Archive | May, 2017

Country Star Kane Brown Releases “What Ifs” Music Video Featuring Lauren Alaina

By on May 13, 2017 in In The Press

Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina are shown here filming the “What Ifs” music video on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean at The Inn at Newport Ranch in Northern California.  Photo credit: P.R. Brown

Academy of Country Music and CMT Music Awards nominated breakthrough artist Kane Brown reveals his highly-anticipated new music video “What Ifs” featuring Lauren Alaina streaming now exclusively on Amazon Music. “What Ifs” is included on Brown’s #1 self-titled album which remains country’s best-selling new-artist debut of the past 2 ½ years.

Kane Brown’s co-star in the new clip is Lauren Alaina, his good friend and middle-school classmate turned duet partner. Announced earlier this week, both artists are nominated for the 2017 CMT Music Awards “Breakthrough Video of the Year” – Brown for the clip of his Gold-certified “Used to Love You Sober,” and Alaina for “The Road Less Traveled.”
Directed by P. R. Brown and produced by Steve Lamar, “What Ifs” is the first music video to be filmed at The Inn at Newport Ranch on the breathtaking North California coastline. Prior to the world premiere of the clip on Amazon Music, the “What Ifs” lyric video and an interview with Brown and Alaina about the music video shoot were previewed last week on People.com.
“What Ifs” featuring Lauren Alaina is Kane Brown’s current single at country radio. It was produced by 9-time ACM Award-winning producer/musician Dann Huff and co-written by Brown, Matthew McGinn, and Jordan Schmidt. “What Ifs” is one of 11 songs, 7 of which he co-wrote, on the Kane Brown debut RCA Nashville/Zone 4 album which fans can purchase here.
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Country Group Levon Releases Self-Titled Debut EP, Available To Download And Stream Now

By on May 13, 2017 in In The Press
Available to Download and Stream Now
 
Watch the New Trio’s Video Biography and
 

Photo credit: David McClister

New country group Levon, dually signed to Sony Music’s Columbia Nashville and Epic Records, have released their self-titled debut EP. Produced and arranged by Jamie Houston for GB Productions, the five-song EP is available now for fans to download and stream.

Levon consists of three best friends: Northbrook, Illinois, native Michael David Hall (on guitar and lead vocals, with a soaring five-octave range); Sumter, South Carolina’s Jake Singleton (on harmonies, bass, and percussion); and Camden, Tennessee, native Ryan Holladay (on guitar, mandolin, banjo and harmonies). View a Levon brief video biography HERE.
Showcasing the band’s compelling song craft and harmonies, as well as their genre-transcending performance style and sound, their Levon EP features the following selections and songwriters:
1. “Why Oh Why”
Michael David Hall/James Dean Hicks/Jamie Houston
2. “Runaway Love”
Michael David Hall/Chris Lindsey/Jamie Houston
3. “Wired”
Michael David Hall/Marc Beeson/Jamie Houston
4. “Give Up Your Heart”
Jamie Houston/Craig Wiseman
5. “Ms. Marianne”
Michael David Hall/James Dean Hicks/Jamie Houston
 
Currently on a nationwide country radio tour to promote their new EP, Levon took yesterday off to fly to Pittsburgh, PA for a concert performance. While in flight, the band surprised Southwest Airlines passengers with an a cappella rendition of “Give Up Your Heart” HERE.
A debut single from the Levon EP will impact country radio this summer.
A few of the trio’s musical roots are suggested by their name, an homage to the talents of The Band’s Levon Helm, as well as Elton John and his song, “Levon.”  All in their twenties, Levon’s members nonetheless share a collective musical passion for the 1970s “Laurel Canyon Sound” generation whose lyrics and melodies have remained relevant long after their time on the charts.
Playing such Music City-area venues as Puckett’s in nearby Leiper’s Fork and gigging for tips outside Nashville fave, the Pancake Pantry, contributed to the early buzz on Levon.  To date, the band has expanded its résumé to include festival dates and opening slots for such artists as Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Willie Nelson, Kelsea Ballerini, Alabama and many others.
Follow Levon on…
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Bid On Some Awesome Auction Items To Benefit St. Jude Now

By on May 12, 2017 in Special Events

Farm, Fork, and Cork is an annual event held every year on Michael W. Smith’s farm. The tickets are sold out for this event, but there are amazing items people can bid on to help raise money for St. Jude.

