Lydia Walker

September 8, 2006

Lydia Walker could have stayed in her room and sung her songs to herself. Many 12-year-olds would have done just that, the thought of recording their own CD a distant dream, a "maybe someday ..."

For Lydia, now 14, someday is now.

The singer and guitarist has 50 original songs, all written in the last two years, and two CDs, "Revival" and "Revolution of the Heart."

"My first song started as a poem. I was learning guitar around the same time," Lydia says. "When I learned my first chord, I put the words to music. It expanded from there."

Lydia has been surrounded by music all her life, starting with her great-grandfather, Bill Edlin, a bluegrass guitarist living near Dickson. She has her own backup singers in the family as well — her mother, Jennifer Walker, plays piano and was a voice major at Austin Peay State University, and her sister, Rosa Walker, 17, just started her freshman year at APSU, studying voice.

Lydia had always thought she would follow in her mother's path and learn to play the piano as several other relatives had, but fate intervened.

"I started to play piano, but when I heard one of my neighbors playing guitar, I was inspired by that," she says. "I got some guitar books and started with some of those. I never have taken lessons."

Jennifer Walker, who homeschools Lydia, says she was astonished by the teen's musical abilities.

"She was always our quiet child," Walker says. "As soon as she started playing guitar, she started writing songs. We said, 'Whoa! This is something else.' We were amazed."

Now, Lydia performs solo shows in public, like the one she'll do 1 p.m. Sunday as part of Riverfest Revival. She also designs her own Web site, www.lydiawalkermusic.com and designs sites for friends. She'll have copies of the "Revolution of the Heart" CD and T-shirts for sale for $10 each at Sunday's show. Lydia says her favorite song right now is "I'll Remember."

"It's sitting on the front porch, talking to someone special who is telling you about the good old days, them going on to heaven and me taking those stories and passing them on," Lydia says about the song, inspired by a visit with an elderly neighbor. "It relates to a lot of people. Everyone that hears it is touched by it."

Connecting with people on a deeper level is what Lydia's music is all about.

"You can really express how you feel, what's going on in your life, and sing praise and worship God — to express that joy in knowing him and getting that message out to other people," Lydia says. "It's really powerful." - Stacy Leiser, The Leaf Chronicle

September 23, 2006

"The java is brewing, the cups are out and the doors are open at Overflow 235 Coffee House, a Christian cafe on Madison Street.

Overflow 235 opened a few weeks ago as a community outreach for single adults and college students.

"When you come in here you don't feel pressure when you experience the fellowship," says 19-year-old Scott Patterson, an APSU accounting major. "Great things can happen in this kind of environment."

About a year ago, the idea for a Christian coffeehouse started percolating in Greg Moore's mind, says the single adults and college students pastor at First Baptist Church.

"My generation didn't sit around drinking coffee, but today these guys do — especially the flavored drinks," Moore says.

The cafe quickly became a favorite hangout for Angela and Ben Fagan.

"It's a nice break to get out of the house, to read and relax," says Ben Fagan.

"The cheap drinks" are a big hit with Angela Fagan, a returning Austin Peay State University freshman.

Open 7 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and Fridays, and 9:30 a.m. Sundays, it's a casual getaway, with free beverages offered on Sunday mornings and Wednesdays.

"You know it's cool to have a place to have fun, but also recognize it as a ministry," says 22-year-old Steven Head, who is working on his divinity degree and hopes to become a chaplain in the U.S. Army.

Overflow 235 features 2,500 square feet of space for young adults who want to relax in a non-smoking, Christian environment. A 50-inch big screen TV dominates one wall, opposite a comfortable sectional sofa. A Play Station 2 and wireless Internet are also available. Moore credits his wife, Denise, with the cozy earth-tone decor.

"She gets all the kudos for that," he says.

Wayne Hicks, 27, a Houston County elementary school counselor, sees the laid back ambiance of Overflow 235 as a "great avenue to meet new people."

"Finding a place to hang out for a young Christian guy is not easy," says Hicks, who attends First Baptist Church.

Last weekend, Lydia Walker, a local Christian musician, performed original material. She treated the audience to her version of an Overflow theme song that had everybody applauding and chiming in for the chorus.

