Kirstie Kraus is thirsty for love and magic, for joy and sunshine. She’s thirsty for compassion and authenticity. And above all, she’s thirsty for anything that sets her soul on fire. She carries her thirst in her songwriting, her live shows, and in her everyday connection with other kindred spirits.  Kirstie infuses this passion into her music, creating a perfect blend of country, funk, blues, and rock. ​​She’s a 2 time Women of Country and JMA Nominee and she’s releasing incredible music, including a new duet with Thomas Kavanaugh called “Who Am I Gonna Love,” the track featured here with her episode!  Enjoy this conversation with Kirstie as we explore what her art means to her and what she wants for her fans to experience.

Jennifer Jess is a singer, songwriter and recording artist based in Atlanta, GA. She originally found her passion for music by listening to greats such as Celine Dion, Abba, Etta James, the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and more. After studying Opera for a year, she decided she wanted to go a different direction and pursue pop music full time. She initially found her core fan base online on a platform called Twitch Tv and streams to her worldwide community of almost 18,000. Jennifer released her first single in 2019, garnering over 800,000 streams on Spotify and landing her first Spotify editorial playlist in 2022. She appreciates the ever-changing world of pop music and loves being able to create music that moves the soul.

Five Piece Kit is a FOUR member band based out of Woodstock, GA.  They launched their debut EP, "Out of My Hands," in 2022 and JUST dropped a new single called "Say We're Right" on all major platforms.  The group is comprised of Austin, Michael, Jared, and Josh (guitar, drums, bass, and singer).  Enjoy this conversation where we explore what brought them together, what keeps them together, and what it takes for young musicians to try and gain some ground in the music business.

Emma-Charles Townsend is a 10 year-old country music singer and a HUGE Dolly Parton fan! She began singing during the pandemic in Pigeon Forge, TN at age 7,  and was part of the 1% of performers in the world getting a paycheck. In 2021, she began working at Dollywood during the Christmas Season as a Youth Performer. She has completed 3 contracts at Country Tonite Theater and is still working at Dollywood as needed for each season.  She has also released her first single, “Never go a day without a rainbow.”  Can you believe all of that is happening from a 10 year old?  ***If you are interested in being in an episode of our podcast, check out LivingintheLimelight.com for our easy questionnaire!

Ian Holmes is a vocal powerhouse.  He’s a true artist with a heart of GOLD.  Some highlights to mention include: American Idol contestant, a feature on the Lord’s Prayer Project in 2007 which reached the Top 50 on Billboard, and he has opened for Collective Soul, Dionne Warwick, Taylor Hicks, and more.  Recently, Ian has played a fundamental role in stage vocals for the multi Latin Grammy winning group Camila, playing to audiences in the tens of thousands.  He’s also a vocal coach and an entrepreneur.  But, besides all the glitz and fame is a singer who wants to share his gift with you!  By the way, stay tuned through the end of the episode so you can hear his newest song (released 2/14/23), “Everything About You,” which is a very appropriate release for Valentine’s Day as it is dedicated to his wife, Perla!

Kent Aberle is a first call drummer from Atlanta, GA. Kent is currently performing and recording with a number of artists.  Kent’s ability to be a groove chameleon performing all styles of music as well as his harmonizing backing vocal ability has made Kent one of the busiest drummers in the U.S. for both live performance and sessions. Kent has over 20 years touring experience both in the US and Internationally including China, Japan, Australia, Canada, and others. Kent has performed on The Conan O’Brien Show, The Today Show with Kathy Lee and Hoda, The Talk, and has performed numerous times at the Grand Ole Opry as well as the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and numerous major festivals around the world.

“iLUVTOKYO” is a  25yr old artist/songwriter out of Warner Robins, Ga. Born Dianerra Smith in 1997, and originally from the Boogie Down Bronx, NY,  iLUVTOKYO has always had a passion for the art of music as a whole. While music first started for her as a way to vent, it has now blossomed into a full time passion.  Check out her latest MIXTAPE "Out Of Sight, In Mind" on all major streaming platforms!

Multi instrumentalist and award winning songwriter, Liliana Tani (Lulu) was born to share her passion for music. At only 14 years old Liliana has contributed to over 50 music videos with combined views in the hundreds of millions. She has recorded vocals on hundreds of tracks and performed on stages across the globe. In 2017 she became a member of the One Voice Children’s Choir. In 2018 she became a member of Kids America, a singing group that created original music together. In 2020 Lulu joined the Acapop! Kids, a music brand created by the minds behind Pentatonix. In 2022 she joined Far Out Record's girl group called Glotivation representing Far Out Toys Glo Up Dolls. She has been a guest performer on the news, radio stations, and podcasts with performances at venues as large as the MGM Grande in Las Vegas and has even done a tour in Japan. And behind all of this accomplishment is a young human with a dream of creating music that will inspire, uplift and bring people together.

