NASHVILLE, TENN --     This full band rehearsal isn't your typical Music Row set up. Ella Mae Bowen is signed to Big Machine Records -which is the label home of artists like Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw.

She's working on her debut album, but the guys playing and singing background vocals aren't a professional band or studio musicians, they are college students at Belmont University.

"I never would have dreamed I would be able to audition for an artist singed to Big Machine" says Junior Bryce Cain.

    Ella Mae and her manager came up for the idea when she was searching for a band. "Instead of filing or answering phones they could play music which is what they came to school to do" says Ella Mae's manager, Tracy Gershon.

"You learn everything in class, teachers make it sound easy, you study it, make an A on a test., but until you see it and do it it's different" says Cain.

The opportunity to be hands on is actually a win win.
     Ella Mae says she is learning too. "I've always been a writer and singing and performing go hand and hand, but as far as s working with a band, I felt behind the curb, so this has been great" she says.
  
    The four interns were narrowed down from 20 who auditioned for this rare opportunity.

"I woke up and got the email in my box and was like ummm I am in the coolest band ever" says Cain.

    They must complete at least 10 hours a week, but usually volunteer for much more.
    After all, it's not everyday you get to hear songs being considered for an album, or play a last minute major label gig.

"All the things I learn in class I can apply to relay world as a band that is signed to a label" says Cain.

"They are insiders as to everything going on, first to hear new songs when bring them from the writing room. They find out first because for now they are my band" says Ella Mae.
Big Machine Artist Helps Launch Belmont Internship Program