Moore hopes to offer live entertainment on Fridays as often as possible.

"I'd like to come back to Overflow 235, it's a really good atmosphere," says Lydia Walker, a 14-year-old home school student.

Whether Overflow 235 patrons fancy cappuccinos or lattes, they are pleased by the addition to Clarksville's choices of hangouts.

"You know there aren't too many Christian environments around town," Patterson says. "I'm really hoping this place expands." - Ann Wallace, The Leaf Chronicle

Lydia Walker is 14 years old. Already, the young musician is releasing not just a CD, but her third CD.

"Up From the Ashes" will be released at Overflow 235 Coffeehouse on Sunday. Overflow 235 is a 2,500-square-foot Christian coffeehouse opened by Greg and Denise Moore in September. In addition to live music, the nonsmoking hangout has cozy couches, a 50-inch TV, PlayStation 2 and wireless Internet access.

Lydia describes her music as Christian, folk and acoustic. She has written 50 songs in the past two years, and nine of them are on the new CD. Lydia sings both harmony and melody on each song.

Her great-grandfather, bluegrass guitarist Bill Edlin, is a major musical influence, Lydia says. So are many other members of her musical family, including her mother, pianist Jennifer Walker.

"It's a part of the New Year's Eve party the church singles ministry is having at the coffee-house," Jennifer Walker says about her daughter's release of "Up From the Ashes." "Her CD release party is the kickoff. She's pretty excited." - Stacy Leiser, The Leaf Chronicle

December 4, 2008

Lydia Walker, at 16, has already accomplished more musically than many musicians do in a lifetime. Friday, she celebrates her fifth original CD with a CD release party.

That a 16-year-old has written enough good songs to produce one CD would be impressive, but Walker has solo written all five CDs, starting at age 12. Her new 15-song CD, "Seasons," will be available for the first time during a free show 7-9 p.m. Friday at Overflow 235 Coffeehouse, 420A Madison St.

Billed as contemporary Christian folk music, Walker's work cuts to the heart of the matter.

"Her purpose is to encourage people to find hope and discover freedom in the truth," said a release about the new CD. "We have found that her original songs appeal to all ages because they are thought-provoking and challenging."

She said her current favorite song on the new CD is "Coming Up For Air."

"The theme of this CD is talking about the seasons we go through in our lives and that Jesus is always with us, and Christ will never let us down," Walker said. "My favorite song talks about coming up from depression and how it feels like you're sinking in an ocean until you have hope again and you're coming up for air."

Walker said Friday's free show will include 30-minute sets in a very family-friendly environment.

"They have coffee and games you can play in the background," Walker said. "I'll be playing songs from the new CD as well as requests and favorites from my other CDs."

Walker said she has improved with each successive CD she has released.

"I'm really excited about this CD. We've been trying to take it up a notch with every project," Walker said. "I'm excited about how good this sounds."

Walker, a Clarksville native, has been performing at college coffee shops, church events and festivals. She is in negotiations that could yield a college tour next spring. - Stacy Leiser, The Leaf Chronicle

December 2009

Survivors, family members and supporters gathered in remembrance and hope for the American Cancer Society's "Love Lights a Tree" celebration Sunday night at Gateway Medical Center.

"This is very meaningful to me," said Clarksville's Sylvia Perry, a 30-year cancer survivor. "I'm blessed. One of my teacher friends, Judy Baumgartner, passed away in 1995 (from breast cancer) and I always light a candle for her."

Perry was accompanied by her daughter, Jill Worthington.

"We've been here every year," Worthington said.

The tribute was first held in 1989 at the Smith-Trahern Mansion. The 2009 effort already has raised $6,500 for cancer research this month, and donations will be accepted through the end of December.

Donations can be made by calling Wanda Burchette of the cancer society at 647-4762, or by sending mail to Burchette at 9 Lacey Lane, Clarksville, TN 37043.

"It's an emotional event for us," Burchette said. "It is and it has been for years."

The honorary chair this year is Dr. Brent Dennis, a mental health therapist from Clarksville and a patient whose prostate cancer has spread to his spine.

