LYRIC IN MOTION

Ash Taylor is a country music recording artist and award-winning songwriter whose music is rooted in grit, heart, and lived experience. Originally from Bakersfield, California—the birthplace of the legendary Bakersfield Sound—Ash carries that raw, unapologetic edge into everything she does. Inspired by trailblazers like Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Brandy Clark, and Gretchen Wilson, she blends classic country soul with a modern, hard-earned perspective. With an unshakable belief in her calling, Ash sold everything she owned and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, determined to build a career on her own terms.

Her journey has been anything but easy. From sleeping in her car to playing honky-tonks on Lower Broadway, Ash worked relentlessly to carve out her place in country music. That determination has led her to stages across the country, performances at iconic venues like The Bluebird Café, and opportunities to share the stage with artists including William Michael Morgan, Aaron Tippin, Elvie Shane, Allie Walker, and more. Her debut EP, Bakersfield, climbed to #60 on the iTunes Top 100 Country Albums chart and earned recognition from the Bakersfield Country Music Awards. As a songwriter, Ash has also written for artists such as Big Smo, Ryan Larkins, Noah Smith, and guitar legend Johnny Hiland.

Beyond her own music, Ash is deeply committed to storytelling with purpose. She hosts the ASH-PHALT podcast, sharing honest conversations and stories from the road, serves as an ambassador for 22 Zero, and partners with veterans to help tell their stories through song. Ash also mentors and teaches songwriting through workshops and masterclasses, helping the next generation of writers find their voice. She lives in Nashville with her husband Chris—her lead guitar player and band leader—and their golden retriever, Melody (Mel). Whether she’s writing, recording, teaching, or standing under the lights on stage, Ash Taylor creates music that’s real, fearless, and grounded in an unwavering love for God, country, and the truth.

FINDING BALANCE IN A CREATIVE LIFE Navigating the chaos of creativity and organization Every creative mind knows the struggle of juggling multiple passions. In this episode of Lyric in Motion, Laurin Floyd Turner shares her journey through the chaos of creativity, performance, and entrepreneurship.

Laurin reflects on a busy week filled with rehearsals, skincare consultations, and the challenge of maintaining balance. She admits, "As much as you understand the concept, I truly have to write things down, I have to put it in my calendar, I have to plan." This sentiment resonates with many who find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their creative endeavors.

Life often throws unexpected events our way, and Laurin speaks candidly about how they can derail even the best-laid plans. From family commitments to personal challenges, these interruptions are universal. "Sometimes life just gets in the way, and all the things that maybe you planned... get sidelined.

JOIN TH CONVERSATION! Laurin invites you to share your thoughts and experiences on starting new projects and managing multiple passions. Your insights could help others in their creative journeys.
Tune in to this heartfelt episode of Lyric in Motion and explore the beautiful messiness of creativity.
Here’s to embracing our scattered creative minds and learning together as we grow!

Navigating Leadership in the Arts
Insights from Laurin on being a dance and vocal captain
Hey there,
In this episode, Laurin Floyd Turner dives deep into the nuances of leadership within performing arts, particularly focusing on the roles of dance and vocal captains. As someone who balances performance with leadership, Laurin shares invaluable insights on how to maintain integrity and morale in a cast.
The Dual Role of a Leader
Laurin emphasizes the unique challenges faced by captains who are also performers. You're not just responsible for your own performance; you’re also the bridge between the show's vision and the cast's execution. This role requires both logistical management and interpersonal skills to create a safe environment for everyone involved.
Leading by Example
“Respect is earned.”
Laurin highlights that a leader's work ethic sets the tone for the entire group. Being consistently punctual and committed to warm-ups is crucial. If the leader dismisses these elements, they risk losing the respect and trust of their peers.
Handling Negativity
A significant topic is how to diffuse negativity within a cast. Laurin shares her experience with negative energy, encouraging leaders to steer conversations toward positivity. 
“The minute you feed into negativity, you compromise your respect.”
She stresses that allowing negative discussions to spiral can create a toxic environment that affects the entire show.
The Long-term Impact of Leadership
Laurin also reflects on how the impressions you leave as a leader can have lasting effects on your career. 
“You might come back and be ahead of your own show, and someone could remember how you acted.”
She encourages leaders to build a legacy of positivity and support, which can pay dividends in future collaborations.
Conclusion
As Laurin wraps up her thoughts, she invites listeners to share their own stories and challenges in leadership roles. Whether in the arts or any other field, navigating leadership is a complex but rewarding journey.

If you're currently in a leadership position or aspire to be one, keep these insights in mind to foster a healthy and supportive environment.
Until next time, keep leading with integrity!

