FOCUS on the 615
Nashville's premier entertainment blog including album, song and show reviews and exclusive artist interviews.
Check out our interview with Gloriana from Billboard and Pepsi’s Summer Beats Concert Series in Nashville!
We also threw in a behind-the-scenes look at the media area… just so you know what we go through to bring these stories to you!
Read the full article of the event here!
Also, if you missed the event, you can watch Gloriana’s performance at pepsi.com!
Gloriana performing (Kissed You) Goodnight
Photo Credit: Sara Kauss/Getty Images North America
Last night, Billboard and Pepsi’s Summer Beats Concert Series rolled into Nashville’s Cannery Ballroom with a performance from Gloriana streamed live over the interwebs. The night also featured performances from Jana Kramer, Randy Houser, Jerrod Niemann and Easton Corbin.
Although throughout the night we were under the impression that everyone would be streamed live, Gloriana still put on a great show as only the harmonizing trio can. The performance came on the eve of their sophomore album release, A Thousand Miles Left Behind, available NOW!
The highlight of the show was how the band utilized their social media presence to obtain some on-stage assistance: After asking if any fans were attending the show who were on a first date, one lucky new couple got to accompany the guys on stage during – you guessed it – (Kissed You) Goodnight. Naturally, the first-daters were asked to kiss at the climax of the song… and they did… a lot (left).
Watch it below!
The band was excited to perform some new material, although they had been awake since 3 a.m. EST to do Good Morning America! We had an on-air interview with the band. Watch that here!
We also caught up with Jana, Jerrod and Easton off-camera to discuss the Summer Beats Series and all the artists’ respective new music.
Long-time friend of FOCUS Jana Kramer is currently on tour with superstar Brad Paisley. When asked about the tour she stated:
“It’s going amazing! [Brad] is the most genuine, authentic, real, charismatic entertainer ever. He is an amazing person to learn from, and he’s just super gracious.”
Her single is approaching the top 10 with a bullet, and should get there next week! I asked what her next single is going to be, and although she is apparently sworn to secrecy, she did state that “One Tree Hill fans will be very happy.” (I’m going to SPECULATE it’s What I Love About Your Love… again, that’s unconfirmed, but if it proves true, just say you heard it here first.)
Jerrod Niemann and Randy Houser arrive at Summer Beats
Jerrod Niemann’s highly anticipated sophomore album is dropping October 2nd, on the heels of his well-received new single Shinin’ On Me. Get excited about this album, because Jerrod is reinventing himself while staying true to his country music’s roots:
“We’ve departed from the straight-up digital recording. This is an analog/digital hybrid with a new technology called “clasp” that allows you to actually dump your analog recording into digital real time… the thing you get is that fat analog sound… I wanted to use instruments that cater to that… and I wanted to honor all areas of country music going back to the 20’s, but do our own interpretation.”
Easton Corbin – who was sporting an awesome Pabst Blue Ribbon belt buckle – has a new single out with Lovin’ You Is Fun, and a new album coming out September 18th, and he promises with this record, “the best is yet to come.”
“I think [this new album] shows a little growth as a new artist,” said Easton. “But that being said, it’s still right there doing that country thing…. I’m just really excited about it.”
Every artist expressed the same sentiment with regards to playing the Cannery Ballroom: it’s great to play in the 615!
“It’s just fun to be playing in Nashville!” said Jana. And Easton concurred, stating: “We actually never get to play in Nashville… I’m glad to be home!”
Did you miss the live stream last night? Don’t worry! Gloriana’s entire performance is available at pepsi.com!
Nashville, Tenn. (July 25, 2012) – Grand Ole Opry member and music legend, Charlie Daniels announces the 11th Anniversary of The Charlie Daniels Band & Friends Concert to benefit Christmas 4 Kids (a division of Christmas For Kids, Inc.) will take place on Monday, November 19, 2012, at the historic Ryman Auditorium and will feature Phil Vassar and Thompson Square. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks. Fan club pre-sale tickets are available starting September 15 and all other tickets will be available starting September 29 on the Christmas 4 Kids website, with best seating priced at $60 and tier 2 seating priced at $32.50. Visit www.christmas4kids.org for more line-up announcements or to purchase tickets.
