Lydia 
Walker

SINGER/SONGWRITER


Clarksvillian Lydia Walker premieres new music video

November 15, 2011
Lydia Walker's music video to premiere during a party at Chick-fil-A

A red carpet will lead up to the Chick-fil-A at 1626 Madison Street on Saturday, Nov. 19 as local teen singer Lydia Walker unveils her latest work.

The building is being transformed for the release of Walker's new album, "Beloved," along with the premiere of her music video "When I Dance."

The gala event is set to kick off at 7 p.m., and while Walker will dress up formally - and invites others to do so as well - casual wear is perfectly appropriate. The event is free and open to the public.

"Since it's more of a formal red carpet event, I will be wearing a dress," Walker said. "But we want it to be formal or casual for fans who come so people who just come in to buy chicken won't be out of place. But we're making a big deal of it!"

Walker hopes to see a lot of fans turn out. She chose Chick-fil-a as a venue because the cafe has been one of her longtime supporters. She performs for a 2-hour music night there every month.

But, she said, it's not going to look like the Chick-fil-a people are used to seeing. "They're decking it out like a music video premiere," she said, noting that there will be a balloon arch over the front door and fun decorations on the interior.

"It will have a good party atmosphere," she added.

The video premiere will also have a home turf twist. The song "When I Dance" was filmed at the historic Smith-Trahern mansion.

"That was incredible!" Walker said of the filming. "When we got there it was almost overwhelming how beautiful it was. There were chandeliers in every room and hardwood floors."

The video tells a tale about a ballerina stuck in a music box. She dreams of the freedom to dance and to be her true self. After the video's premiere the night of the party, it will be available for viewing at Youtube.com.

Walker said her music on "Beloved," her first professionally produced album, has matured. She wrote two songs alone and co-wrote eight with local producer Curt Ryle. The theme is one of encouragment to those who have been wounded by the disappointments of life.

"The whole album is very inspirational," Walker said. "Even though it talks about some hard issues, it comes back to that message of hope."

Karen Parr-Moody, 245-0203
Features Reporter
karenparrmoody@theleafchronicle.com

Lydia Walker “Statistics”- album review

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Lorneth Peters, numbersevenmusic.com

Lydia Walker

Recently, I overheard a few teenagers talking about Christian folk singer, Lydia Walker. Each teenager mentioned how her music has and continues to change their lives. I must admit, her music has become more appealing to me since that day. As I started to learn
more about Lydia’s accomplishments such as recording six independent albums in less than six years, I could not do anything else but stop and take notice. Since listening to her sixth album “Statistics,” I have a new found respect for the eighteen year old.

When a new album is released, critics and fans are always drawing a comparison from previous albums. After listening to tracks from Lydia’s former releases, her vocal ability and conscious decision to step out of the box is evident in every song. Falling into the acoustic, folk and pop rock, musical categories, “Statistics,” could just be the album to finally place the great singer on the CCM charts.

We all have that one song from her previous albums that we play on our MP3 player, iPod or iPhone. You know, that song that gets us through a tough relationship, bad day or other daily challenges. The words of the song always seem to soothe our pain and calm our
fears? Well, after listening to Lydia’s new CD I can guarantee you that her lyrical content and musical ability will do all of the above and more. Play her new album during your toughest times and you will hear, “We are the statistics that can change the world.”

Over the last year, Lydia’s talent has propelled her to the top of the music scene in the Clarksville, TN community.

Addison Road-Dove Nominated Band

From opening for Addison Road at Riverfest 2010, to being a regular musical guest at the Cheeseburger Charley’s “Music Night” events, Lydia is steadily carving a path for herself in the music industry. Many of her unforgettable hooks are inspired by Jon Foreman, Joy Williams & A Fine Frenzy. Her potent lyrics can be compared to the likes of Sara Groves and Bethany Dillion. Additionally, her catch lyrics and raw vocals remind me of Sara Bareilles and Colbie Calliat.

