Archive | March, 2012

General Mills, Big Machine Label Group and Feeding America Join Forces to Outnumber Hunger

By on March 30, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride and The Band Perry Among the Artists Supporting the Initiative

See Video Here: www.Youtube.com/OutnumberHunger

Rascal Flatts visiting a food bank in New Jersey

Image above features Rascal Flatts visiting a food bank in New Jersey

Las Vegas, NV: (March 30, 2012) – General Mills and Big Machine Label Group’s star-studded roster of Country music artists are teaming up with Feeding America to Outnumber Hunger in a national initiative that helps fight hunger in local communities. Outnumber Hunger will help Feeding America secure up to 15.6 million meals for local food banks to assist the one in six Americans who struggles with hunger.

According to the USDA, an estimated 49 million Americans struggle with hunger, making the issue a growing reality in every community. By simply entering codes at OutnumberHunger.com, Americans can make a difference in their local communities at a time when it matters most.

“Hunger is a year-round issue but it can be especially critical in the spring, so Feeding America food banks need help now,” said Vicki B. Escarra, President and CEO, Feeding America.  “The combined reach that General Mills and Big Machine Label Group’s artists bring to the hunger crisis will help provide critical resources at this key time.”

This powerful group of partners is using its collective voice to rally Americans for the cause. Codes will appear on millions of specially-marked packages of General Mills products to give people the chance to help Feeding America secure five meals on behalf of their local food banks.

“As a leading food company, no cause is more important to us than the hunger issue,” said Cheryl Welch, Director, Outnumber Hunger at General Mills. “We’re thrilled to give people the chance to make a difference in their own communities through Outnumber Hunger.”

Specially-marked packages of General Mills products will feature an Outnumber Hunger code, as well as favorite Big Machine Label Group artists like Rascal Flatts. More than 10 General Mills brands, including Betty Crocker, Green Giant, Totino’s and Cheerios, will participate. Entering the code at OutnumberHunger.com helps Feeding America secure five meals on behalf of a local food bank. Participants enter their ZIP codes, and meals will stay in or near the area.

Big Machine Label Group artists also will offer select special codes on Facebook and Twitter that help Feeding America secure five meals for local food banks. Big Machine Label Group artists who are encouraging participation include Multi-Platinum-selling superstar artists Rascal Flatts, Reba, Martina McBride, and The Band Perry as well as established chart-topping acts Eli Young Band, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert and newcomers Sunny Sweeney, Edens Edge, Ella Mae Bowen and Thomas Rhett.

“It takes a Big Machine to Outnumber Hunger, and we have an opportunity to make a huge difference in local communities,” said Scott Borchetta, President and CEO, of Big Machine Label Group. “That’s why we’re thrilled to come together with our artists, General Mills and Feeding America to help the hunger issue in a significant way. Together we can Outnumber Hunger.”

Additionally, the Outnumber Hunger partners have created an educational video with Rascal Flatts that highlights the issue of hunger and shows how anyone can get involved to help Feeding America. It will air during a Rascal Flatts theater event in New York City and in over 600 movie theaters across the country on the night of April 5. Tickets to the movie theater concert event can be purchased online at www.fathomevents.com.

“Our fans have always been strong supporters of us and our families,” said Joe Don Rooney, Rascal Flatts. “By being involved in Outnumber Hunger, we hope to provide that same support for those who may struggle with hunger. We’re grateful to have the chance to spread awareness of this important cause.”

General Mills will donate $0.65 to Feeding America—enough to help secure 5 meals on behalf of local food banks—for every code entered. To make a difference in your local community with Outnumber Hunger, visit www.OutnumberHunger.com.

About General Mills
One of the world’s leading food companies, General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Yoplait, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2010 global net sales of US$16 billion, including the company’s $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales.

About Feeding America
Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter attwitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

About Big Machine Label Group
At the helm of the independent Big Machine Label Group is industry veteran Scott Borchetta, who serves as President and CEO. The conglomerate encompasses Big Machine Records (founded in 2005), The Valory Music Co. (founded in 2007) and Republic Nashville (a partnership with Universal Republic founded in 2009 with Jimmy Harnen serving as President). The Big Machine Label Group’s current artist roster includes Multi-Platinum superstars Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Reba and Martina McBride; Platinum sensations The Band Perry; Newly minted Gold-selling artist Brantley Gilbert; Chart-topping established acts Eli Young Band and Justin Moore, and  newcomers Sunny Sweeney, Edens Edge, Ella Mae Bowen, Greg Bates and Thomas Rhett. BMLG artists have received multiple GRAMMY, CMA, ACM, American Music Awards, CMT Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards, MTV Video Music Award and People’s Choice Award accolades as well as Brit Award and JUNO Award nominations.

