Jay Ammo
Beebs Got Soul
Tour Deville 2024
Dee Miller
Out of Reach
possumstock on the way
'VILLE
Writers
Kim Cargill
Betty Sammons
Dannie Praetexta
Photography
Kim Cargill
Chris Layton
Editor
James Cargill
Cover photo by Kim Cargill
JAY AMMO
Jay Ammo is making a splash around Clarksville lately, regularly playing at Revel House, Pinkys Up, and Dock 17. This charming solo act radiates from the stage, making clever use of his guitar and a pedal board to own the space with a range of songs from soulful sweet covers to R&B originals. With an extensive catalog on YouTube and a handful of projects in the works, his blend of sincerity, creativity, and lyricism has made him a quick fan favorite. He graciously agreed to sit for an interview with The Ville, so readers can get to know the artist called Jay Ammo.
First, let’s begin with work that’s already published. Jay makes excellent use of his creative endeavors on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with 3 full albums: “4Seasons”, “Culture”, and “Red” already complete. In addition to these collections, standalone songs like “Fyah”, “Pressure”, and “Honey” showcase his talent for combining universally moving lyrics and beats. Jay Ammo's music is inspired by personal experiences and a desire to connect with listeners on an emotional level, and it shows in his wide range of lyrical explorations.
He describes his challenges with expressing himself authentically in his music, particularly regarding explicit lyrics. Growing up in Guyana, with a close-knit family and community that’s been supportive since his debut on the church stage, Jay says, “...my parents listen to my music but they only hear it when I cuss,” spurring a conversation about the fine line between honoring our origins while pursuing the vision of art. He sums his stance on the topic, favoring the audience's connection with the art: “...it's like damn I got to write it like this because it’s “f**k”. Maybe it will help somebody else exhale if they hear this song like that.”
When asked about how he learned to sing and play guitar, Jay tells the story of a lifetime: “I was 10 I found out that it was easy to mimic famous people, their voices. My dad had a little pocket camera I would use it to take pictures and make videos. I used to take the camera and sit next to the TV so the audio would get recorded and I'll rewatch it over and over and learn the way that he sang it. I was just singing to myself in class one time and this one girl was sitting next to me she was like, [gasps] ‘he was singing!’ [laughs] I started using that to my advantage, okay.”
“Every single year my church would do a Christmas Pageant at the end of the year so all the classes would come up and do “The Christmas Song” or something like that and I made a bet with my mom and my sister: “I bet you I do a solo this year.” They started laughing, like well let me hear it!”
After that fateful pageant day, he says, his godfather helped him through guitar lessons, and his aunt and sister worked conspired to buy him his first guitar. The new skill quickly led to young Jay joining the community tradition of meeting on the beach after church, playing acoustic sets for fun, and a band with friends called Nations Collide.
He also acknowledged another way hes grown as an artist: organizing an album. “A mistake I made in the past was the way that I structured the songs …I would put them on in the order I wrote them, and it just felt like I was all over the place.” Now, experience has made him comfortable with gently shifting the vibes through the overall music journey. This last bit of adjusting is the last step before releasing his newest album, set for 2025.
He is enthusiastic in conversation about upcoming music video projects, citing local creative Jun Espinosa as the inspiration for his upcoming music video projects to support music from 4Seasons and Red. While he is hard at work creating new content, fans can find his videos and music on demand on most streaming sites, including Spotify and Deezer. Be sure to catch him playing at the local open mics, buy him a drink, and ask for more details about that Christmas pageant. Jay Ammo never fails to entertain.
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‘Ville Cover Story BEEBS GOT SOUL
BY KIM CARGILL
Tour De Ville was an action packed day full of so many amazing local musicians but my favorite stop was one of the last…Beebs
Got Soul at Revel House. Let me tell you, Beebs HAS SO MUCH soul. I sat down this month over a few margs to catch up with singer/songer writer BB (Beebs) Waller to get closer to that positive sunshiney soul and get to know the awesomely talented Beebs.
For me categorizing music is an outdated principle: Country music of today is not what country music was five years ago but you could categorize Beebs Got Soul as the paradoxical Neo Soul. A new genre flavored with that classic soul sound. Beebs' voice is soulful, deep and sultry. Raised by a Pastor and Music Director, music filled their home from an early age. Some of her early influences were praise bands and classic church hymns but inspired by the likes of Erykah Badu, Janis Jopplin and Adele. Although she is just learning to read music she has recently taught herself how to play the keyboard.
A deep well of emotions, writing music for BB is more akin to writing poetry. Pen to paper, spilling the words out which she will later share with long time friend and bassist Eric Dailey who will add the music to her words. This is the style that has worked in their relationship for years. The band played a fan favorite at Revel House at their last gig, “Gypsy Soul”. This song hits close to home for those of us who identify as the free spirits of the world, following energy as opposed to social constraints. The lyrics, “ …born to wander, born to run, It’s all home to the Gypsy Soul” aligns with her lifestyle as a musician, while she works full time as a 911 Dispatcher.
In addition to Beebs the band includes Katt Waller, Brandon Clark on Guitar, Eric Dailey on Bass and Darius Dawson on the drums.