With the guitar as a staple on all of her tracks, Lydia provides listeners with a deeper glimpse into her life. Most of the songs on the album are likeable but my top three are “Introspective “, “Statistics” and “Here’s To Victory.” After listening to “Introspective,” I felt an instant bond with the singer. This track shows a vulnerable
side of Lydia as she cries out for the help of those around her. “If anyone sees what I am going through right now, if anyone thinks to tell me that there is a way out, I will go.” My favorite song on the album is, “Statistics.” This song has become my personal anthem because it states, “We’re the statistics that can change the world, we’re the statistics that can change the way things work.” The last song on the album, “Here’s To Victory,” gives me chills. Strategically placed, this song leads the listener into worship. “We will see the King of kings, when he comes again, in all of his glory.” After listening to all of the songs on the album, you will be reminded to relax, reflect and rejoice.

Statistics ft. Lydia Walker
November 27, 2010, By Corey Edwards, www.corey-edwards.com

Lydia WalkerLydia Walker is a singer/songwriter with a contemporary Christian folk sound. Her acoustic guitar and mellow voice blend an eclectic, organic style. Lydia’s contagious energy flows through thoughtful lyrics and catchy melodies. Since 2004 she has performed at colleges, coffeehouses, church events and festivals. During that time she has written over 80 songs and recorded six independant albums. The title track of her recent album, Statistics, fits well with my personal convictions for the Church. (I urge you to listen to it in the player below after reading this article.)

When I was writing “Statistics”, I had an inward desire to be a part of something bigger than myself, and to make a difference in the world. I believe that through Jesus, we can all be a part of His bigger plan.

- Lydia Walker

So often, we get wrapped up in not being “good enough” or “important enough” to make a difference. We so easily fall into the lie that we are too insignificant to matter. We talk ourselves into defeat before we even take that first step. The result – we sit around and watch life go on without so much as even participating. We often let ourselves be afraid of failing, or embarrassing ourselves. We’re afraid to stand up and be the first to take a chance. We’re afraid that we’ll walk alone and be scoffed at and mocked. The twisted irony of this mentality is this – It’s not about you! It’s about Him!

I firmly believe, and many theologians and Christian scholars will agree, that there is truly only onesin – selfishness. How?  Think about it. If you steal, you’re doing it out of selfish desire. If you cheat on your spouse, you do it out of selfish desire. Lie? Selfish desire. Even murder – selfish desire. Selfishness is the one true sin because it is the very foundation of all other sin. The Bible talks about the love of money – selfish desire. There is not a single sin that stems from anything more or anything less. It’s selfishness. Selfishness and self-centered-ness are the exact reasons we don’t take action in ministry. We’re concerned with how people will view US, how much it will cost US, how under-qualified WE are. Again, it’s not about you, it’s about Him! If He is the one calling you to take action, He is the one behind it and He is the one in control of it. Your part in it, is to do what He has asked.

Lydia has taken this approach in her music. It’s not about her, it’s about God. It’s not her music, she’s just playing it. They’re not her lyrics, she just sings them. It’s God who writes the music and lyrics – Lydia is humbly the medium through which the music and lyrics reach His children.TobyMac is another prime example of this attitude. He’s “successful” because he gives it all to God. He doesn’t work his own agenda into his music or his performances, He lets God work HIS agenda into it instead.

The most “successful” pastors in the world are not successful for their own merits, they’re successful because they step aside and let God speak through them, and not spilling their own agenda from the pulpit. Brian and Bobbie Houston of Hillsong Church, for example, are sold out to God. They give Him the glory for everything. In fact, I bet you never even knew the names of Hillsong Church’s pastors until today. Unless you follow Hillsong on a deep level, you’d never know it. They don’t take the glory for themselves, they give it to God. They’re ministry is not about them….it’s about Him. Hillsong church is one of the largest churches in the world today because of this mentality.