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Check Out This Video From David St. Romain “Some Things”

By on March 26, 2012 in The Latest

David St RomainPlease see this video from one of my favorite people, David St. Romain!

I met David about 5 years. You might remember him from ‘Nashville Star’ as one of the frontrunners. He’s got a great new video out and I love his voice-a cross between country and blues. Probably that Louisiana influence! Anyway, hope you check it out!

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CRS 2012: Interview With The Roys

By on March 24, 2012 in A Closer Look @

The RoysCheck out this interview with The Roys from CRS 2012!

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Tommy Steele, You’ve Been GHERMed!

By on March 24, 2012 in The Latest

Tommy Steele & Bullabelle Bullhorn – ” A little riding on the back of a Harley-style GHERMing! Tommy’s GHERMalicious!”

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Darryl Worley Exclusive Interview

By on March 23, 2012 in In The Press

Discusses new single, some greatest hits, his beautiful wife and what’s yet to come.

His new single was just released to radio, and now Darryl Worley is ready for prime time again. And he promises you won’t be disappointed:

“I put nothing but hit songs on this upcoming project. Any song you pick off it you could release as a single.”

Darryl and I talked about how the new song came to be, and I also delved into the stories and meanings behind a couple of his greatest hits. We really look forward to the upcoming album; and be assured that Focus on the 615 will have a review on it as soon as it’s out!

Darryl WorleyMatt: Tell me about the new single You Still Got It.

Darryl: It’s a song I wrote with Brett Jones, a real good friend of mine. When I got [to the writing session] he already had the chorus… As soon as I heard him doing it I said, “Man, this sounds like a hit!” So we sat down and wrote two verses and a bridge that day. Then, we both started getting ideas about who might record this song.

Matt: So it wasn’t originally written FOR you?

Darryl: I didn’t write it for me, no. We talked about Billy Currington, and James Otto, and some different folks that could pull it off. Even Randy Owen. I wasn’t thinking a whole lot about cutting it myself until, on a whim, I played it at a fan club party this past year. And they just went nuts! So when we finally went in the studio I told Brett, “I think I’m going to cut a track on this. He said, ‘Go for it man!’” He loved it.

Matt: Who’s the song about; what was your inspiration behind the song?

Darryl: Well on my side of the coin, I was obviously thinking about my wife. I just think she’s a hottie, I always have. I never get tired of looking at her, and that’s one thing I’ve always known would never change. So for me to write something like this was very natural. So it was all about her, and writing something a little bit fun. It’s actually a little bit of a different thing for me. You know, for the most part the big hits have been pretty heavy. But this is just being. It is what it is, and it’s not rocket science. It’d be nice if we can have a nice little hit with this thing.

“For the most part the big hits have been pretty heavy. But this is just being. It is what it is, and it’s not rocket science.”

Matt: That’s actually a really good segue into a question one of your fans submitted to us on Facebook (Thank you Jim for the question!): How does it feel to write songs like Have You Forgotten or Sounds Like Life with such deep meaning behind them AND have them go to number one because people loved them so much?

Darryl: You know with both of those songs I felt a great deal of responsibility to get it right, because I knew if the world got to hear those songs they had the potential to change people’s lives. And on both accounts I’ve had people approach me and say, “There’s no way you could know what that song has meant to me.” I mean, you don’t necessarily think of specific things like that when you’re writing a song. I think that’s important to us as songwriters to care enough about that song to just get it right.

Matt: I would be remiss if I didn’t also talk to you about Awful Beautiful Life, because when that came out I was in college, and that was EVERY girl’s status update on AIM! (Remember AIM?) So how did you come to write that song, and what does it mean to you?

Darryl: It means a lot to me. The guy I co-wrote that song with actually passed away not too long ago. His name was Harley Allen, and I think about him now every time I do the song. He said, “I want every syllable of this song to be right out of your real life.” And he said, “Everyone will have a connection to this song if we do it right.” He was a genius songwriter, and every word in that song is true. And it’s still the song of mine that probably gets the most recurrent airplay.