Christmas 4 Kids is a not-for-profit organization that has been in existence for over 25 years providing many children, each year, with their very own shopping spree. The funds generated by the concert, and the Tour Bus Show/Artist Meet and Greet event, are used to give over 400 children from 29 different schools a day-long shopping excursion. The special day consists of a chauffeured trip from their school aboard an entertainer’s luxury tour bus, lunch and a party hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus. To wrap up the day, the tour buses journey to the Hendersonville, Tenn., Walmart, where the kids receive a brand new winter coat and $150.00 to spend on anything they want!
About Christmas 4 Kids:
For over twenty-five years, Christmas 4 Kids has been providing children in the Middle Tennessee area with this unique opportunity to experience Christmas in a new way. Last year, Christmas 4 Kids was able to give 450 children in the Middle Tennessee area a ride on a celebrity tour bus, a party with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the chance to buy presents for their friends and family at a local Wal-Mart. Proceeds from the 2012 Celebrity Golf Tournament, Christmas 4 Kids Concert and other events throughout the year will go to make this reality again in December 2012.
has gained notoriety amidst the truck driving community since partnering with the TCA in 2010. Her popularity was furthered with the release of her single, Highway Angel.“We recognize the need for a show that will highlight such a large part of our valued listenership, and are excited to work with Lindsay to showcase these roadway warriors,” said Captain Jack Aponte, the voice and owner of Renegade Radio.
On The Road To Nashville airs every Tuesday and Thursday night from 5-8pm.
About Lindsay Lawler:
Born and raised in Texas, Lindsay Lawler spent several years performing in Los Angeles before making her way to Nashville, Tennessee in 2007. After performing at the 2010 Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Texas, she formed a partnership with the Truckload Carriers Association and has since been named the official spokeswoman of their Highway Angels program. Her single, Highway Angel, has given her exposure as an artist and become an anthem for truck drivers everywhere. She also wrote and recorded Long Haul, a salute to female truck drivers. Lawler continues to support the truck driving community through her performances around the country and her radio show, On The Road To Nashville. For more information on Lindsay Lawler, visit www.lindsaylawler.com.
About Renegade Radio:
Renegade Radio Nashville began as the brainchild of longtime broadcasting veteran Captain Jack Aponte. With a solid vision of utilizing the latest technology to reach the largest audience worldwide, Renegade Radio Nashville began Internet broadcasting on June 7, 2011. The station currently has 3.5 million listeners tuning in from 143 different countries and, in December of 2011, became the first ever Internet radio station to be granted reporting status with Music Row Magazine. For more information on Renegade Radio Nashville, visit www.renegaderadionashville.com.
About Highway Angel:
Created by the Truckload Carrier Association (TCA), the Highway Angel program is designed to bring recognition to those truck drivers having participated in good deeds. Whether it be a random act of kindness or a heroic act, the program aims to improve indiviual drivers’ feelings toward themselves and their profession, all while promoting greater public recognition of Angels and improving the public’s image of the truck driving profession. For more information on the Highway Angel program, visit www.truckload.org/highway-angel.
Carlsbad, CA (July 16, 2012) — From networking with current vendors and scoping out new brands to learning at NAMM U sessions and taking in the Nashville nightlife, the music industry stayed busy during a fun and productive three days in Nashville for Summer NAMM. The National Association of Music Merchant’s (NAMM) event held July 12-14 is the summer-timed compliment to January’s The NAMM Show timed to line up with product releases for the holiday buying season.
Beyond the thousands of music instrument and product showings at Summer NAMM, the show provides Members with dozens of complimentary professional development programs, the Top 100 Dealer Awards and an opportunity to hear live music nearly around the clock while in Music City.