During my tenure at Asbury University, I often attended Quest Community Church, in Lexington Kentucky. Pete Hise, the pastor, is a man after God’s own heart. He was called about ten years ago to start a church for people who can’t stand “church.” Ten years later, Quest has seen over 11,000 people cross from death to life and has been named the 44th Fastest-Growing Church in the U.S. with over 3,500 in attendance. Statistics like that aren’t the result of a selfish desire – they’re the result of total commitment to the life, death, resurrection, and ministry of Jesus Christ! It’s the Passion of the Christ that drives them.

These men and women have not reaped such bountiful rewards from their own fields of selfishness – they have done so because they have completely sold their souls out to Jesus. They breath, eat, drink, and live God’s call on their lives. It’s not about them – it’s about being part of something bigger – a part of the big picture – a part of the salvation story of the children of God!

God has called us to be active, not passive. He charges us to make a difference, to fulfill our purpose. Yes, He has created each of us with a PURPOSE – a MEANING – a JOB – a MISSION. Are you fulfilling yours? When you stand before Him one day, will you honestly be able to look God in the eye and say you did everything you could do to fulfill your mission?

I urge you to take a look at Lydia Walker‘s site, consider purchasing her new album, Statistics, on iTunes, and to download your free copy of the title track today.

Clarksville calls crowds back to bigger, better, river-rockin’ romp

Posted: Thursday, August 19, 2010 9:57 am

by Dave Campbell, Courier staff

Fort Campbell and Clarksville are banding together for Riverfest 2010 with a few notable additions and some familiar returning fixtures.

In its 23rd year, the two-day music festival will extend its sprawl to a mile, along the Clarksville Riverwalk into North McGregor Park, said Clarksville Parks and Recreation Spokeswoman, Candice Waite.

“There will also be a hot-air balloon ride and three stages,” Waite said. “We’re really excited that it will be bigger and better this year.”

Clarksville Councilwoman, Deanna McLaughlin, on the planning committee for Riverfest 2010, recognized the festival’s ties to the Fort Campbell community.

Clarksville has been a great place for the military community, said McLaughlin, whose husband is a retired Soldier.

“As part of a military community, we’re always looking for free things for them to do,” she added. “One of these is Riverfest, so we definitely want to make sure we get the word out to them.”

For Soldiers and Families and everyone who recalls the tragedy of 9/11, the festival will feature a remembrance, Saturday.

“Because the festival also falls on that day, we’ll be having a ceremony at noon and Fort Campbell will provide music for that,” McLaughlin said – referring to the 101st Rear Detachment Band.

The ceremony will also include an Honor Guard with local law enforcement and fire crews in attendance.

Waite said the ceremony is the city’s way that they can be involved in honoring and remembering that day for Soldiers, Families and everyone involved. 

McLaughlin also hopes that Families can get involved with the Riverfest Regatta that calls teams to build their own boats to race down the river.

“It’s so much fun,” McLaughlin said. “And I always thought it would be great to have units from Fort Campbell entering teams.”

The race also includes humorous awards like the Titanic Award for “the boat that sinks the best.”

“We would love to see some boats from Fort Campbell, even from the Courier,” McLaughlin said. “There are plenty of engineers [there] and I’d like to see what they could build.”

Teams can consist of groups like civic organizations or businesses, McLaughlin said, but teams must be aware of the deadlines for registration and arrival the day of the race.

Matt Nixon, with Clarksville Parks and Recreation helps with the Kidzone at Riverfest and sets up a vehicle display that he said is usually a hit with kids. This year, the Kidzone will feature two new medical military vehicles.

“Kids can take pictures with the vehicles, meet the Soldiers hear what they do. It’s really a chance for them to meet and greet,” Nixon said.

Other features include an evening lighted-boat parade and plenty of art and cultural exhibits to experience. Cornhole tournaments are also new this year, with waiting staff from different restaurants in competition.

“They’ll also be playing games like how many glasses can you carry on your head without spilling them,” she said.