Late bloomer? Maybe. Right on time? Absolutely. ✨This conversation with Renee Lopez was such a powerful reminder that sometimes the things we build come from a real need, a real challenge, and a real desire to make life easier for others. What started as a solution for one busy dance-mom season turned into something bigger than we imagined.If you’ve been sitting on an idea, this is your sign: don’t wait for perfect. Just start. 💫

Renee Lopez is a singer, performer, and professional VoiceOver artist whose career includes recording with RCA Nashville and performing around the world. She currently voices Mommy Buggle, Harper Buggle, and RoRo Buggle in the animated series Buggle time! and performs throughout middle Tennessee with the Jazz Alliance Big Band and Indigo Jazz. Renee is also the co-founder and creator of the Dance Dolly, an innovative competition-day system inspired by nearly 18 years as a competitive dance mom.

In this heartfelt episode, Laurin Floyd Turner reflects on her deeply personal experiences with grief and healing through music and performance. Drawing from her own journey, she opens up about the losses she has faced and how these experiences have shaped her life and art.

VIDEO 
Make it Through Another Day
In That Moment

SOCIALS
Instagram: lyricinmotionpodcast

Benjamin Kintisch is a trained chaplain, a music teacher, and a Cantor. He is the creator, lyricist and playwright of “Life Review: The Hospice Musical. ” This musical comedy is the first play he has created. 
Kintisch has loved singing and performing on stage since his youth. He graduated from Brown University with a concentration in Judaic Studies. Graduate studies at Jewish Theological Seminary included a Masters in Sacred Music along with a Cantorial degree. Kintisch has completed four years of chaplaincy training, having served in both hospice and eldercare facilities. He has taught music at public and private schools. He currently lives in Columbia, MD with his wife, daughter, and 2 dogs.

THE HOSPICE MUSICAL (LIFE REVIEW
Instagram: lifereviewmusical

What a Joy to interview this up and coming Country artist! She is beautiful inside and out! Discussing topics of Songwriting, new song releases, coffee, and fashion!!! Get to know Sara Kelly!

Hailing from North Carolina, 24-year-old Sara Kelly is a Country artist and songwriter whose powerhouse, soul-infused vocals and deeply honest songwriting have quickly turned heads in Nashville and beyond. Blending the timeless warmth of classic country with a fresh, roots-driven edge, Sara delivers music that feels both authentic and unmistakably her own.
Since relocating to Nashville, Sara has fully immersed herself in the city's vibrant music community, honing her craft as both a performer and songwriter. She has taken the stage at many of Nashville's most esteemed and historic venues, earning a reputation for captivating live performances that showcase her emotional depth, vocal strength, and natural connection with audiences. Her commitment to the songwriting tradition of Nashville has also made her a sought-after collaborator, further shaping her identity as a compelling new voice in Country music.
Her debut EP marks a defining milestone, featuring a dynamic collection of songs, each rooted in her Southern upbringing and insightful storytelling. Produced by Paul Sikes and Keegan Ferrell, the project highlights Sara's ability to seamlessly blend classic influences with a modern perspective.
Her upcoming single, “Prayer List,” continues that momentum with a confident, sassy take on small-town life, pairing clever songwriting with her signature vocal presence. With each release and every performance, Sara Kelly continues to build a loyal following and establish herself as one of the most promising emerging artists and songwriters in the next generation of Country music.

Matheus Canteri is a Brazilian-born guitarist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for his expressive Telecaster playing, he has built an international audience through live performances, guitar education, and online content.

Matheus has performed at venues including the Ryman Auditorium and Robert’s Western World, while also contributing educational content and lessons featured through publications such as Guitar Player and Guitar World.

His playing combines traditional country vocabulary with modern phrasing, drawing inspiration from a wide range of styles, from jazz to rock, while maintaining a distinct musical identity.

In addition to performing and recording, Matheus teaches private lessons and creates educational content for guitar players worldwide.

Auston Henderson shares his Journey as an artist and life on the road with the National tour of Hamilton!

Auston Henderson is a singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer from Houston, Texas. He trained at the Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia, before earning his BFA in Music Theatre from Elon University.
His career has taken him from professional stages across the United States to international performances in Ghana, Africa. His credits include Hamilton (National Tour), the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the General Jackson Showboat in Nashville, Carnival Magic, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, the Houston Rockets, and the Houston Astros.
In addition to performing onstage, Auston is a recording artist whose debut EP, Hello Sunshine, is available on all major streaming platforms.