Matt: So you’ve obviously had a long career with chart-topping singles, a couple million albums sold, award nominations… What are you’re goals still? What would you like to do that you haven’t yet?

Darryl: To have a string of three to four significant hits in a row. That’s what everybody in this business needs to do to reach the next level. We’ve been out here a long time, but I believe if we do that now, we could be out here for another ten years, and maybe past that. So that’s my ultimate goal and that’s why I put nothing but hit songs on this upcoming project.

Matt: We certainly look forward to it. One final thing, give us a message to your fans:

Darryl: Hey guys, I just want to say thank you for all the years of support and love and understanding. Mostly, I just appreciate the fact that you guys can connect with my music and relate to my music, and because of that I just made the best CD I’ve ever made, and I’m looking really forward to getting it out there to y’all. God bless ya.

Check out more on Darryl Worley at www.darrylworley.com.

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Stryper Frontman Michael Sweet Invites Fans to Join Him for a 10-Day Tour of Israel

By on March 23, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

Michael Sweet of Stryper(Nashville, TN) — Israel Theme Tours is proud to announce that Stryper frontman and accomplished solo artist Michael Sweet will be taking fans to Israel, January 13-22, 2013. The 10-day, VIP-style tour of the Holy Land will offer fans a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience.

Travelers will follow in the footsteps of Jesus, explore the ruins of the ancient port city built by King Herod, experience the Western Wall and the ancient city of Jerusalem, float in the Dead Sea, visit Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum), roam the beaches of Tel Aviv, experience baptism in the Jordan River and much more.

Michael will join the tour group each day for a variety of activities, including exclusive fan access and a private concert performance while cruising the Sea of Galilee.

“I’ve always wanted to go to The Holy Land but I’ve never been,” said Sweet. “I’m excited that my first time will be with some of my closest friends and fans. From Jerusalem to the Jordan River, this is going to be incredible.”

The tour is limited to 50 travelers, and registrations are being accepted now. Fans can reserve their spot by visitwww.israelthemetours.com/michaelsweet.

Multi-platinum rock band Stryper recently completed a yearlong world tour, and they are putting the final touches on the follow up to 2010’s The Covering. Sweet is also working on a solo record and an autobiography, both due later this year. For more information, visit www.stryper.com and www.michaelsweet.com.

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David Frizzell Supports MADD with Chart-Topping Tune

By on March 23, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

David FrizzellNashville, TN — Country’s living legend, David Frizzell, has released “Say Hello To Heaven” to raise awareness and urge support for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

In the first week of release, “Say Hello To Heaven” was among the most active releases in the Country format. The song shot to the #1 spot for streaming and was in the Top 5 downloads on the PlayMPE chart.

Written by Nashville’s Buddy Hyatt, and available just in time for the annual observance of Alcohol Awareness Month, “Say Hello To Heaven” shares the story of a wife and mother killed in a car accident at the hands of a drunk driver. Sadly, it is a story that rings true for the Frizzell family, who lost David’s niece in 1998 when a drunk driver was responsible for her death on her 32nd birthday.

With an upcoming special on RFD-TV, Frizzell launches a year-long promotion using the song to shine a light on the dangers of driving while impaired, and on the good work done by MADD.

“MADD was there even before I or others in the family could get there,” Frizzell says. “They provided so much care and support; services that I had no idea they offered.”

The “Frizzell & Friends” show was be taped at The Texas Troubadour Theater, home of the famed Midnight Jamboree radio show, and features appearances by Hyatt, Jett Williams, Jimmy Fortune and Moe Bandy. The show airs on March 29 and will be rebroadcast on March 30. The promotion is sponsored in part by the generous support of Liberty Tax Service.

Founded by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) in 1987, Alcohol Awareness Month is held every April.

For more on the song and promotion, visit www.facebook.com/davidfrizzellmusic

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Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival March 27th – March 31st

By on March 22, 2012 in Special Events, The Latest

Tin Pan SouthJust a reminder that a great musical event is happening all week in Nashville that you don’t want to miss if you are a music fan! It’s the 20th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival happening March 27th-31st at various venues around town.