Sounds set sail

Just out of high school, local artist, Lydia Walker has been playing her blend of Christian folk rock around the area for a while. In fact, she’s been writing, recording and performing since she was 12. Walker’s timing to play Riverfest couldn’t have been more perfect, just releasing her sixth CD, “Statistics,” and she’s excited about playing this time as well. Her first time was a few years ago.

“I played there a few years ago on a Sunday afternoon and there were probably 20 people there,” Walker said laughing. “And that was before they stopped doing the Sundays. So this is my first big slot at Riverfest. I’m excited.”

“I think there’s the expectation of a huge crowd,” Walker said before a performance Thursday night at Cheeseburger Charlie’s on Tiny Town Road. “People love to come for the games, the food and the whole bigness of the festival.”

The Gateway stage will feature Christian artists, while the Budweiser stage will feature country music artists.

“It’s Family-friendly and I think that’s a big draw because people can bring their kids,” Walker said. “It’s music they can sing along to, they’re OK with kids listening to and it’s a safe environment.”

Local artists draw the Families and friends of the artists playing, she says, so in a sense, it’s a bit like a big party.

“We’ll just keep that going,” she said. “One right after the other. It’ll be great, and just keep getting bigger and bigger as the night goes on.”

Bryan Waller, lead singer and guitarist for the band, Exit Right, is another musician who’s played the local circuit for a while and is looking forward to the festival. Waller played at Riverfest in a battle-of-the-bands competition several years ago with another band called Visible Sign.

“It’s good. Some of [your friends and Family] know you and will come out, but most of the people don’t know you will be here,” Waller said. “So it’s kind of a newer atmosphere. You are performing, but I think there’s another level when you do something bigger like this.”

He likes that people can hear the diversity in different styles, even locally. Both Waller and Walker said they look forward to playing with the other artists.

Walker feels that Clarksville is just starting to develop musically and Riverfest reflects that newness.

“We’re starting to get some venues and starting to get kind of a music scene going here,” Walker said. “Normally musicians around here would go to Nashville. It’s been kind of fun to see some new places to go … Riverfest is a good time to bring everyone together.”

Waller feels the Family atmosphere. “We all kind of know each other, even if we don’t know each other, we know of each other,” he said.

For more information call Clarksville Parks and Recreation at (931) 645-7476 or visit www.clarksvilleriverfest.com.

RIVERFEST 2010 LINEUP

FRIDAY

Budweiser Stage

5 p.m. – Lauren Weakley

6 p.m. – Chris Monhollen

7 p.m. – Diana Pelham

8:05 p.m. – James Fyke

8:15 p.m. – Eden’s Edge

9:35 p.m. – James Fyke

9:45 p.m. – James Otto

Gateway Stage

5 p.m. – Lydia Walker

6 p.m. – Jaimie Morgan 

7 p.m. – Exit Right

8:15 p.m. – Pure Star Movement

9:30 p.m. – Addison Road

SATURDAY

Budweiser Stage 

11 a.m. – Cumberland Jazz Project

noon – 9/11 Ceremony

1:15 p.m. – Black Velvet

2:30 p.m. – Ben Sturgill

3:45 p.m. – Jeffrey James

4:45 p.m. – Tim Lynch

6 p.m. – Beaver Country Idol

7:50 p.m. – James Fyke

8 p.m. – Kingbilly

9:20 p.m. – James Fyke

9:30 p.m. – Jimmy Wayne

Gateway Stage

10 a.m. – Distinguished Steppers Unlimited

10:30 a.m. – Clarksville Artistic Show Troupe

11 a.m. – Natalie’s Dance Network

11:30 a.m. – The Dance Force

Noon – Lana’s Dance Network

12:30 p.m. – Acro Dance Express

4:30 p.m. – Gateway to Stardom

7:15 p.m. – Julylee

8:30 p.m. – Guest

9:45 p.m. – Everlife

© Copyright 2010, The Fort Campbell Courier, Fort Campbell, KY. Powered by Blox CMS from TownNews.com.
Musicians gather to aid Red 
Cross flood relief

BY STACY LEISER • THE LEAF-CHRONICLE • 
June 11, 2010 

Joe Kraeske has put together several fundraisers for 
Clarksville Humane Society over the years. The 
devastation of last month's floods so moved him he 
decided to break from tradition and host a Red 
Cross flood relief show. The show is 1 to 5:30 p.m. 
Saturday at Village Deli with free admission.