Today we have the fortune to speak with Tah’Chon Mills, otherwise known as Lil’ Boss!  This 7 year-old artist is not your typical kid!  Rather, he’s an author, actor, model, and a singer!  He has several movie credits under his belt and is the author of “I am a Superhero.”  He has several songs currently streaming including “Lil Boss” and his most recent release, “He never fails.” Enjoy this conversation with Tah’Chon and his mom as we explore what makes him such a special artist and an inspiration to so many.

Today we are visiting with Olympia Papageorgiou – Olympia is an international singer and recording artist based in Atlanta, Georgia whose music is a mix of multiple styles, including R&B and International Pop. Her newest single, “No Titles” will have you dancing through the night!  One super fun fact is that her music can be heard in over 25,000 retail stores around the nation!  Let’s meet Olympia!

Perfect Animal is an Atlanta-based indie rock band that just recently formed in October of 2022, although the musical roots for the members run deep.  They spend lots of time creating and recording new music and have an ambitious release schedule of a new song roughly every 6 weeks!  The band prides itself on producing music that uses raw emotions and real life experiences that surely will resonate with their listeners.  Look for their upcoming EP to be released on January 20th, 2023, titled “Handmade.” Enjoy this conversation with Eric (lead vocals, guitar) and David (lead guitar). We discuss their music, gear, music videos and so much more.  Tune in!

Ella Greenbaum, artistically known as ellakate, is an alternative pop singer-songwriter born, raised and based in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up with musical parents and a knack for creating and performing, ellakate found a passion for music that went beyond forcing her brothers to listen to her melodies as a child. “When my dad first explained what the song ‘Brandy’ by Looking Glass was about, I discovered the magic of storytelling in song writing. I have been singing and making up songs for as long as I can remember,” said ellakate about her innate talents. She has written hundreds of songs since her childhood exploring topics that coincide with the journey of growing up and finding love, filling piles of notebooks in her room with song lyrics. ellakate’s songs recount stories and experiences that may have not happened to her, but are inspired by events that have impacted her. Her voice has been compared to a “young Amy Winehouse”, showing her vocal prowess - honest and sensual, with a hint of innocence. Her sultry vocals mixed with her haunting, bold and romantic sound is reminiscent of artists like Billie Eilish, Tove Lo and Lana Del Rey. She has plans to release music throughout 2022 and 2023 and perform live shows in addition to casual appearances. ellakate is a breath of fresh air in the musical climate, writing exactly what we’re all thinking and spinning it in a mature, yet cheeky way.

Sasha Hurtado is a rising independent recording artist and singer/songwriter from Georgia. Dubbed as "the Stolen One" on season 22 of The Voice, she began her journey with a two-chair turn by coaches Camila Cabello and John Legend during her blind audition and had chosen Camila as her coach. During her battle round, Sasha was then stolen by coach Gwen Stefani and John Legend having one steal left, and during the knockout rounds, he used it on Sasha saying "she was just too good to send home" which ultimately placed her within the top 16 for the live shows. Sasha has become a seasoned performer with experience on stages and venues all over Georgia. Sasha’s Hispanic background lends to her love of blending genres and draws inspiration from a range of soulful, pop-filled, and indie artists that have helped carve out her own unique lane of artistic expression.  In 2020, Sasha released her debut single called “Mr. No Good Guy” and her follow-up single, “First” in 2021. Fresh off the heels of The Voice live shows, Sasha is excited to  announce that her next single, "Going Through the Motions" is set to release on January 6, 2023!  Enjoy this candid conversation about her time on The Voice, songwriting, and so much more!

Cat is a local folk soul artist based out of North Georgia. As a recent graduate of Berklee College of Music, she uses her knowledge and expertise of live performance paired with her songwriting skills to create a unique experience at each of her shows she plays across the southern United States. Cat is unlike any other, and dabbles in many different realms of the music world such as live and studio production, writing music for herself as well as other artists, playing multiple instruments, and even teaches music on the side of her live performances at Melomania music and arts in Cumming, Ga.

A wonderful discussion with entertainment artist Coley Gilchrist.  Coley is a multi-faceted performer with skills across the spectrum of entertainment.  Enjoy listening to some tips about what to do and what not to do along with just getting to know what drives her every day to be her best.  Don't forget to check out www.livinginthelimelight.com for full information about Coley and how to reach her!  Also, please follow us on Instagram @living.in.the.limelight.show

Sarah is an artist-songwriter that builds her musical catalog and sound around her life’s experiences.  As an independent Americana artist, Sarah has been strongly influenced by a diverse musical background, including blues and roots rock, folk, alt-country, and indie rock genres. Sarah released her debut album, Lessons From The Archives, in June 2021. She is also the winner of Goodyear’s NATIONWIDE COMPETITION From Garage To Glory which afforded opportunities like performing twice at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, singing the National Anthem at the 2022 Cotton Bowl, and soooo much more. Intro music and closing music courtesy of Sarah, with her hit "I Can't."

A wonderful conversation with 16 year-old rising star Maria Deirisarri about her dreams, ambitions, accomplishments, and everything in between.  Maria talks music, Lin-Manuel Miranda, gear, and a special project in the works!  Be sure to head to www.LivingintheLimelight.com to find Maria's page and links to connect directly with her!