"It's a great honor to be honorary chair for 2009," Dr. Dennis said. "There aren't many upsides to having cancer, but it's definitely an honor to reinforce the American Cancer Society and all the good folks involved, and to increase awareness of prostate cancer."

Dennis said prostate is the most common type of cancer among men and the third-leading cause of cancer deaths among American males — 30,000 per year.

The tree, located on the lawn in front of the main Gateway entrance, split the cold, dark evening with a wave of Dr. Dennis' hand — and the surreptitious pushing of a button by someone nearby.

Lights were purchased in honor or cancer patients, survivors and victims, with proceeds benefiting the cancer society.

Eight-year cancer survivor Annette Ezell of Clarksville attended the lighting with her husband, Tony.

"We try to be here every year we can," she said. "My dad and my aunt died of cancer. ... I've got a lot of people (to remember)."

Clarksville resident Virginia Lowe said, "I wanted to support my friends I've known who died of cancer, and my father died. I also wanted to support the hospital."

Pastor Jimmy Terry of Tabernacle Baptist Church offered an invocation, and remarks by Burchette and Barbara Hampton followed. Hampton's husband, cancer patient Dr. James Hampton, was the honorary chair last year but was unable to attend Sunday because of low immunity.

Lydia Walker, a 17-year-old songwriter from Clarksville, sang her original composition titled "Seasons," and later led the audience in "Silent Night." Terry and his wife, Servella, led an impromptu song called "Thank You, Lord."

Dennis followed Mrs. Hampton to the microphone and said he is "doing pretty well."

He advised those gathered to "embrace our mortality to live the time we have as completely as we can" and "to live every day as though life may be short." - Kevin Sauls, The Leaf Chronicle

June 11, 2010

Joe Kraeske has put together several fundraisers for
Clarksville Humane Society over the years. The
devastation of last month's floods so moved him he
decided to break from tradition and host a Red
Cross flood relief show. The show is 1 to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday at Village Deli with free admission.

"We strongly encourage donations, but we're not
charging at the door," Kraeske said.

Kraeske attracted a variety of talents to the project,
the most famous of whom is Nancy Lee Andrews,
who was Ringo Starr's girlfriend in the 1970s.
Andrews is also an accomplished photographer,
and published many of her best photographs from
that era in her book, "A Dose of Rock 'n' Roll." In
addition to being at the benefit, Andrews will host a
question and answer session at 3:15 p.m. A portion
of proceeds from sales of signed copies of her book
will go to the local Red Cross.

"I live less than a mile from the river, high on a hill,"
said Andrews, a Nashvillian. "So many around me
got flooded. My sister got flooded. I have been
cooking for my neighbors and ripping out walls. My
heart goes out to all of you up in Clarksville. So
many people are still out of their houses or living in
craziness."

Saturday's show opens with music by Christian folk
singer and guitarist Lydia Walker.

"It's going to be a really good day to come out and
help the community," said Walker, 18, who just
graduated from high school and is now pursuing
music full-time.

Walker is followed by comedian Big John
Richardson, then singer/songwriter Sam Haines,
both of whom graduated from Northwest High
School in 1979. Among a mix of covers and
originals, Haines will perform his brand-new song,
written in response to the flooding, "Everybody
Wins."

"I'm very excited to be a part of this," Haines said.
"Lydia Walker is just an outstanding performer and
songwriter. Big John Richardson is a good guy, too.
He's hysterically funny."

Haines, who closes out Saturday's show after a
performance by Syd Hedrick, can also be heard
performing with the band Awe for You and on his
acoustic guitar album, "Short Notice."

Kraeske said in addition to accepting donations,
bids will be accepted on items donated for the silent
auction, including a football signed by University of
Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley. All
donations and bids will go to the Red Cross for
local flood relief. - Stacy Leiser, The Leaf Chronicle

November 15, 2011

Lydia Walker's music video to premiere during a party at Chick-fil-A
A red carpet will lead up to the Chick-fil-A at 1626 Madison Street on Saturday, Nov. 19 as local teen singer Lydia Walker unveils her latest work.

The building is being transformed for the release of Walker's new album, "Beloved," along with the premiere of her music video "When I Dance."