Check them at and bid at: bidforstjude.com.

Some of the items available are a Nashville Staycation, breakfast with Vince Gill, a tour of the “Nashville” set, a picnic with Amy Grant and more!

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Song Review: Lucy Angel | “Public Pool Party”

By on May 12, 2017 in Album & Song Reviews, Artists to Watch, Music

Just in time for summer, Lucy Angel brings us a cool, new summer jam called “Public Pool Party”.

Written by Emily Anderton, Jake Anderton, Kate Anderton, Lindsay Anderton and Summer Overstreet.  Produced by Noah Gordon.

This song has a very fun, catchy groove that will immediately draw you in, and you’ll probably be hitting repeat a lot.  I know that I did.  Love the blend of their beautiful harmonies.  This infectious tune will have you wanting to head for the pool and jamming to it all summer long.   It’s the perfect summer jam.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 

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About Lucy Angel
-Kate, Lindsay and Emily Anderton comprise the family trio
-Debut single “Crazy Too” reached No. 51 on the Billboard/Mediabase chart
-Brand new summer single “Public Pool Party” to be released in May of 2017
-Currently in the studio recording a new EP due out the first quarter of 2017
– 13-Episode docu-series “Discovering Lucy Angel” starring Lucy Angel and their family is currently available on NETFLIX
The docu-series previously aired on AXS TV network and the UK’s SHOWBIZ TV network
-Recently performed on the 20th season of ABC’s The Bachelor
-Following The Bachelor performance, “I’d Be Lyin” from their self-titled album, reached No. 26 on the iTunes chart
-Recently launched YouTube vlog channel “Life With Lucy Angel”
-Lucy Angel’s self-titled album is available in Walmart and Target stores nationwide and debuted on iTunes as a “New and Noteworthy” album
-“Crazy Too” debuted on SiriusXM The Highway as a featured Highway Find single
-Recently opened for Jake Owen, Dustin Lynch, Chris Young, Kip Moore, Craig Campbell, Chris
Janson, A Thousand Horses, Big & Rich, Montgomery Gentry, The Cadillac Three, Charlie Daniels, Jerrod Niemann, Casey James, Neal McCoy and more
-Have toured internationally in Japan, Switzerland and China and were honored as the very first
Western/American act to ever sing at the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square, Beijing
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“With their impossibly close, God-given family harmonies, the Anderton women evoke comparisons to Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton. After AXS TV ran a special on the family entitled “Discovering Lucy Angel” one thing was
clear: these girls were destined for stardom.”- Pepsi.com

“Family trio Lucy Angel is percolating on the Country Airplay chart with its debut hit, “Crazy Too” (G-Force/New
Revolution), as the plucky track bullets at No. 60. Comprising Kate Anderton and her daughters Lindsay and Emily Anderton, the act has become visible via AXS TV‘s docu-series Discovering Lucy Angel and is currently making
the promo rounds at country radio.” – Billboard

“Lucy Angel has a lot of potential in the country scene; vocally, they are in the same league as such country artists as Leann Rimes and Heidi Newfield.”-Markos Papadatos, Reporter at Broken Records Magazine
“Lucy Angel comes to Nashville with a ton of charisma, hook-laden songs, and more importantly – a heavy dose of talent.” –Chuck Dauphin, Reporter at Billboard
“Sprightly, brightly rocking. Their pert trio harmonies are flawless, and the lickety-split tempo tune of a guy who drives the gals nuts is ear catching, too.” -Robert Oermann, MusicRow Magazine

