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10 Questions with ... Jaclyn Carter
January 27, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Web: www.jackiedc.com
Recently graduated from The University of Tennessee in August 2012. Interned for Monarch Publicity in Nashville, TN, in Summer 2011 and continued to work on projects for the PR firm specializing in Country music clients. Works as an independent web designer and web marketing aside from chosen path in the music industry. Previously worked as an intern at Alday Communications in Franklin, TN.
1) Welcome to All Access Jaclyn-what interested you in seeking your position?
The thing that first attracted me to this position would be the fact that it deals with many realms of Country music. I was looking for something that offered a variety, fast-paced and dealt with the music industry, and this kind of came open at just the right time. Timing is everything, and at the time I found out about this position, I really wanted to get to Nashville, get settled and kick off my own new adventure.
The description seemed to fit me, and the more I looked into ALL ACCESS and the position, the more I could see myself fitting the role. I basically just prayed about the situation of landing a job where I would be happy and this opportunity came open. It felt right, so I pursued it, and it worked out!
2) You grew up in a small town-what was that like?
There are really so many answers to this question, and for the easy answer, it was straight out of a Country music song. I can even remember when there were no stop lights, and there are only just two now. Everything was just pretty simple.
Seriously though, for fun on the weekends, we would ride the "strip" from the Sonic, pass the Piggly Wiggly, circle the town's square and repeat over and over again. We'd get lost on backroads all night long, sometimes winding up hours from home, and we'd get a huge group of trucks and friends together and play CB tag (it was like hide-and-go seek with big trucks and you'd use a CB radio to give clues to where you were). College was a culture shock for me; I just never realized that all guys didn't drive trucks.
In the summer, weekends were spent on the lake, and they still are now when possible. On weekdays my house was always full of people coming in and out to swim and hang out. Everyone was close.
I went to school with the same kids from kindergarden, scratch that, preschool to high school graduation. The people and society are just different. Everybody knew your business, and your mom's business and your dad's third cousin's baby's daddy's business (kudos if you followed that). Try getting away with anything and your parents not finding out by the time you arrive home; I dare you!
I didn't really like it then, but I love it now. Looking back I wouldn't have wanted to grow up any other way. Now, returning home for any length of time is great! My friends have bonfires, and it is nothing for an afternoon of shooting shotguns guns on a farm (responsibly of course). Sunday is always filled with family, church, and a huge meal at my grandmother's house.
I have been very blessed with parents who have always tried to make certain I gained every experience possible while growing up. I was fortunate to get out of town as much as possible with vacations, sports games and to just eat dinner on the weekends. I love living in a city now, but I do think that one day I will want to return to a routine of living that is the slower speed. It was just simple, slower and also healthier than the hustle and bustle of a city.
3) When did you decide that you wanted to be in the music industry?
I had always thought the idea of working in music was thrilling, but I never realized you could do so much and not be an artist until just a few years ago. In the summer of 2011, I began interning with Monarch Publicity, and after that experience, I knew I wanted to work in music somehow. Since then, I just kept my options open for things that sounded interesting or sounded like they suited me. I believe opportunities are given in life to those who work for them and deserve them so I just kept working toward things in the music industry, and when the opportunity felt right in my "gut," I went for it.
4) Did you always listen to Country music and what was the first concert you ever attended?
I have definitely always listened to Country music. I can remember as a child when my mom would dry my hair, I would sing Alan Jackon's "Chattahoochie," Billy Ray Cyrus's "Achey Breaky Heart" and "The Star-spangled Banner" over and over and over again. Those were my glory days.
My first concert actually wasn't until my sophomore year of college. I attended a Zac Brown Band concert at the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, TN. After that, I was hooked! Since then, I have had the opportunity to attended many more and experience some pretty amazing shows, and that show was a great one to get me interested!
5) In addition to writing for All Access, writing is a hobby of yours. What types of things do you enjoy reading about?
I really enjoy reading the news of any format, write-ups about art and recipes. On a typical day, I have a guilty pleasure of browsing "Yahoo! News." After that, I catch up on some Facebook and Twitter gossip, read Country music blogs, and read daily devotionals that I receive via email.