The gala event is set to kick off at 7 p.m., and while Walker will dress up formally - and invites others to do so as well - casual wear is perfectly appropriate. The event is free and open to the public.

"Since it's more of a formal red carpet event, I will be wearing a dress," Walker said. "But we want it to be formal or casual for fans who come so people who just come in to buy chicken won't be out of place. But we're making a big deal of it!"

Walker hopes to see a lot of fans turn out. She chose Chick-fil-a as a venue because the café has been one of her longtime supporters. She performs for a 2-hour music night there every month.

But, she said, it's not going to look like the Chick-fil-a people are used to seeing. "They're decking it out like a music video premiere," she said, noting that there will be a balloon arch over the front door and fun decorations on the interior.

"It will have a good party atmosphere," she added.

The video premiere will also have a home turf twist. The song "When I Dance" was filmed at the historic Smith-Trahern mansion.

"That was incredible!" Walker said of the filming. "When we got there it was almost overwhelming how beautiful it was. There were chandeliers in every room and hardwood floors."

The video tells a tale about a ballerina stuck in a music box. She dreams of the freedom to dance and to be her true self. After the video's premiere the night of the party, it will be available for viewing at Youtube.com.

Walker said her music on "Beloved," her first professionally produced album, has matured. She wrote two songs alone and co-wrote eight with local producer Curt Ryle. The theme is one of encouragment to those who have been wounded by the disappointments of life.

"The whole album is very inspirational," Walker said. "Even though it talks about some hard issues, it comes back to that message of hope." - Karen Parr-Moody, The Leaf Chronicle

Lydia Walker is a singer/songwriter with a contemporary Christian folk sound. Her acoustic guitar and mellow voice blend an eclectic, organic style. Lydia’s contagious energy flows through thoughtful lyrics and catchy melodies. Since 2004 she has performed at colleges, coffeehouses, church events and festivals. During that time she has written over 80 songs and recorded six independant albums. The title track of her recent album, Statistics, fits well with my personal convictions for the Church. (I urge you to listen to it in the player below after reading this article.)

When I was writing “Statistics”, I had an inward desire to be a part of something bigger than myself, and to make a difference in the world. I believe that through Jesus, we can all be a part of His bigger plan.

- Lydia Walker

So often, we get wrapped up in not being “good enough” or “important enough” to make a difference. We so easily fall into the lie that we are too insignificant to matter. We talk ourselves into defeat before we even take that first step. The result – we sit around and watch life go on without so much as even participating. We often let ourselves be afraid of failing, or embarrassing ourselves. We’re afraid to stand up and be the first to take a chance. We’re afraid that we’ll walk alone and be scoffed at and mocked. The twisted irony of this mentality is this – It’s not about you! It’s about Him!

I firmly believe, and many theologians and Christian scholars will agree, that there is truly only onesin – selfishness. How? Think about it. If you steal, you’re doing it out of selfish desire. If you cheat on your spouse, you do it out of selfish desire. Lie? Selfish desire. Even murder – selfish desire. Selfishness is the one true sin because it is the very foundation of all other sin. The Bible talks about the love of money – selfish desire. There is not a single sin that stems from anything more or anything less. It’s selfishness. Selfishness and self-centered-ness are the exact reasons we don’t take action in ministry. We’re concerned with how people will view US, how much it will cost US, how under-qualified WE are. Again, it’s not about you, it’s about Him! If He is the one calling you to take action, He is the one behind it and He is the one in control of it. Your part in it, is to do what He has asked.

Lydia has taken this approach in her music. It’s not about her, it’s about God. It’s not her music, she’s just playing it. They’re not her lyrics, she just sings them. It’s God who writes the music and lyrics – Lydia is humbly the medium through which the music and lyrics reach His children.TobyMac is another prime example of this attitude. He’s “successful” because he gives it all to God. He doesn’t work his own agenda into his music or his performances, He lets God work HIS agenda into it instead.