“We’re grateful to the Members who invested their time and money to be participate in Summer NAMM,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “In spite of the continuing economic challenges, these folks are not sitting on the sidelines waiting for things to get better, but instead seizing the opportunity to increase their competitive advantage as we head into the fall and holiday selling season.”
Summer NAMM saw more retail owners, buyers and employees doing business at the show. The number of retail buyers increased a robust 20% in 2012 over 2011.
“This show is incredible. I wouldn’t miss it. It’s a great opportunity to do business and see friends,” said Chuck Surack, president and founder of Sweetwater Sound. “There are lots of new vendors and products here that I wasn’t aware of, lots of new things that I wouldn’t have seen if I hadn’t been here. This is the time to not only foster relationships with current vendors, but also with fellowmusic store owners.”
Energy and growth was mirrored on the manufacturing side with a 9% increase in exhibitors from 2011 to 2012. It was made up in part by many new and returning brands. In total, 372 exhibitors representing many more brands shared new products with buyers from around the world at Summer NAMM.
“Taylor Guitars attends Summer NAMM to thank our dealers for their support in the first half of theyear, to see east coast retailers, who may not always make it to Anaheim and finally, it’s a wonderful reason to visit the great city of Nashville,” said Mike “Monte” Montefusco, director of sales at Taylor Guitars based in El Cajon, CA. “We’re seeing our existing dealer base and a lot of perspective new dealers who are interested in the Taylor line. The pace here in Nashville lends to spending more one-on-one time with perspective dealers.”
NEW BRANDS
Some of the positive energy found at the show can be attributed to the 75 new-to-Summer NAMM exhibitors and another 75 brands returning to Summer NAMM after a break.
An insurgence of new brands at the show allowed retailers to discover new products in time for the holiday season. “The ability at Summer NAMM to sit down and have a conversation is very beneficial. We take this opportunity to look at new products and explore possible future business with brands that we haven’t worked with before,” said Lori Supine, president of Senseney Music in Wichita, Kansas and 2011 Dealer of the Year.
The smaller stage NAMM hosts in Nashville, also gives new brands to grab more of the spotlight. First time Summer NAMM exhibitor Jim McGillivary, founder ofFour Force who makes the EM1 lightweight amp, and 2012 Summer NAMM ‘Best of Show’ winner said, “This summer show is the best for us. It’s a time to meet local music store owners and buyers in a very music friendly city.”
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND
While Summer NAMM is officially only a three-day event, over 100 retailers arrived in Music City a day early for NAMM’s inaugural Retail Boot Camp. Bob Negen, a retail expert led a all day educational session with practical business planning, marketing and other tangible business advice tailored specifically for independent music instrument and product dealers.
Tracy Leenman, owner of Musical Innovations in Greenville, South Carolina, who attended the boot camp said, “I thought it was very well-organized and the information applies to everyone sitting in the room—big business, small business, school business, combo business. It’s very hands-on, very action-oriented, very directed toward going home and making a difference.”
The more relaxed pace of the summer-timed event lends to educational opportunities. Each morning opened with a NAMM U Breakfast session with guests including Chip Averwater of Amro Music and author of “Retail Truths,” Joe Calloway, author of “Becoming a Category of One,” and the ‘Best in Show’ awards presented by Music Inc.
TOP 100 DEALERS
The Top 100 Dealer awards celebrated the best in music stores on Friday, July 13th during Summer NAMM. Alto Music won ‘Dealer of the Year,’ while other retailers took home wins in ‘Best of’ categories.
A panel of impartial, expert judges selected the Top 100 dealers using a numeric rating based on five main criteria. Then, the panel scored retailers’ submissions for awards in ten other specific ‘Best of’ categories.
“The retailers in this room are the backbone of the industry,” said Jon Haber, owner of Alto Music based in Middletown, NY. “We’re cultivating all of the future customers. Whether now a pro audio, lighting guy or other person connected to music, they probably got their start getting juiced on a guitar at a local music store.”
