Katelyntarver's Blog

Summertime is here!! I can smell it! I can feel it! The sunshine is calling my name. One of my goals this summer is to literally be outside as much as possible. My allergies seem to be disagreeing with this goal but, I'm not going to let them ruin this! One of my favorite summer activities is a picnic at a park. It's about as cliché summertime activity as you can get but, I'm owning it. I don't care! Give me a blanket and friends, some cut up fruit and a frisbee... I'm so happy. Mmmmm yeah. I hope you have a wonderful summer full of whatever summer activity makes you feel alive! Take a look at my summer looks inspired by Gap's Styld.by

What I'm Wearing Look One:

Woven Shorts

Linen Button Down Shirt

Knit Striped Sweater

Printed Wedge Sandals

What I'm Wearing Look Two:

Sleeveless Pocket Shirt

Braided Rope Belt

Skimmer Legging Jean

Wedge Buckle Sandals

Head on over to Gap's Styld.by site to get the look!

I love the Grammys. As an aspiring artist who dreams of holding her own grammy one day, they still seem magical to me.

Last night's Grammys was no exception. I loved seeing Fun. take home Best New Artist and Song of the Year. Proving that 12 years of work eventually does pay off! I only have about four years under my belt so.. eight more years?! Oh no… I also can't stop loving Adele. Can we talk about how great she is? Her live vocal won for best pop solo performance, and her disarming demeanor always makes her that much better. I guess she is from England so I shouldn't be too surprised. They're always a little cooler, right? Mumford And Sons and Ed Sheeran...loved both of their performances. Kelly Clarkson proved that she can still sing her face off, her voice is unreal.  But, if I have to choose favorites, my top picks were Rihanna, Mickey Ekko, Justin Timberlake, the Levon Helms tribute, The Black Keys, and Bruno Mars. Rihanna standing there in a simple, tasteful black dress (which reminds me, who WASN'T wearing a black dress?!!?) singing a beautiful ballad filled with emotion reminded me that she CAN strip the song down and still own it. She was mesmerizing. That SONG, you guys. … it's perfect. I know we all were dying about seeing JT back where he belongs, how I've missed him! Thankful that he's back. Although I wanted a little more "oomph" from his performance, the guy can sing and captivate an audience and he did that. The Levon Helms tribute was SO awesome.. Elton, Zac Brown Band, Mumford, Brittany Howard, Mavis Staples (who was uh-mazing). I thought it was such a strong performance, but I wanted more Brittany Howard! Why didn't Alabama Shakes have their own slot for their own song?! They were one of my favorite new bands this year.

The Black Keys are so freaking cool, adding Dr. John (with maybe the best outfit of the night?) and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to their performance made it one of my favorites. But if I had to choose just one favorite, it would be Bruno Mars. The voice, the song, the dancing band… it all just WORKS! I can't get enough of him lately, is album is on repeat in my car, and he's endlessly inspiring to me in my own songwriting. Now in performing, I just loved it. Adding Sting, Rihanna, Damian, and Ziggy Marley to the Bob Marley tribute made for my favorite performance of the night. Bravo! 

If I have to choose low points… LL Cool J. His hosting and performance, just wasn't into it. I felt like he zapped the energy out of the room with his opening monologue, and he told me to hashtag one more thing I was going to lose it. I love social media but, please stop telling me to "hashtag grammy's!" with every tweet. I was so excited to see Frank Ocean, but his performance was sadly disappointing. Loved the graphics but, I wish he hadn't changed his song up so much. "Forrest Gump" is a great song, play it as is! As I said before, I really wanted  a performance by The Alabama Shakes, I didn't love fun. 's performance, I wanted a John Mayer performance… big thanks to Katy Perry for dating him and bringing him to the show, but I can't wait to see him on stage again. I thought "Born and Raised" deserved some nominations. I also don't think I was the only one a little surprised at Mumford taking home Album of the Year for "Babel".

I was rooting for Frank Ocean but, all the nominees in that category were deserving. Just didn't think Mumford would get it. Good for them though! Lastly, I think this could be said with any event ever but, I can always use more Beyonce! :)

Overall, I thought The Grammy's were a good representation of popular music today, with mostly solid performances from everyone. Looking forward to seeing what 2013 brings in music!

Happy Monday! 

Hey hey hey! 

How's everyone's new year?! My 2013 has been filled with a lot of songwriting so far. Working on my first album is the most fun/ hardest thing I've ever done. One of the most fun things about it, is knowing you're in it with a bunch of other talented artists who are in the same place as you or have been there before. I love love love getting to talk to other musicians about music and how they write and what inspires them, which is why I'm super excited to be a part of Crush Soda's new campaign. Because it allows me to do just that. But, it also includes you… 

The program is called The Ultimate Crush, brought to you by Crush Soda. Every month a different Buzznet Buzzmaker (like meeeee) will talk to a different band or musician of your choosing with your questions. To get involved, head over to The Ultimate Crush and vote for your favorite artist. You then will tweet your questions to that month's Buzzmaker with the hashtag #TheUltimateCrush. Then, when the vote is through, I or another one of my "Buzzmaker" friends, will sit down and hang with the artist you selected and ask them your questions. 

So, my fate is completely in your hands.  Who is your "Ultimate Music Crush"? You better pick me someone good!!! :) 

Happy New Year! Talk to you guys again real soon. 

-Katelyn

I always want some original flavored ChapStick Moisturizer. It makes my lips so soft and I can put it over any lip color and it’s perfect.  It’s always been my go-to ChapStick, and it looks like it always will be. Check out my outfit inspiration!