The most “successful” pastors in the world are not successful for their own merits, they’re successful because they step aside and let God speak through them, and not spilling their own agenda from the pulpit. Brian and Bobbie Houston of Hillsong Church, for example, are sold out to God. They give Him the glory for everything. In fact, I bet you never even knew the names of Hillsong Church’s pastors until today. Unless you follow Hillsong on a deep level, you’d never know it. They don’t take the glory for themselves, they give it to God. They’re ministry is not about them….it’s about Him. Hillsong church is one of the largest churches in the world today because of this mentality.

During my tenure at Asbury University, I often attended Quest Community Church, in Lexington Kentucky. Pete Hise, the pastor, is a man after God’s own heart. He was called about ten years ago to start a church for people who can’t stand “church.” Ten years later, Quest has seen over 11,000 people cross from death to life and has been named the 44th Fastest-Growing Church in the U.S. with over 3,500 in attendance. Statistics like that aren’t the result of a selfish desire – they’re the result of total commitment to the life, death, resurrection, and ministry of Jesus Christ! It’s the Passion of the Christ that drives them.

These men and women have not reaped such bountiful rewards from their own fields of selfishness – they have done so because they have completely sold their souls out to Jesus. They breath, eat, drink, and live God’s call on their lives. It’s not about them – it’s about being part of something bigger – a part of the big picture – a part of the salvation story of the children of God!

God has called us to be active, not passive. He charges us to make a difference, to fulfill our purpose. Yes, He has created each of us with a PURPOSE – a MEANING – a JOB – a MISSION. Are you fulfilling yours? When you stand before Him one day, will you honestly be able to look God in the eye and say you did everything you could do to fulfill your mission?

I urge you to take a look at Lydia Walker‘s site, consider purchasing her new album, Statistics, on iTunes, and to download your free copy of the title track today. - Corey Edwards

December 13, 2010

Recently, I overheard a few teenagers talking about Christian folk singer, Lydia Walker. Each teenager mentioned how her music has and continues to change their lives. I must admit, her music has become more appealing to me since that day. As I started to learn more about Lydia’s accomplishments such as recording six independent albums in less than six years, I could not do anything else but stop and take notice. Since listening to her sixth album “Statistics,” I have a new found respect for the eighteen year old.

When a new album is released, critics and fans are always drawing a comparison from previous albums. After listening to tracks from Lydia’s former releases, her vocal ability and conscious decision to step out of the box is evident in every song. Falling into the acoustic, folk and pop rock, musical categories, “Statistics,” could just be the album to finally place the great singer on the CCM charts.

We all have that one song from her previous albums that we play on our MP3 player, iPod or iPhone. You know, that song that gets us through a tough relationship, bad day or other daily challenges. The words of the song always seem to soothe our pain and calm our fears? Well, after listening to Lydia’s new CD I can guarantee you that her lyrical content and musical ability will do all of the above and more. Play her new album during your toughest times and you will hear, “We are the statistics that can change the world.”

Over the last year, Lydia’s talent has propelled her to the top of the music scene in the Clarksville, TN community.

From opening for Addison Road at Riverfest 2010, to being a regular musical guest at the Cheeseburger Charley’s “Music Night” events, Lydia is steadily carving a path for herself in the music industry. Many of her unforgettable hooks are inspired by Jon Foreman, Joy Williams & A Fine Frenzy. Her potent lyrics can be compared to the likes of Sara Groves and Bethany Dillion. Additionally, her catch lyrics and raw vocals remind me of Sara Bareilles and Colbie Calliat.

With the guitar as a staple on all of her tracks, Lydia provides listeners with a deeper glimpse into her life. Most of the songs on the album are likeable but my top three are “Introspective “, “Statistics” and “Here’s To Victory.” After listening to “Introspective,” I felt an instant bond with the singer. This track shows a vulnerable side of Lydia as she cries out for the help of those around her. “If anyone sees what I am going through right now, if anyone thinks to tell me that there is a way out, I will go.” My favorite song on the album is, “Statistics.” This song has become my personal anthem because it states, “We’re the statistics that can change the world, we’re the statistics that can change the way things work.” The last song on the album, “Here’s To Victory,” gives me chills. Strategically placed, this song leads the listener into worship. “We will see the King of kings, when he comes again, in all of his glory.” After listening to all of the songs on the album, you will be reminded to relax, reflect and rejoice. - Lorneth Peters, numbersevenmusic.com