* From: Thomson GA
* Grew up in: I spent my first 10 years in the very small town of Thomson GA. My family then moved to Palestine TX. After graduating High School, I attended to a 2 year Liberal Arts school, Lon Morris College, to study Theatre. The summer before moving to Boston. I was a cast member in the outdoor musical “Texas” which is performed in the beautiful Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo Tx. I then moved to Boston, to complete my degree, and never left the area.
* Now lives in: Rockland MA
* What do you love about where you grew up: I loved being so close to my family and spending summers at my Aunt Shelby’s lake house. The first song I wrote, “A Country Girl’s Memories”, is about my childhood in Georgia. Family is so important to me. I’ve very close to my sisters. They all live in Massachusetts now, as well.
* Current single: My current single is titled “I Stay”.
I recently completed a new tune “Wishing Well” that I’m in the process of preparing for promo.
When the pandemic hit, to keep my creative “side” busy, I started putting my poetry to music. I asked my friend Ken Snow (of the Jake Ash Band) to help me with the melodies. So, I wrote lyrics and Ken came up with the melodies. During that time I wrote and released 6 singles with Ken’s help.
I wrote my newest tune “Wishing Well” with my good friend Jim DeTore (of Whiskey 6). I love collaborating with other musicians! I usually have a big team on my recordings. I just like including everyone I know on my projects!
I have a couple more songs in the pipeline. So, once I complete those, I’m planning to pull all of my songs together in an official album.
* What lead you to music: Church. I started singing in the children’s choir. I was the only kiddo that could carry a tune, so the director put me in the front row so I could be heard over everyone else. However, I love signing harmony. So, once I started performing with bands, I was kind of pushed into fronting the band. I’m totally fine with that now, haha!
* How old when you started: I was 8 years old when I started singing.
* First country song you learned: “Delta Dawn” by Tanya Tucker.
* Instruments played: I play a little guitar. I really enjoy playing guitar, but I know too many crazy talented guitarists that are lightyears better than me and are gracious enough to perform with me. So, I usually leave the “picking” to the pros.
* How would you describe your sound: I would say it is an upbeat and soulful americana mix. This is a tough question to answer though because I like to make each of my songs unique. There are all sorts of influences that shaped each tune from bluegrass to rock to traditional country.
* Who inspires you: Musically, I’d have to say my number one inspiration is Linda Ronstadt. She helped clear the path for so many other female artists. Aside from her talent and amazing voice, I always admired her tenacity to do things on her terms and willingness to take risks. But there are other female artists that influenced me including Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Bonnie Raitt and Joni Mitchell.
* If you are a band, how did you get your name: All of my original songs were created through my solo work under Rebecca Carter Burke. However, I perform them live with my band “Blame The Whiskey”.
Blame The Whiskey started out as an acoustic duo and my duo partner wanted to name us, “Blame It On The Whiskey”. How he came up with that, I’m not sure. But my guess is he made a few bad decisions after a little too much whiskey haha! Anyway, I thought the name was too long so we settled on “Blame The Whiskey”.
* Awards/accolades: Blame The Whiskey, received Limelight Magazine’s Music Award for Country Artist of the Year in 2020.
* Dream duet partner: This is so hard because there are so many people that I dream of performing with. But if I had to pick, I’d have to say for a male artist it would be Keith Urban. He is an amazing songwriter and guitarist. And for a female duet partner, it would be Shania Twain. I’m inspired by her story and I’m thrilled to see her back at it again!
* All- time favorite country song: If I had to pick just one, it would be “Grandpa” by The Judds.
* First country concert: The Dixie Chicks
* What songs do you like now on Country 1025: I’ve been on a Jackson Dean kick lately. Love his voice and sound! I really like his tunes “Don’t Come Lookin’” and “Trailer Park”.
* If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: I’d be managing a band or promoting events! I need to be around music, artists, creativity.
* Day Job: I work for Blue Cross Blue Shield. It’s an amazing company to work for.
* Most proud moment: By far, my proudest moment was when I sang the National Anthem at Foxboro Stadium. It was for a New England Revolution game. What an honor.
* Crazy thing that happened in your music career: Well, I will say that the craziest thing is actually the coolest thing. I was asked to officiate the wedding of a couple that met at one of my shows. I saw their love connection happen right in front of me! They continued to come to our shows and we all became friends. So, they felt it was fitting to have me marry them.
* Other things you like to do: I love watching my two boys play soccer, storm chasing with my honey and spending as much time as possible near the water.
* Fun Facts: After 3 back-to-back blizzards, I perfected my Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. I completed the Salt Lake City Olympic Bobsled Track. I successfully got my children on the “big screen” at 3 major sporting events. One of which I did sitting at home, on my couch, while they attended a Bruins game without me.
* Mantra: Always do the right thing.