All genres included and all original songs performed by the songwriter who wrote it.  Not only do you get to hear some great music live in an intimate setting, but you’ll hear some stories that will make you laugh or just touch you.  At any rate, it’s a good time to be had.

Check out the site for more details and full listing of shows, times, prices, and who’s playing at: www.tinpansouth.com!

Some notable shows that I hope you’ll consider attending are:

WEDNESDAY:  THE FARM, Danny Myrick, Heidi Newfield, and Bridgette Tatum starting at 6pm @ The Rutledge

FRIDAY:  Jesse Lee, Johnny Bulford, Chris Roberts, and more TBA  starting at 6pm @ Belcourt Taps and Tapas

ALSO, ON FRIDAY:  Jennifer Zuffinetti, Julie Roberts, Danielle Peck, and Carolyn Dawn Johnson starting at 6pm @ The Bluebird Cafe

Friday’s going to be a little bit tough because of those 2 great shows going on at the same time!

Tin Pan South

Jesse Lee

I caught up with singer/songwriter, Jesse Lee, and this is what she had to say about Tin Pan South and why she supports NSAI’s songwriters festival: “I’ve been involved with NSAI since I was 15 years old.  NSAI realizes that “it all begins with a song,” and they go above and beyond to protect the songwriters. Tin Pan South draws people from all over the country.  It’s a unique experience which allows us songwriters to perform at our own shows, as well as see our peers perform.  I love watching a songwriter sing something I’ve heard before, and then hear the inspiration, and the story behind the song.”

Get out and enjoy this great event happening all week along with some beautiful spring weather.  This event helps support great music and Nashville!

 

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Todd Fritsch Back In The Saddle And On Country Radio After 2009 Roping Accident

By on March 19, 2012 in In The Press, The Latest

New Single, “Calls I Haven’t Made,”  Impacting Country Radio Today

Todd Fritsch

Photo Credit: Melissa Webb

Nashville, TN (March 19, 2012) — Todd Fritsch is back in the saddle – and Country radio – after a roping accident on the family cattle ranch left him with a crippling leg injury three years ago.  “It was a long road to recovery,” says the engaging Texan. “But I had my second surgery this past December and I’m rehabbed and ready to go.” “Calls I Haven’t Made” is an outstanding song choice; Todd’s rich voice resonates throughout this intriguing tale of redemption, and he’s supported by top-drawer production and talented players. Fans can purchase the new single from iTunes.

“It’s a little bit more of a ‘Nashville sound’ than anything I’ve done before,” admits Fritsch, who enjoyed a string of hits with his previous Country singles (What’s Wrong With Me, Small Town Radio, I Don’t Live Here Anymore, I Got Mexico, and a duet with Texas legend, Gary P. Nunn, Every Honky Tonkin’ Hero (Has His Day).

“Calls I Haven’t Made” was produced by respected Nashville insider, Butch Baker.  The track is from Todd’s upcoming CD, UP HERE IN THE SADDLE, due later this Spring. “I think ‘Calls’ will give radio a good idea of what the new album has in store,” says the amiable entertainer.  “There are a few surprises and a little more polish on this project; fans are loving the new songs and they’re going over well at my shows.”

ABOUT TODD:

Todd’s appeared on radio and television, played honky tonks, festivals and fairs throughout the Southwest and in Europe, appeared in a movie (PALO PINTO GOLD, starring Trent Willmon and Kinky Friedman) and graced the pages of Country Weekly, Best In Texas,Open Range and Texas Music magazines. He juggles his music career with his responsibilities on the family cattle ranch in Willow Springs, Texas. www.toddfritsch.com and www.facebook.com/toddfritsch

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Another Reflection On CRS 2012

By on March 17, 2012 in Special Events
CRS

Faith Hill performing during CRS 2012

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Well, I finally have a quiet moment to reflect on CRS 2012.  Matt’s already shared his perspective and I thought I would take a few minutes to share mine.

WOW.  That’s the best adjective that I can think of to describe this amazing 4-day long country music event known as CRS (Country Radio Seminar).  Matt and I were fortunate enough to be allowed to cover all of the events of CRS as media for the very first time this year for Focus on the 615.