“It has been a while since an all-female trio graced our airwaves in country music, but if this is any indication then we are on the verge of the next trio of females doing just that.” –Editor at One Stop Country

Have Recently Been Seen In…
– Country Weekly: Two-page spread
– East Valley Tribune (Mesa, AZ): Cover story
-Franklin Life Magazine (Franklin, TN): Cover story and three-page spread
-Williamson Herald (Franklin, TN): Full-page story
-Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ): Full-page story
-My City Journals (Sandy, UT): Full-page story

Have Recently Been Seen On…
-ABC’s The Bachelor: Performed on ABC’s hit romantic reality show garnering millions of views
-Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family: Performed and interviewed on the national entertainment show

Find out much more about them at: www.lucyangel.com

 

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Lucy Angel To Make A Splash With New Single, “Public Pool Party” 

By on May 12, 2017 in In The Press

Summer is upon us and just as the temperatures are rising, Lucy Angel returns with the perfect anthem, “Public Pool Party.” The single’s driving groove and laid back melody are just the right mix to beat the heat this summer.

Consisting of Emily, Kate and Lindsay Anderton, Lucy Angel made waves at country radio with their release of “Crazy Too.” The trio has since been diligently focused on writing and honing in on the sound that captures their effortless harmonies and colorful personalities.

The release of “Public Pool Party” is a first taste of the new music Lucy Angel plans to release in the coming months. The upbeat tune that is sure to be on everyone’s summer playlist was written by Emily, Kate, Lindsay and Jake Anderton, along with Summer Overstreet and produced by Noah Gordon (Colt Ford, Joey + Rory, LoCash, Billy Ray Cyrus). Listen to “Public Pool Party” on iTunes HERE and Spotify HERE.

“We wrote this song at the end of last summer and wanted to release it right then but obviously had to wait for the timing to be right. We are so excited that it’s coming out now and can’t wait for everyone to hear it. We hope you have as much fun listening to this song as we had writing it.“ -Lucy Angel

The mother-daughter trio’s 13-episode docu-series, Discovering Lucy Angel, is currently streaming on NETFLIX and follows the ladies and their family, the Andertons, as they work together to launch their music career in Nashville.  The trio’s vlogging channel, Life With Lucy Angel gives fans an inside look into the day-to-day lives of Kate, Lindsay and Emily while they spend time in the studio, at home, traveling and touring.

For more information, visit www.LucyAngel.com; go to their Facebook page HERE and follow them on Twitter, @LucyAngelBand; on Instagram and YouTube.

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A Thousand Horses Charge Ahead With Their New Album, “Bridges”

By on May 11, 2017 in In The Press

After making Country Aircheck history in 2015 as the highest debut for a new artist, A Thousand Horses boosts the momentum with their highly-anticipated sophomore effort, BRIDGES (BMLG Records).  Available for pre-order on May 26, the 13-song project will be released digitally June 2 and features their current chart-rising single “Preachin’ to the Choir” as well as an acoustic version of the critically-acclaimed track. Entertainment Weekly previewed the lead tune teasing, “The first taste of their upcoming second album bursts with attitude and saucy wordplay.”

The new collection follows SOUTHERNALITY, which solidified the band (with at least three members) as the first this decade to score a No. 1 with their debut single on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart. Produced by Dann Huff, Corey Crowder and the band itself, BRIDGES highlights the perfect mix of their signature Rock-infused Country sound with “Burn Like Willie,” familiar Gospel influence on “One Man Army” and a live version of their chart-topper “Smoke.” Featuring seven acoustic tracks, six of which were recorded live in the U.K. at the famed Metropolis Studios, fans will get to hear firsthand the raw magic that happens when this band comes together.

