisSligh.com is back up. All is well in the land of Sligh.

Nicholas said...

Good to hear the website's up and running, my theory was incorrect. Now in the world of other season 6 idols...

Phil Stacey's christian album Into the Light is out today!! It's pretty amazing if you ask me. You can hear the entire album here: http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/listeningparty/party3.asp

"It's gotta be love that shows us the way, and suns gonna shine someday. To break through the rain, to bring all the change."

risalea said...

CMA's are Nov. 11th. I read their press release that said the final nominees in 12 categories would be announced in early Sept. I'm saying a prayer for "Here Comes Goodbye!" Of course, trying to figure out how I'm going to make a trip to Nashville for the CMA's if Chris is nominated and go to Branson for my Bunco girls' annual trip all in the same week, two days apart. Hmmmm, Blogger Girls, put on your thinking hats, need a plausible explanation of that for the hubby. LOL Chris, are you hearing any buzz for the song, or does that kind of thing get out while the members are going through the ballot process?

Cathy Storms said...

Nashville in November? WhooHoo!!
Risa,If you figure out a way to get around hubby's look when you tell him your going back to Nashville let me know..I keep telling him thats why I save all my change all year....
I know you can make both your bunco trip and a blogger girl Nashville trip...

DJ in AL said...

Risa,

Please, you know you have that man wrapped around that little finger, as if he will say no?

It's not looking too good for me, but I guess miracles have happened!