"We strongly encourage donations, but we're not 
charging at the door," Kraeske said.

Kraeske attracted a variety of talents to the project, 
the most famous of whom is Nancy Lee Andrews, 
who was Ringo Starr's girlfriend in the 1970s. 
Andrews is also an accomplished photographer, 
and published many of her best photographs from 
that era in her book, "A Dose of Rock 'n' Roll." In 
addition to being at the benefit, Andrews will host a 
question and answer session at 3:15 p.m. A portion 
of proceeds from sales of signed copies of her book 
will go to the local Red Cross.

"I live less than a mile from the river, high on a hill," 
said Andrews, a Nashvillian. "So many around me 
got flooded. My sister got flooded. I have been  
cooking for my neighbors and ripping out walls. My 
heart goes out to all of you up in Clarksville. So 
many people are still out of their houses or living in 
craziness."

Saturday's show opens with music by Christian folk 
singer and guitarist Lydia Walker.

"It's going to be a really good day to come out and 
help the community," said Walker, 18, who just 
graduated from high school and is now pursuing 
music full-time.

Walker is followed by comedian Big John 
Richardson, then singer/songwriter Sam Haines, 
both of whom graduated from Northwest High 
School in 1979. Among a mix of covers and 
originals, Haines will perform his brand-new song, 
written in response to the flooding, "Everybody  
Wins."

"I'm very excited to be a part of this," Haines said.
"Lydia Walker is just an outstanding performer and 
songwriter. Big John Richardson is a good guy, too. 
He's hysterically funny."

Haines, who closes out Saturday's show after a 
performance by Syd Hedrick, can also be heard 
performing with the band Awe for You and on his 
acoustic guitar album, "Short Notice."

Kraeske said in addition to accepting donations, 
bids will be accepted on items donated for the silent 
auction, including a football signed by University of 
Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley. All 
donations and bids will go to the Red Cross for 
local flood relief.
Flood Relief Show set for 
Saturday

By STACY LEISER • June 10, 2010 

If you never rolled up your sleeves and worked in 
the much following last month's flood, maybe you're 
feeling a little guilty by now.

Help out in a much less messy way by attending 
Saturday's Red Cross Flood Relief Show, 1-5:30 p.
m. Saturday, June 12 at Village Deli. Get all the 
details in Friday's edition of Go in The Leaf-
Chronicle.

RED CROSS FLOOD RELIEF SHOW
WHEN: 1 - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 12
1 p.m. — Lydia Walker
2 p.m. — Comedian Big John Richardson
2:20 p.m. — Sam Haines
3:15 p.m. Q/A with Nancy Lee Anderson
3:45 p.m. — Syd Hedrick
5 p.m. — Sam Haines and friends
WHERE: Village Deli, 3371 U.S. Highway 41A South
COST: Free; donations for local flood relief will be 
accepted
CALL: 368-0405
Promise Land Community 
Festival is this weekend

For The Herald • June 1, 2010 

The 10th Annual Promise Land Festival, with the 
theme “Promise Land: A Legacy of Love and Music,” 
will be held Saturday, starting in the morning.

The festival will start with the Parade of Hats for 
Healthy Hearts to encourage walking for health.

The parade will begin on Promise Land Road in 
front of the historic school building and continue 
for about a fourth of a mile to an area known as the 
“Hickory Flat” which is where the road branches into 
the Harris Hollow Road and the Promise Land Road. 

