So freaking proud...

This is Kacie Williams. If you haven't heard of her yet, you need to go check out her music right now by clicking here. She's one of the most incredibly talented people I'm blessed to be friends with. She's the winner of "The Next Big Thing" - an event that I created for the campus of JBU (which, side note, theres a nice possibility that The Next Big Thing is going to be a NATIONAL event next year. Stay tuned for news...exciting things are happening!) As the winner of the event, Kacie has gotten to write with people like Alli Rogers, Jeromy Diebler (lead vocalist for FFH), and rub shoulders with some people pretty high up in the Nashville music scene. She also won studio time to be used for recording a new album. Anyway, Kacie just texted me, and I quote: "So, Sara bareilles drummer is playing on my record. WHAT?!"

Yes. Sara Bareilles' drummer is playing on Kacie's new album. This adds to the number of celebrities who are aiding in the creation of this incredible project. Miss Kacie Williams is indeed the next big thing. So, be watching.

This is Adam Howard who goes by the stage name of The Duke of Norfolk. He is another one of the incredibly talented people that I am blessed to call my friend. He was a crowd favorite at The Next Big Thing. If you are not yet familiar with his music, you need to check it out here. The other day, Adam and his lovely girlfriend stopped by my office on one of their fairly regular impromptu visits that I've come to look forward to. In the midst of conversation, Adam said "Want to hear some exciting news?" As you all know, I'm a sucker for exciting news, so I replied with "Sure!" Adam proceeded to tell me that he is going to be featured on a compilation album along with the likes of David Crowder Band, Derek Webb, Sufjan Stevens, and others. The album is set to release in March of 2012.

I am so proud of these two artists. I like to think that somehow I have helped them out along their journey, but if that's true, I've helped only a very little bit. These two have worked so incredibly hard in pursuit of their craft, and it's just starting to pay off.

Beware world. These two are about to blast into the big time.
-Matthias