NAMM MEMBERS LOVE MUSIC CITY
When NAMM returns to Nashville, July 11-13, 2013 the show will have a new home, the state-of-the-art convention center, Music City Center. Music City Center sits just south of Broadway on a 16-acre site adjacent toboth the Bridgestone Arena and the Country Music Hall of Fame and steps from the Ryman Auditorium and Broadway honky tonks where thousands of musical careers have launched.
“I love Nashville – this is a fantastic city!” said Mark Farrell, director of sales for Feeltune in Nimes, France. “I heard great things about the new center. I was talking to a Nashville native and he said it’s like five times the size of this and it’s going to be a sight to behold apparently.”
The Silver Level LEED certified building measures 1.2 million square feet, featuring a 350,000 square foot exhibit hall, a 57,000 grand ballroom and 1,800 parking spaces. A 360,000 gallon retention tank will collect rainwater from the four acre ‘green’ roof to be used for irrigation and to flush the building’s hundreds of toilets.
Before NAMM returns to Music City, The NAMM Show stages in Anaheim, California on January 24-27, 2013. Badge registration for The NAMM Show opens on September 19, 2012. Find more details at http://www.namm.org/
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About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization’s popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that strengthens the $17 billion global musical instruments and products industry, while promoting the pleasures and benefits of making music. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of more than 9,000 Member companies in 87 countries around the world. For more information about NAMM visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266). Follow NAMM on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube.
Kristen Wright is a Nashville up-and-comer with a sweet but powerful voice, and the kind of creative singer-songwriter spirit you only (truly) find on rare occasion. Her album “In The Year Of Letting Go” is her first recording project, the culmination of years of writing and honing her craft at Belmont University.
The six song EP seems to be the perfect introduction for Kristen. She wrote, arranged and produced each song on the album. The lyrics are creative and introspective but also universal, telling beautiful stories. The music is acoustically driven, all featuring a prevalent acoustic guitar or piano, and her effortless voice ranges somewhere between Joy Williams of The Civil Wars and Joss Stone. (How I came up with those two, I’ll never know… but listen, and let me know if I’m wrong.)
While each song is poignant, the song Quitter gained Kristen quick notoriety and a spot in Belmont University’s coveted Fall Follies show. The song has a slow-tempo, jazzy, lounge feel to it, showcasing Kristen’s vocal range and some amazing instrumentation including a viola.
For those indie or singer-songwriter fans, take a listen to this one. It’s a refreshing departure from mainstream, although songs like Quitter would be well deserved to find a place in the radio.
For more information on Kristen, visit http://kristenwright.tumblr.com
“In The Year of Letting Go” track listing:
Natasha Borzilova’s newest CD “Out Of My Hands” broke my computer. Seriously, my Mac didn’t want to play it; it kept skipping. I was able to listen to the album in its entirety in my car, but after doing so, I really couldn’t blame my computer: I didn’t want to listen to it either.
Good news though: Natasha is a true singer/songwriter. The songs come from the heart and stay out of the way of genre labels and mainstream sensibilities. She wrote every song and produced the album herself, and even adds her talents on the acoustic guitar.
The music is not generally bad, it just did nothing for me. Her airy voice sounds contrived in some way, almost like a classically-trained vocal was trying to stuff itself inside a soft, folk style.
I will venture to guess that Natasha is enjoyable as a live performer. Given the proper band and setting, I would enjoy songs like Better Than Me. Her passion and talent are apparent; they just didn’t translate to the recording studio.
Overall: Not for everyone, but probably captivating for a select few.
For more on Natasha, visit: www.natashaborzilova.com
Track listing for “Out Of My Hands”
When I first met THE FARM a year ago as I interviewed them and then saw them perform for the first time at Warner Music’s “Pickin’ On The Patio”, I knew there was something special about them and great things would be coming from them in the future. At least, I hoped so!