When I'm looking for things to read, I try to look for motivational and inspirational-type material. Occasionally I'll pick up a women's magazine or browse "Southern Living" for some recipes and home décor tips when I'm in the mood to leisurely read. I pretty much stick to magazines though. My sister is really into reading huge chapter books, and I was too when I was younger. However, now I don't really make the time nor have the attention span to get lost in a good book. Give me a blog, daily devo or a daily quote to read, and I am set!
6) What sports did you play growing up and are you still active with it?
Growing up, I played about anything my parents would let me try. In high school, I played softball, soccer and basketball. Softball was definitely my main sport though. When I was in college, I played every season of intramurals, but now I am not really involved in anything organized. In the summer I wakeboard and wakesurf quite a bit, but I am definitely not a master at those skills.
Once I get settled in Nashville I would love to get into a Rec league of some sort because I really do miss playing sports; it is almost as if it is an addiction.
7) How much time do you spend with 'social media,' and what are your favorite venues?
If I had $1 for every minute I spent on social media, I would be on the Forbes 500 list by now. I have a love/hate relationship with social media, but I am obsessed with it, even if I do not always understand why. I assume it is the constant feeling of needing to be "up-to-date" with everything.
Twitter would definitely take the top spot. I am normally in a hurry so 140 characters is all I need to get the highlight of what is going on. It also comes with the option of linking a longer story so it is perfect for a short or long announcement. It is also a good outlet to see how creative people can get! Some people and brands amaze me! By the way, for all of my ramblings, follow me at @jaclyndcarter. Facebook, Wordpress Blogs and Pinterest would definitely follow.
8) You'll be doing a variety of different tasks in your job description at All Access- do you like a variety in general?
My personality is one huge variety, so I think, actually I know, I'd be bored if it wasn't a variety of tasks. My friends laugh at me. One day you may see me and I will be in Carhart overalls, rubber boots and a baseball cap, and the next day I will be in three inch heels, a designer dress and my best jewelry. I am completely happy sitting on a tailgate or flying halfway across the world. I think people limit themselves and their character if they do not allow life to have a variety of experiences.
9) What Country artists were early favorites for you and aside from Country what else do you listen to?
George Strait, no doubt. I used to watch his "Carrying Your Love With Me" video on CMT and shrug my shoulders like he did when he sat there and sang. I thought I was so cool!
As far as other favorites when I was little, I'd have to go with Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Kenny Chesney's older stuff, Deanna Carter, Tanya Tucker, Neal McCoy, John Michael Montgomery, Joe Diffie, Alabama; I could go on for hours!
10) Aside from Nashville, what would be your dream city to live in one day?
This is a tough question. I have been many, many places, and I do not know where I could pick to actually live and call my home one day. I love Middle Tennessee. I wouldn't say Nashville is my "dream city," but at the same time, I do not know if I have a "dream city." I can be happy anywhere there is a comfortable climate, a sense of community and good, good food. A city is what you make it. Many places have lots to offer if you just get out there and explore!
Bonus Questions
1) What are your favorite guilty pleasure TV shows?
I absolutely love "Duck Dynasty," hands down. Other than that, I am pretty hooked on "Nashville" right now. I think it is because it shows so many great shots of the city; it portrays the city's features well!
2) Favorite junk foods?
This is hard. I absolutely love food. I don't really eat the typical "junk" food people would buy in the grocery store though. I am simply addicted to homemade desserts. My mom and grandma make the best sweets you will ever taste, and I'll have to admit, my baking skills aren't so bad either. Just give me some cookies, blackberry cobbler, or anything with lots of sugar and butter, and I will eat until I can take no more. The good thing is that I can at least control my intake of my "junk" food since it normally has to be made before enjoying it.
3) What cool movies have you seen lately?
I really haven't seen many movies lately. I saw a few before Christmas, but I couldn't even tell you their names. That is how good they were! Best movie ever, though? Sweet Home Alabama. If you haven't seen it and/or memorized every word of the film and you live in the South, I don't know that we can be friends, just saying.
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