‡July 21, 2008

I’m sitting in the control room at Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville right now while Dad and the boys set up for their first session of the day. Just hearing everybody getting tuned up and dialed in excites the heck outa me. This new Doyle CD is going to be the best yet, in my opinion. All the songs are original and some of the best he’s ever written - a very eclectic mix. The group of musicians this time is really special too. My brother Caleb is playing with him on a song called, “Bridgin’ the Gap.” If you’ve never had the opportunity to hear Caleb play, you must go check out the video he and Dad did for Rivera Amps (the Sedona amp in particular) on youtube. I keep showing everyone and it blows me away every time. What can I say, I’m a proud big sister.

In the studio today are Dave Pomeroy on bass, John Gardner on drums, Jimmy Capps on rhythm guitar and my Uncle Aubrey on piano and organ. Dad is always bragging on Uncle Aubrey and it’s such a cool thing to see them in the studio together. I’m just stoked to have the opportunity to be here and experience the music in person. We’re even gonna get some of the action on video for a future DVD project.

The studio is a motivating and inspiring place. I’ve been preparing to get back in myself and being here (this is where we recorded “The Mystery of Her”) is getting me all pumped up. It makes me want to go change my mandolin strings and practice new songs. My sister, Holli, even got in the studio recently to record 4 songs in French and Spanish for her thesis. She graduates with her Masters this month and is teaching foreign language. I’m Holli’s biggest fan for her songwriting. Her songs are groovy and her voice sounds beautiful - and if you listen a few times through you’ll know your seasons in French and how to count to 20 in Spanish.

As far as me and music and life - I’ve been doing quite a bit more on my own here lately and it’s all been going great. I’m writing a lot, practicing a lot and really itching to play new stuff live and put it all down on record.

Thanks for caring. Be blessed.

Haley

‡May 28 , 2008

People often ask me why I chose to play the mandolin. "How could you possibly be Doyle Dykes' daughter and not play guitar," they ask. Those of you who have been listening to my Dad for a long time will remember when my sister, Holli, used to travel with him while I was still in school. She would accompany him on the song "Twin Six Shooters" and it was quite impressive for a young girl, I must say. Many of you also know that Holli used to sing in trio with my Dad and I back in the day when we traveled the summers together. She is also an accomplished writer, "Forever and Always" being one of her songs that I loved so much, I recorded it. A very few of you might have even seen my brother play guitar with my Dad. It's a rare occasion, but he is a rockstar. He mostly plays electric and is very eclectic in style. I've even gotten him to bust out the acoustic and play newgrass with me a couple times and everybody liked him better than they liked me - it's okay, I'm a proud big sis. Going WAY back, Heidi even played the bass - if you remember that, you've been knowin' us a while. All this to say, I gave up on guitar before I started. All the guitar bases had been covered in my family and I wasn't about to compete with that goodness. I was going to be a rebel.

I fell in love with bluegrass music in elementary school and I have to give credit to Alison Krauss and Union Station. I admired her originality as she was naturally set apart from every artist and genre - and she was truly talented. She is still my favorite! If you don't own any of her records, stop reading this and go buy everything right now! Anyway, I loved the sound of traditional instruments and I wanted to play something. I've been singing since before I was born, but picking and sticking to an instrument took a few years. I started on the plicket at about 5, which I loved, but loved Barbies more. I still have both of the plickets Dad bought me at the Georgia Mountain Fair. They're miniature dulicimers, in case you're not familiar, and typically were painted with pretty little floral designs. Then I tried the banjo, which I loved, but loved Barbies more. Finally when I was 11, Dad gave me an old mandolin that he had used on a recording years before and taught me 3 chords. I have never been the same. I still love Barbies.

Dad was thrilled that I was thrilled, so he got me all set up with teaching videos and chord books and mandolin pickers' CDs. I watched, listened and learned. I never let it become a chore. Dad always said to have fun with it - to enjoy it - and that's what I did - and still do. I started writing songs in high school and continued to travel with my Dad through colllege - singing, playing and writing. After I graduated, I hit the road with Dad full-time and he helped me get into the studio. And you know the rest of the story. In sharing all of this, I must note how much I appreciate my parents' encouragement and investment in my gifts and desires - what a blessing they have been and still are. It is such a privelage to travel, perform and minister with my Dad. Through him, God has given me the opportunity to share my music with other people. That is when your gifts have purpose - when you use them. Share your gifts with others - it'll bless them and it'll bless you - it also blesses God.

The mandolin is still my pick, but Dad did give me a 30th Anniversary Taylor that is just too beautiful not to play. I've been writing some new songs on my guitar and played it for the first time a month or so ago at my home church - they were very forgiving :) I'm looking forward to playing my guitar more and definitely plan on recording with it on the new album.

Thanks for reading and enjoy life today.

Haley