All four A Thousand Horses’ members contributed in writing this album alongside some of their accomplished peers:

BRIDGES TRACK LIST
1.    “Blaze Of Somethin’” | Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, Aaron Eshuis, Ryan Hurd*
2.    “Burn Like Willie” | Zach Brown, Graham DeLoach, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, Corey Crowder*
3.    “Preachin’ To The Choir” | Heather Morgan, Morgan Wallen, Brad Warren, Brett Warren**
4.    “One Man Army” | Michael Hobby, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne**
5.    “Bridges” | Zach Brown, Graham DeLoach, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, Corey Crowder*
6.    “Weekends In A Small Town” | Michael Hobby, Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason*
7.    “Travelin’ Man” (Live from Metropolis Studios, London) | Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher,
Jaren Johnston***
8.    “Preachin’ To The Choir” (Live from Metropolis Studios, London) | Heather Morgan, Morgan Wallen,
Brad Warren, Brett Warren***
9.    “Sunday Morning” (Live from Metropolis Studios, London) | Zach Brown, Graham DeLoach,
Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, Rich Robinson***
10.   “One Man Army” (Live from Metropolis Studios, London) | Michael Hobby, Ross Copperman,
Josh Osborne***
11.   “Bridges” (Live from Metropolis Studios, London) | Zach Brown, Graham DeLoach, Michael Hobby,
Bill Satcher, Corey Crowder***
12.   “First Time” (Live from Metropolis Studios, London) | Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, Patrick Davis***
13.   “Smoke” (Live from Printer’s Alley, Nashville) | Michael Hobby, Jon Nite, Ross Copperman***

*Produced by Corey Crowder
**Produced by Dann Huff
***Produced by A Thousand Horses

A Thousand Horses has scored multiple award nominations, most recently a 2017 ACM Awards nod. The talented foursome, comprised of Michael Hobby (lead vocals), Bill Satcher, (lead guitar) Zach Brown (guitar) and Graham Deloach (bass), has already been earning rave reviews of the new single with AXS saying, “Heavy on the rock-country overtones with a gospel choir (literally) takin’ the listener to church in the background…with a healthy dose of old soul.” Fans who purchase the album on iTunes May 26 will instantly receive “Preachin’ to the Choir.” Get the single here – http://smarturl.it/ATHPreachinChoir.

A Thousand Horses is out on the road this summer on headline dates as well as major festival stops such as Nashville’s CMA Music Fest on June 10. For additional dates, please visit AThousandHorses.com.

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Brian Owens & The Deacons of Soul To Perform At Musicians Corner Summer Concert Series On Saturday, June 3

By on May 11, 2017 in In The Press

On Saturday, June 3, 2017, national recording artist Brian Owens will perform at the 2017 Musicians Corner Summer Concert Series in Nashville’s Centennial Park. Owens and his band The Deacons of Soul (Alvin Quinn, Shaun Robinson, Rob Woodie) will take the main stage at 3:00 p.m.

 

Considered to be one of Nashville’s premiere outdoor music destinations, Musicians Corner 2017 will feature over 150 local and national artists representing all music genres, food trucks, local artisan vendors, Kidsville activities and more taking place from 5-9pm on Fridays and from 12-5pm on Saturdays in May, June, August and September.

 

While Owens is no stranger to Nashville (he’s recorded here upon numerous occasions), this will be his first concert in Music City. His music is infused with blues, classic soul, folk, country and gospel resulting in a style uniquely his own, and his songs are uplifting, hopeful and motivational — music that makes you want to move. Nashville music lovers are sure to be impressed with his vibrant and spirit-stirring performances.

 

Owens first gained worldwide attention as the lead singer with the U.S. Air Force band Sidewinder that became an internet sensation and led to national appearances on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “Entertainment Tonight,” “Fox & Friends,” at the White House, the World Series and more.

 

As a solo artist, Owens has had several national releases, including MOODS & MESSAGES, PREACH, and his most recent SOUL OF FERGUSON, which was released in February 2017. The critically acclaimed project featured Grammy-winning vocalist Michael McDonald on the debut single, “For You.”