When I asked Beebs what her goals were for music, for life, for all of it – her response was easy: “I just want to change the world”. For those of us who live on the sunny side of the road, I love to hear a response like that but she is actually putting action to those words. As one of the founders of a not for profit group Wah-yas (Women Actively Helping Youth Achieve Success) was formed to empower, encourage, teach, support and build amity among at-risk youth. Found in trauma, Formed under pressure, Bound by love, this group was inspired by the untimely loss of their friend Cody Lasley. From their facebook page, Cody is described like many who faced hardships during his youth that would send him on a path with a very dark and bleak outcome. Fortunately, with the help and support of family and friends, Cody was able to overcome his struggles and change the trajectory of his future. Albeit, he did not come out completely unscathed, his grit and sheer will led him to a life that would inspire others to trade in their "street life" for a life with more fulfillment. Please visit their facebook page at Wah-yas Clarksville for more info on how you can support their mission.
I hope you get a chance to catch “Beebs Got Soul” out and about in Clarksville at their next gig.
Tour DeVille
DEE MILLER
The past, present and future of a Clarksville Icon ByBettySammons
Dee Miller: Her Rock and Roll Journey
Rock and roll is alive and well in Clarksville, Tennessee, thanks in part to the powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence of Dee Miller, the lead singer of the band "Lowdown Rhythm and Blues." With a career that spans multiple decades and genres, Dee's journey is as compelling as the music she creates.
The Early Days
Dee Miller's story begins in the small town of Winchester, Tennessee, where her love for music took root. "I started in country music in high school," Dee recalls. After high school, Dee moved to Nashville, the epicenter of country music, where she worked as a demo singer. This period was crucial for Dee, as it exposed her to the inner workings of the music industry.
The Metal Years: Breaking Boundaries
The 1980s brought a significant shift in Dee's musical journey. She joined a girl band specializing in metal music, a genre worlds away from her country roots.
Finding a Home in Clarksville
For the past 20 years, Dee has called Clarksville home. When she first moved to Clarksville, the local venue called "The Warehouse" was a popular spot, and Dee became a fixture in the local music scene. Throughout the 1990s, she sang mostly rock and blues, captivating audiences with her soulful renditions and raw energy.
After a successful run in the '90s, Dee took a five-year break from the music scene.
Dee's decision to stop playing in bars came when she began caring for her grandson full-time. "Family is everything to me," she says However, her grandson is showing a definite interest in music and may follow in her footsteps.
Influences
and Inspirations
Reflecting on her influences, Dee mentions Led Zeppelin, Heart, Melissa Etheridge, Stevie Nicks, Bon Jovi, and the blues. "These artists shaped who I am as a musician," she says. Starting in country music and transitioning through rock, metal, and blues, Dee's eclectic influences are evident in her powerful and emotive performances. When she joined the band "Mystery," a new chapter in her career began. The band cut a few CDs, producing several successful singles that showcased Dee's versatility and passion for rock and blues. They played rock covers at various notable venues in Nashville and Clarksville, including Riverfest, the Toy Run, Choppers (now O’Neil’s), Scooters Bar, and the marina in Dover.
TributetoFleetwoodMacandBeyond
Dee'stalentsextendedbeyond"Mystery."Shewasalsoakeymemberof"Gypsy,"atributeband dedicatedtoFleetwoodMac."Gypsy"playedatdowntowneventsandeventouredBranson, earningacclaimfortheirfaithfulrenditionsofFleetwoodMac'stimelesshits.
LookingAhead|LowdownRhythmandBlues
Dee'sjourneyisatestamenttothetransformationalpowerofmusic Fromherhumblebeginningsin WinchestertothestagesofNashville,themetalcircuitsofthe'80s,andthevibrantmusicsceneof Clarksville,Deehascontinuallyreinventedherself,breakingbarriers,anddefyingexpectations. Now,withanewband,Deecontinuestoshine.LowdownRhythmandBluesReviewdistinguishes itselfwithasoundthatisbothclassicandcontemporary.Theirmusicpayshomagetothe traditionalblueswhileincorporatingmodernelements,creatingadistinctivestylethatresonates withawideaudience.
Forfansofrockandroll,DeeMillerandLowdownareareminderthatthegenreisever-evolving, fueledbyartistswhobringtheiruniquestoriesandexperiencestothestage.Withherindomitable spiritandelectrifyingvoice,DeeMillerisundoubtedlyaforcetobereckonedwithintheworldof rock.
Lowdown
OutOfReach
Introducing "Out of Reach," the electrifying American rock cover band hailing from the lively music scene of Clarksville, Tennessee. Born in 2022, this powerhouse quintet is comprised of lead guitarist Paul Mullins, rhythm guitarist Steve, bassist Chad, drummer Jim, and the charismaticleadvocalistThanasi.
Specializingindeliveringhigh-energyperformancesofbelovedclassics fromiconicbandslikeVanHalen,PearlJam,andCollectiveSoul,Outof Reachhasbecomeastapleatlocalbarsandprivatepartiesthroughout the region. With their impeccable musicianship, infectious energy, and undeniable stage presence, they never fail to get crowds on their feet andsingingalong.
Each member of Out of Reach brings their own unique talent and passion to the band, creating a seamless blend of driving rhythms, blistering guitar solos, and soulful vocals that pay homage to the timelessrockanthemsthathaveinspiredgenerations.
WiththeirrootsfirmlyplantedintheheartofTennessee,OutofReach is dedicated to keeping the spirit of rock 'n' roll alive and thriving. Whether they're tearing up the stage with electrifying renditions of classicsorcaptivatingaudienceswiththeirownoriginalmaterial,Outof Reachisaforcetobereckonedwithintheworldoflivemusic.Sograba drink,hitthedancefloor,andgetreadytorockoutwithOutofReach!
Possumstock 2024
September6thand7th