This was simply an amazing experience for anyone who loves music as much as I do! THIS is quite simply why I do what I do so I can be there, hearing firsthand, connecting, and then sharing with you this love for music.  My love for music has gotten me through some of the worst times in my life and some of the best times.  Especially country music with it’s incredible lyrics and songs filled with emotion.  I feel so fortunate to be able to attend an incredible event such as CRS.  I’m one of the lucky ones allowed to hear some of the most amazing music that is out there today up close and to be able to come in contact with many of the people who are making this great music.  It was almost too much packed into 4 days to be able to absorb and much sleep was lost that week in order to take it all in, but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat and hope we are given the opportunity to attend this extraordinary musical event next year.

CRS

Hunter Hayes performing during New Faces show at CRS 2012

High points of the week were being able to attend the Country Radio Hall of Fame ceremony and dinner, Sony Music afterparty, and Black River Entertainment afterparty where long time friends Due West performed along with new friends, Sarah Darling and Glen Templeton.  Then, there was the Lady Antebellum concert with Darius Rucker and Thompson Square opening followed by Warner Music’s Attack of the 80s afterparty where favorites like Jana Kramer, THE FARM, Jason Jones, Frankie Ballard, Gloriana, The Dirt Drifters, and Big & Rich performed one original song then one 80s song.  That was one of my very favorite moments during CRS and a great way to end the night with all of the amazing people at Warner Music! Then, an incredible lunch brought to us again by Warner Music where I was front row being entertained by a full scale concert by none other than Faith Hill, who if anyone has doubts, has STILL got it and I eagerly anticipate the release of her new album! What an incredible performance and I’m fairly certain that will be the best lunch that I ever experience during my lifetime.  Lofty words, but THAT will be hard to top! There were elegant cocktail parties and a fun meet & greet mixer with large spreads of food and just about everyone who is anyone in country music in attendance just to talk to and take pictures with.  Then, the last night, another nice cocktail party where The Lost Trailers started off the evening with a short performance that ended with a gospel choir on stage singing this incredibly touching song “Underdog” that left me in tears.  It was quite difficult for me to keep my camera in focus and take the pictures I was trying to get as I tried to see through my tears because I was so moved by their performance.  Not only that, but they share a very touching story.  It was all very moving! Check them out if you haven’t heard of them! Lastly, there was the New Faces show concluding the event that featured full band performances on the same incredible stage that had been set-up earlier that day for Faith Hill.  Performers included: Eli Young Band, Hunter Hayes, Sunny Sweeney, and David Nail who each gave incredible, crowd-stirring performance that were appreciated by all in attendance at this elegant dinner.  Thompson Square was set to perform, but due to the loss of a loved one the evening prior, had to cancel unfortunately and completely understandable.  At least, we got to see them a couple of days before with Lady Antebellum.

We even thoroughly enjoyed all of the hours spent in the media room every day as we had the opportunity to sit down with many favorite artists to talk about their music like Gloriana, THE FARM, Jana Kramer, Frankie Ballard, Amber Hayes, Due West, Marlee Scott, Glen Templeton, Billy Dean and many more…we had so many great interviews in those jam-packed 4 days! Please look for those interviews throughout the site as there were so many, we are continuously uploading more video interviews and not nearly done!

I created Focus on the 615 this past August because I want to help promote great music and the artists who make it that I believe in. All of which is coming straight out of Nashville, TN! Being allowed to attend such a special event as CRS only solidifies for me my reasons why I created this music blog and why I want to continue to support the music & artists for many years to come.  If I want there to continue to be great music made, I feel like I have to do my part a little bit, too, and help promote.  As great as the internet is in reaching masses, it’s had such a devastating impact on the music community as a whole because of illegal downloading and sharing.  Countless labels have had to close their doors already, record deals have been lost due to labels simply not having the funds like they used to in order to fully develop and promote talented artists…in short, illegal music downloading has had a far reaching impact on the music industry.  So please, if you love music as much as we do on Focus on the 615, pay for your music downloads from places like iTunes or buy the physical cds from the stores.  Great music isn’t created for free and we can’t continue to get great music unless we support it.  A few dollars for a cd or $1.25 per song on iTunes is a very, very small amount to pay for something that will bring enjoyment for many years to come!

Thanks to the staff at Aristo PR for putting together such a spectacular event!

I would like to leave you with this great video from new Curb recording artist, Rachel Holder! When I saw this video aired just prior to the New Faces show, I absolutely loved it and it continues to stick out in my mind! Enjoy!

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