Liz Carlisle: From Big Sky Country to 'Big Dreams', Montana Bred, Harvard Educated Singer/Songwriter Stirs up an Eclectic Blend of Contemporary and Classic Country, Pop, Folk, and Americana on Her First Nashville Recording

(Top40 Charts/ Wildground Records) - Liz Carlisle is a poster child for a new generation of country music, a true renaissance woman who quotes Jones as effortlessly as Washington and Orwell. Born and raised in Missoula, Montana, the 23-year-old singer/songwriter recently graduated from Harvard University, where she became an award-winning undergraduate scholar in ethnomusicology. Far from leaving her roots behind, however, Liz chose to study American music.

And she brought her boots, hat, and guitar with her. She's a young woman with Big Dreams, an apt title for her first release on Wildground Records. Set for release on May 18, less than a year after Liz gave the undergraduate address at her commencement, the compelling, multi-faceted recording was co-written and produced by Carlisle's longtime collaborator, Russell Wolff.

The album's first single 'Let Me Be The One' is set to ship to commercial country radio on April 30, while the collection as a whole will also be marketed to public radio, college radio, Triple and Americana outlets nationwide. Liz has already scheduled nearly 20 tour dates this summer, including several large music festivals (including the Moondance Country in Walker, Minnesota and the Bethlehem Musikfest in Pennsylvania) and opening spots for well-known country acts like Turner, Billy Currington, Jack Ingram, The Wreckers, and Lonestar. The line-up of dates will be announced shortly.

Among the songwriter's influences are her father's Taylor records, as well as the pop and rock music of her own formative years. But there is no question as to where Big Dreams is rooted. 'I like country music that sounds like country music,' Liz says.

'Dolly, Reba, a big loud pedal steel guitar. There's so much emotion packed into that sound.' Last summer, just two months after graduation, she landed her first opening gig for a major country artist.

Her show at Hampton Beach Casino in New Hampshire with was a resounding success, leading to shows in larger venues with a virtual who's who of country music: LeAnn Rimes, Tritt, Little Big Town, Lonestar, Diamond Rio, Steve Holy, Lambert and Ketchum.