THE FARM is comprised of Nick Hoffman, Krista Marie, and Damien Horne. Their debut self-titled album is strongly driven by Nick Hoffman’s incredible fiddle playing, tight harmonies of all 3 members, and a contemporary country sound. Their songs are inventive, diverse, and catchy. Nicely produced by the talented songwriter/producer, Danny Myrick.
Here’s the first interview that I did with them, if you want to check it out:
My favorite off the album is still “Home Sweet Home”, their first single that is currently in the top 20 of the charts and still climbing. It’s an uptempo, fiddle-driven tune about not forgetting about where you come from and how nice it is to go back home. Another favorite is “The Train I’m On”, I loved how it starts out slow lead by the vocals of Damien and builds. This is a mid-tempo to up-tempo tune that has a great groove. “Fresh Off The Farm” is another fun, uptempo standout to me and this was lead by the vocals of Nick Hoffman. Another of the standouts on the album is beautiful ballad “Be Grateful” – especially poignant on a day like today when you turn on the news to hear/see tragic events that seem to plague our world far too often. Remembering to be grateful for the good things you have in life is a good reminder to have and this song will touch you.
It was hard to pick a least favorite from the album because I really enjoyed the whole album, but if I have to pick it would be “Every Time I Fall In Love”. Although it was beautifully lead by the vocals of Krista Marie, it was a little too slow for me. I tend to enjoy uptempo songs more. It was well-written, just not a big fan of the melody.
I highly-recommend this album by THE FARM that is out in stores now. I like how they each feel comfortable taking the lead on the album and switch out. All 3 are strong singers and equally talented musicians (Nick – fiddle, Damien – guitar, Krista – guitar).
If you get the chance to see them perform live, be sure to. They are high-energy, polished, and dynamic performers who easily recreate what you hear on the album live on stage.
For more information about THE FARM, go to: www.thefarmmusic.com
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
Listening to this self-titled debut release from Showdog Records’ JT Hodges, I am struck by the versatility and ease of his voice. He has a gritty sound that I believe sets him apart from many of his male counterparts in country music today. The songs lean towards a mix of contemporary country and a little bit of classic rock with some blues mixed in for good measure. I enjoyed the diverse subject matter, the depth of the songs, and found it very easy to listen to. It’s a good, solid effort and he penned 8 out of the 10 songs on this album. I found his writing to be interesting and skilled. His words easily paint a picture in your mind and tell a story, which I enjoy.
One of my favorites off the album is: “Sleepy Little Town” – a mid-tempo song about dark secrets of a small town that you don’t expect. Another, “Hunt You Down” was his first single from this album and is a playful, mid-tempo song with a nice groove about a fun night out on the town in Memphis with a woman he just met. “Right About Now” another mid-tempo song that I enjoyed about an ex-lover unable to let go of a past love as he thinks of what she’s probably doing right about now. “When I Stop Crying” was a touching ballad about losing love that showed so much depth and gave me chills at times. Showed a completely different side to his music and I loved the steel guitar in this song.
I found it hard to pick a song that is what I consider a least favorite of mine. I guess “Green Eyes Red Sunglasses” was my least favorite of the album, but even with it, I enjoyed some of the elements like the more bluesy feel of the song overall. Just wasn’t as strong or enjoyable to me as the others.
Overall, this is a solid effort filled with diverse, well-written songs.
For more information about JT Hodges, check out his website: www.jthodges.com
Rated 4 out of 5 stars.
Also, check out this interview we had with him this past spring right here:
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Nashville TN July 18, 2012 — Show Dog-Universal Music will release JT Hodges’ self titled, debut CD on August 21, 2012. Hodges penned eight of the CD’s 10 tracks (see full track listing below). Earlier this month, Hodges asked fans to help him select the next single, and at the halfway point, the contenders have been narrowed down to two: “Sleepy Little Town” (far and away the frontrunner) and “Rather Be Wrong Than Lonely.” Fans may continue to vote here: http://on.fb.me/SGRxx9.