The proceeds from this walk will benefit the 
restoration of the historic school building.
In keeping with the theme, the feature attraction this 
year will be a 50-voice choir, entitled The Promise 
Land Celebration Choir, comprised of Dickson 
County students, grades 5-8. 

The choir was organized by Dickson Middle and 
Charlotte Elementary school music teachers Charles 
and Jackie Elston. It will be directed by Emmy-
nominated, actress, singer/songwriter Sy Smith. 

Smith who is finishing her fifth season as 
background vocalist with the band for the popular 
television show American Idol, will come to Dickson 
County and spend the day before the festival 
working with the combined choir and their music 
teachers. 
Other festival performers will include, McDonald 
Craig, who is a traditional country 
singer/songwriter. 

A member of the Mid-American Country Music Hall 
of Fame, Craig was first-place winner of the Jimmie 
Rodgers Memorial Festival talent contest. He caught 
the attention of the Promise Land Festival 
Coordinator during his performance at the National 
Preservation Conference in Nashville last fall. 

Also performing will be Lydia Walker, an 18-year-
old contemporary Christian folk singer/songwriter. 
She performed during the Firefly Fine Arts Festival in 
Dickson last summer. She has written over 80 songs 
and recorded five independent albums. 

As is tradition, the festival will end with the popular 
“Gospel Explosion”, which will feature many gospel 
artists from Dickson County and surrounding areas. 

There will be a variety of food and craft vendors, 
exhibits and health information booths. There will 
be attractions for the whole family. 

The public is invited.

Area to host 3 Christian concerts over next 2 weeks

by Ann Wallace • The Leaf-Chronicle • February 20, 2010

People who enjoy folk and Christian tunes have musical options this weekend and next. You can catch the international Sweet Adelines at 4 p.m. Sunday or check out the Feb. 27 CD release party of teen vocalist Lydia Walker or drop by for a coffeehouse performance by youth pastor Jason Ellis Feb. 28.

Sweet Adelines

Grace Lutheran Church continues its community concert series this weekend with the sweet harmonies of the Sweet Adelines.

These ladies are sure to warm your heart and soul, said Susan McAfee with Grace Lutheran.

The Metro Nashville Chorus was chartered as a Sweet Adelines International chorus in 1971 and has performed in Middle Tennessee for almost 40 years. About 30,000 women participate in Sweet Adelines as part of more than 600 choruses around the world. Most of their members live in the Nashville area, but there are a few who travel from Columbia, Knoxville, Huntsville and Birmingham.

The group is under the direction of Master Kim Wonders.

New CD for teen singer

Clarksville teen Lydia Walker has a passion for music. She loves to write it, and she loves to sing it.

Apparently, a lot of people are fans of the final product because Lydia is releasing her sixth CD, "Statistics."

Lydia and her backup band will perform several selections of her newest musical venture at 7 p.m. Feb. 27. The concert will be staged at Clarksville First Baptist Church on the third floor of the activities building.

"There will be snacks and giveaways. Admission is free and fun for the whole family," said Lydia, who has performed at numerous venues around Clarksville.

Ellis at coffeehouse

First United Methodist Church continues to host its monthly free community coffeehouse concert at 4 p.m. Feb. 28.

Jason Ellis, the singing youth pastor, takes the spotlight corner.

Ellis mustered his first performance as a wee lad of 7.

But he didn't come back to the microphone for another 15 years.

When he returned, he came back with a fervor for contemporary Christian music.

Now, he describes his musical style as a blend of contemporary Christian and folk music.

Along the way he has been influenced by Bebo Norman, James Taylor, Andrew Peterson, Warren Barfield and Emmy Lou Harris, among others.

Admission to the coffeehouse is free but a love offering will be taken.

Ann Wallace covers education and religion. She can be reached at 245-0287 or by e-mail at annwallace@theleafchronicle.com.