Martin, Tennessee native Brady Weldon is a man of many hats. Minister, consultant, author and life-coach to name a few. Brady has helped start a few churches and sits on the board of several. He’s learned a lot during his 35 years of ministry, but one of his greatest discoveries was realizing he could impact people in the areas of both faith and creativity. This episode is full of INSPIRATION! The Rock-N- Roll Reverend will leave you feeling INSPIRED, ENCOURAGED, and CREATIVE! Brady Weldon's New Book is out NOW on Amazon!! The Undoing of Not Doing!

In this engaging interview, Hayden Summerall discusses his influences, creative process, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the entertainment industry. Hayden Summerall is an American actor, singer, and internet personality who has worked in film, television, and pop music. He started acting in commercials and TV shows before landing a role in the 2015 TV series Sneaky Pete. He's also starred in the films Chicken Girls: The Movie, Next Level, To the Beat!: Back 2 School, and Keep Moving. This 21-year-old singer and actor whose charisma and talent quickly caught the attention of fans, leading to numerous opportunities in both acting and music. With his roots in Texas and experiences in California, he has embraced the diverse influences that shape his artistry today. Hayden emphasizes the significance of telling his own story through music. Songwriting allows him to express his personal experiences and emotions. "I like being able to put my own story into lyrics," he says, highlighting the creative freedom he feels in the music realm. The entertainment industry is filled with challenges, especially for young artists. Hayden admits that he sometimes feels pressure to keep up with the fast-paced environment. However, he finds balance through hobbies like fishing and golfing, which provide a much-needed escape and allow him to reflect and recharge. Hayden remains committed to authenticity in his music. He aims to create songs that resonate with his audience by sharing relatable stories and emotions. "I write songs where everyone can relate to it," he explains, ensuring his music is accessible to many. As he continues to evolve as an artist, fans can look forward to a more mature sound that reflects his experiences and growth. So, keep an eye on Hayden as he navigates this exciting chapter in his career and shares his story through music.

Born and raised in Nashville Tennessee I grew up around music royalty both legendary artists and hit songwriters within the country music genre. Being mentored and having worked with some of the greats such as Brenda Lee, Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, Victoria Shaw and Gary Burr to learning the ropes of the industry at my first ever professional job in publishing when I was 18 years old alongside Jodi Williams at MCA. After being an artist signed to Warner brothers in my late twenties, I decided to shift gears and really steer my efforts in artist development working at management companies in multiple genres (Philymack). Later, independently managing and A&R'ing my own artists who have internationally toured with major label acts such as Pentatonix. Then serving as head of artist development at KYN Entertainment for 2 years. I've learned the skills and have made the connections to take a project from start to finish. I also have seen and studied how tech cultured companies such as Spotify, Tik Tok, Instagram and YouTube have been able to integrate with the consumer in the Pop and Hip-hop genres extremely well. I have a great understanding of these platforms and truly feel I can excel at connecting music consumers and artists directly to these platforms. Artist development has never been more important in music than it is today. True artist development! It allows an artist to find those magical qualities that stand out above the crowd, to hone their craft to an undeniable force, and to connect with their fans on the most real, relatable level. In a time where tech moves so fast, the artists and teams who take their time digging deep and striving for true identity will rise to the top. This is what I believe is not only my greatest strength, but my deepest passion as well.

In this episode of Lyric in Motion, we dive into the inspiring journey of a professional dancer and choreographer, MARIN JOHNSON! Her journey from dancer to dance studio owner is a testament to resilience, passion, and the importance of community. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring dancers and business owners alike. Join us as we explore her experiences, challenges, and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way! Key Take aways.. -Value of collaboration -Setting clear boundaries -Transparency in business dealings -Overcoming obstacles

Janelle Arthur is a Nashville recording artist/songwriter who has been a guest of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry over 20 times. You may recognize her from American Idol where she was a top 5 finalist or from the movie Runnin' From My Roots where Arthur starred as the lead role. She has performed alongside or collaborated with artists such as Vince Gill, The Band Perry! Lyric in Motion is so excited to chat with Janelle Arthur! This episode covers where she got her start, stories with many legendary artist she has sung with, Movies she has starred in , and her original songs that are connecting with so many! She is truly the "real deal" and just getting started!!!! I am so happy to highlight one of her newest songs, "Who You Ask!" with Choreography! Written solely by Janelle, she captures the emotional truth that we are all seen differently - celebrated or dismissed - depending on who is looking. It reminds you to stay authentic and confident In who YOU are!!