About JT
He burst onto the country music scene in 2011 with the release of his debut single, “Hunt You Down,” and a slot on Toby Keith’s Locked & Loaded Tour. Earlier this year, JT was a semi-finalist in the Academy of Country Music’s New Artist of the Year category. “Goodbyes Made You Mine” was the second single from the artist’s soon to be released CD. In his Music Row review of the single, respected music critic Robert K. Oermann said, “this has a certain ‘presence.’ JT’s not only a solid writer, but his vocal performance is up-close and personal, packed with personality and exuding confidence. The deep-twang guitar and driving production are also pluses. A star is born.”
Tracks on JT Hodges
1. Rather Be Wrong Than Lonely
2. Sleepy Little Town
3. Hunt You Down
4. Give It One More Night
5. When I Stop Crying
6. Goodbyes Made You Mine
7. Leaving Me Later
8. Right About Now
9. Rhythm Of The Radio
10. Green Eyes Red Sunglasses
For more information on the artist, please check out these links: http://jthodges.com/,
https://twitter.com/#!/HelloJTHodges and https://www.facebook.com/jthodgesmusic.
NASHVILLE, TN – (July 18, 2012) – To celebrate the 2012 Summer Olympics that are right around the corner, a few of our Artists have shared their favorite Olympic memories. We will be sharing more stories throughout the month of July. From Warner Music Nashville and Word Entertainment, good luck Team USA!
Summer Olympic Questions:
1. If you could compete in an event at the Summer Olympics, what would it be and why?
2. Any memorable Olympic event you recall?
3. Do you have a favorite Olympian? Why?
KRISTA MARIE FROM THE FARM:
“My kind of Olympics… the Summer X Games, motocross of course!
“In 2006 when Travis Pastrana won gold at the Moto X Freestyle Finals doing a double back flip!!! What?!”
“Uhh yeah…Pastrana! #199 all the way! He has now won 10 X Game Gold medals in super cross, motocross, freestyle & rally racing. That’s bad ass in my book!
DAMIEN FROM THE FARM:
“100 yard dash.”
“Carl Lewis becoming the fastest man alive”
“Carl Lewis”
JANA KRAMER:
“It would definitely be Gymnastics! I wish I could do half the stuff they can! They are amazing!”
“When Misty May and Kerri Walsh won for the second time in 2008 after winning in 2004…I love volleyball so it was awesome to see them kick butt! Girl power:)”
“Kristi Yamaguchi…I grew up skating and she was always my idol!”
DARA MACLEAN
“Gymnastics. I was a gymnast for five or six years. I love watching it!”
“The Magnificent Seven, the victorious all-around women’s gymnastics team that represented the United States at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.”
“Kerri Strug. She is by far my favorite, because of her courage and commitment. Her bravery in the face of fear and her unwavering passion.”
DAVE FREY FROM SIDEWALK PROPHETS
“If I could compete and win the gold in an Olympic sport it would easily be table tennis. It really is unreal to watch those guys play! I used to believe that I was a ping pong master in college until the first moment I witnessed Olympic table tennis. If I could somehow have the chops to compete against those guys, all my college friends would finally have to admit that I am the king of ping pong.”
“The Atlanta Olympics in 1996 were so much fun to watch. I’ll never forget my entire family gathered around the TV the night the women’s gymnastics team won gold. My mom literally screamed. The USA basketball team that year was amazing. I also fondly remember watching the swimming events and then my buddy and me trying to race each other in the local pool. The best part is that the worst I could do was silver. It was an awesome summer, and the patriotism and moving stories of the Olympics made it even more memorable.”
“My favorite Olympians were the entire 1996 women’s gymnastics team…and even though he never competed, Bella Karolyi. Bella’s passionate encouragement brought home gold and was parodied on Conan O’Brien for years.”
FRANKIE BALLARD
“The 100 meter, because if I was doin’ that…I’d be a speedy son of a gun!”
“The ‘Miracle on Ice’! I know it was the Winter Olympics, but when the Russians went down, it was huge!”
“I always liked Michael Johnson. He wore those gold shoes and just flew around the track!”