Kia is putting on such a cool video contest right now. Anyone like to make music videos and have a shot at winning a brand new 2013 Kia Soul? The contest is going on NOW through 9/26. You can vote for your favorite alongside celebrity judges Far East Movement, Mickey Finnigan, and Paul Hunter! I came across this one that I thought was pretty great.

Guidelines:

• Enter the contest HERE
• Watch the commercial spot
• Watch the exclusive content 
• “Like” Kia on Facebook HERE!

Go to their Youtube and see how you can enter the contest for a shot at winning a brand new Kia Soul you guys! I'm into it. 

Good luck!

Last week I was lucky enough to attend an early screening of the new movie "Pitch Perfect" hosted by Just Jared. If you haven't heard of it yet, listen up! It was hysterical. Starring Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Elizabeth Banks and others, it had me laughing almost every scene. Not to mention, the super fun (and really good!) acapella numbers throughout the movie. It's a funny, light hearted, well written, well acted, highly recommended by me, movie that hits theaters October 5.

The screening was very enjoyable as well. There were members of the cast there that answered some questions after, and it was so fascinating to hear them talk about their experience with the film. From the way they spoke, it seemed like they all bonded and had a great time filming this movie together. It definitely comes across on screen. The night wrapped up with a little cocktail party and hangs with some of the cast and a few of my fellow Buzzmakers. :) A "Pitch Perfect" night if you ask me. (boooooom!)

-Katelyn

Hey guys,

I had an incredible opportunity come my way through Neutrogena Wave For Change! I am excited to spread the word on this and hope it will encourage you to find a cause through Globalgiving that you are passionate about as well! If you are someone who would be interested in this please check out my video for more information on how YOU can make a change!

This summer, Neutrogena Wave For Change and GlobalGiving have teamed up to help build brighter futures for kids across the country and give consumers the power to make change a reality. From now until August 31st, there are two easy ways consumers can help Neutrogena Wave For Change reach a $250,000 GlobalGiving education donation goal:

• Watch The Wave for Change video view at www.neutrogena.com/waveforchange or on Neutrogena’s Facebook Page, and $1 will be donated to Global Giving 
• Activate your eligible Neutrogena product purchase at Neutrogena.com/waveforchange or on Neutrogena’s Facebook page, and another $1 will be donated

The 2012 Wave for Change GlobalGiving donation will help support the several U.S. Educational charities including, Education Through Music – Founded to enhance students’ academic performance and general development, ETM promotes the integration of music into the curricula of disadvantaged schools.

Please visit HERE to learn more.

Xo Katelyn

Hey guys, 
As you may have seen in previous post, I got the opportunity to work with the new Kohl’s Princess Vera Wang Collection which is in stores now!

I was so excited to collaborate with this amazing campaign when I heard about it! Fashion has a lot to do with tv and how the character is portrayed, it can really make or break a scene! I always like to play with fashion and try new things! Fashion is directly linked to acting and performing so I am just as passionate about what I wear on set as I am about the character I am playing!

If this all sounds like something you would love too, you should go to the site because there is a virtual “closet” where users can make their own Princess Vera outfit and share it. You can create and save your look and win a $500 Kohl’s gift card.

“Katelyn is born to rule in fashion-forward looks that include: a tailored jacket, plaid skirt and other pieces from Kohl’s Princess Vera Wang collection.” 

Hey guys, 

As you may know I am headed out soon to do a Summer tour with The Cab and Parachute! If you have all seen me play before you know what it's like at my shows but not many people know what I do pre tour! Here is a little interview I did for you guys to fill you in!

How do you prepare for touring? Do you have rehearsals? Do you go shopping? 

Yes and Yes. Rehearsals are usually every day the week before tour for like, 5 hours. Shopping for new outfits has to be done too. Which is always fun. And a little stressful.. hah. 

Do you have a favorite city to visit?

NYC is always really fun. This tour we have TWO shows there! But honestly, my favorite cities usually have to do with how energetic and excited the crowd is at the show in that particular city.  One of my favorite cities last year was St. Louis because the crowd was so into it and we just had a huge dance party at the show. I loved it. 

How do you stay connected with your family while on the road?

Sending pictures and videos from my phone!  

How do you pass the time on the road?

My favorite way to pass time is to get into a really good conversation with my band about what's going on in someone's life and just talking. I'm such a girl. But when we're not in a chatty mood, just watching a movie and sleeping and just chilling.  

What is one thing you can’t live without on tour?

My camera!! I love to document everything. 

What are you looking forward to most about touring with The Cab and Parachute?

Well, I've gotten to know Parachute over the past few months and we have a lot of fun together. I don't know The Cab as well, but I have no doubt we'll get along the same way. So I'm just excited to essentially road trip with them for a month. Plus, they're both extremely talented, so I'm pumped to watch their set every night! 

What is the biggest challenge for you while you are on tour?

Missing my friends and family. But, my little sis is going on tour with me this time and I'm so exciteddddd. 

What can fans expect for this tour?

My EP "A Little More Free" , a new song that I'm SUPER stoked to play, and a cover that might be bringing out my hip hop side a little bit.. WOOO!

Hey guys!

I am a big fan of being creative in many areas of life, including fashion . I love trying to piece together new outfits from my old wardrobe just as much as I love checking out what's new in fashion! Because of that, I have teamed up with the Princess Vera Wang Collection  (which I guarantee you will love). 

If this is your first time hearing about this collection, The Princess Vera Wang collection features shoes, jewelry, tops, dresses and handbags for juniors. You'll be able to shop the Princess Vera Wang line starting July 9, 2012. If that sounds like all of the things you love, be sure to head down to your nearest Kohls to check it out!

Also be sure to check back on here in a week because I will be posting my personal video  about why I was Born To Rule!