Sean Michael Murray, is an established singer, songwriter and vocal coach! He attended Syracuse University for a B.F.A. in Musical Theater Performance. After leaving Syracuse, Sean made his Broadway debut in Green Day’s Grammy award winning Broadway musical, “American Idiot” alongside Billie Joe Armstrong, later starring as the lead “Johnny” in the Broadway touring productions of American Idiot, in Japan and South Korea. He also starred in the Revival of the hit Broadway musical “RENT” where he covered for the two leads, Mark and Roger under the direction of Michael Greif. During Rent, Sean became the lead singer of “Fancy Reagan”, a New York based up and coming pop/rock band that quickly garnered industry attention, winning multiple battle of the bands competitions and eventually winning VH1's Reality show Make A Band Famous, garnishing the band a record deal with Universal's Republic Records. They released their only single in February of 2015 called "Knock Me Out" which became the theme song for the NCAA 2015 March Madness tournament and also played on the 2015 ESPY awards. In 2017 Sean formed pop/Rock band Evaride alongside “Hayden Maringer” who previously musical directed for acts such as Demi Lovato, Jennifer Lopez, Bebe Rexha and Daya. Evaride quickly garnered success with their original material landing national placements on shows such as “World of Dance”, “TitanGames” on NBC, and also landing the theme song for MLB RBI 2K19. In 2022, Evaride’s song “Warrior” was selected as one of the theme songs for the NBC coverage of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Sean has also been vocal coaching in Los Angeles and NY for 10 years moving to Nashville in 2022, having trained under superstar vocal coaches Brett Manning (Singing Success) and Kurt Robison (Full-Voice/Wolf Studios). Sean’s private students have included the Boy Band “PrettyMuch” the girl group “BoysWorld”, “Dylan Conrique”, “Mary Jo Young” (Atlantic Records) Isaak Isbell (The American Dawn) international recording artist “Sofia Reyes”, “Awgust”(Republic Records)“Gunner Gehl” (Maroon 5 Direct Support) NIa Frazier” (Dance Moms) and Social media stars (KelliAnn Stankus) “Hype house” Hayden Summerall (Chicken Girls). Sean also was hired as vocal coach for Fox Studios and has Vocal coached 3 seasons of “I Can See Your Voice”. In 2023 Evaride’s song “RiseUp” was featured on NFL Amazon Prime TNF and was also used for the 2023 MLB World Series. In 2023 Sean made his Opry debut teaming up with producer extraordinaire Tommee profit for “Birth of A King” in December of 2023 to a sold out house where he was the vocalist for Tommee’s cinematic cover of “Away In A Manger” In 2024 Sean’s band Evaride’s new song featuring Sam Tinnesz “Underdogs” was featured for the Euros 2024 soccer tournament. Sean’s band Evaride also released their second EP which includes songs that have already been used for national TV placements including “This Thing We Call Life”. Sean continues to vocal coach and vocal produce for Major label artists and is excited to share projects he will be releasing in the near future!

Get to Know country music traditionalist and Texas native Nathan Belt! He honed his skills across the North Texas Opry circuit, later moving to Tennessee and becoming a fixture in Nashville’s music scene since the early 2000s after signing his first major publishing deal. An incredible solo vocalist and also lead singer/frontman of the fan-favorite band Nathan Belt & the Buckles, Nathan can be found sharing his love of traditional, classic Country music in well-known music venues all over Nashville! Robert's Western World, The Nashville Palace, Acme Feed & Seed, Chief's on Broadway, and Music City Bar & Grill in Music Valley to name a few. He’s currently a featured performer and host on Nashville’s famous General Jackson Showboat too! Nathan’s love and respect for classic Country is front and center with his recent singles "Clean Livin' Is Killin' Me" and "I Can't Stand No More". And there's a lot more where that came from, with new self-penned music he'll be releasing throughout 2025!

Pop Country Music Artist, Gracie Carol, found her admiration for country music from loving shows such as the Grand Ole Opry at a young age. She started writing music and performing shows around her hometown of Cincinnati by the age of 11. At age 17, her colors emerged after singing with Country Music Legend Keith Urban on his Raise Em’ Up Tour at Riverbend Music Center. Inviting her to audition for American Idol Season XIV. After moving to Nashville in 2015, Carol started working and connecting from the ground up. In 2019, Carol graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Belmont University. She then worked out on sea as the Lead Female Singer in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Top Shelf Country Band. But Carol still felt something more from her heart. Back in Nashville, she performs and writes music to cope through the experiences that life throws. From performing headlining shows on Lower Broadway, to being seen on TikTok with over 10 million views, and keeping her sincere authentic heart with her through this medical heart journey, Carol has found her sound in the pop country music genre.