 

Owens is currently gearing up for the launch of SOUL OF CASH  in late June. It’s the second in a series of three projects he will release this year alone. The album finds the soulful singer-songwriter breathing new life into music of legendary Johnny Cash, including classics like “Ring of Fire,” “Man in Black,” and “Walk The Line” and more.

 

For more of the latest news and information visit BrianOwensSoul.com.

 

For more information on the 2017 Musicians Corner concert series visit MusiciansCornerNashville.com.

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Country Music Hall Of Fame® And Museum Announces Details For Jason Aldean Exhibit

By on May 11, 2017 in In The Press
Jason Aldean: Asphalt Cowboy, Presented by Specialty Outdoor Retailer
Field & Stream, Opens May 26 and Runs Through November 5

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will explore the life and career of Jason Aldean, two-time and reigning Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, in the exhibition Jason Aldean: Asphalt Cowboy, Presented by Field & Stream, opening May 26.
Aldean has helped define today’s country music with his wide-open sound. The exhibit will recall the early encouragement he received from both parents, his move to Nashville, his struggle to get his music heard and his groundbreaking success with an independent record company. Running until November 5, Jason Aldean: Asphalt Cowboy will include childhood mementos, memorabilia from Aldean’s early career, stage wear, guitars, awards, photos and more from his personal collection.
“In ‘Asphalt Cowboy’ Jason sings about running underneath the stars on a ride that won’t let him go,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “Years of touring across the country, burning up the asphalt, have led him to country music superstardom on a ride that’s far from over. We are pleased that he will join Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood among the contemporary artists we have featured in special summer exhibits examining country music in the twenty-first century.”
“I could not be more honored to have an exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum,” said Aldean. “To look around the space and see my personal heroes and artists who helped shape country music is a surreal feeling. To be a part of a legacy like this really is a dream come true.”
Field & Stream, a specialty outdoor retail and product brand owned and operated by DICK’S Sporting Goods, is sponsoring the exhibit, to enable country music fans and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the nation to get a closer look at one of the most iconic artists in the industry. Aldean has been a Field & Stream spokesperson since 2016.
“When we first started working with Jason, it was our goal to create an authentic partnership with someone who is genuinely passionate about the outdoors” said Lauren Hobart, executive vice president & chief customer & digital officer, DICK’S Sporting Goods. “We are not only thrilled to be supporting Jason’s exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, but we’re excited to help bring country music fans and outdoor enthusiasts closer to the music they enjoy.”

Jason Aldean: Asphalt Cowboy exhibition highlights include:

Wooden childhood rocking horse with Aldean’s name engraved

First guitar, given to Aldean by his father

High school graduation photo

T-shirt, bio and set list for Aldean’s high school band the Young Guns

Poster for Trisha Yearwood and Aldean, when he opened for her homecoming concert in the late ’90s

Contract cover letter for signing with Broken Bow Records, 2004

Brown short-sleeve shirt worn in “Johnny Cash” video

Note from Jay Leno to Aldean before Tonight Show performance, November 2010

One of the most visited museums in the United States, with an unduplicated collection of more than 2.5 million artifacts, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in 2017. Aldean’s installation leads a year packed with revealing exhibitions on subjects including Loretta Lynn, Shania Twain, and country music couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.

Follow the museum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, and join the conversation using #CMHOF50 and #JasonAldeanExhibit. For more information, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.
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Per Rolling Stone Country: “Midland Are Bridging The Country-Pop Divide”

By on May 11, 2017 in In The Press

Photo credit: Harper Smith

“There’s never been a better time for what’s next than right now,” commands Rolling Stone Country writer Joe Gugala in a new article out today. Gugala’s statement is in reference to the seeming sonic shift in Country music and the rise of MIDLAND, a new trio from Dripping Springs, TX whose music encompasses, “Eagles-era Seventies country, a smoky honky-tonk soundtrack for couples spinning around the dance floor, the smell of spilled beer thick in the air. But like a vintage car with a rebuilt engine, Midland’s classic sound has a thoroughly modern heart.”

The profile captures Midland on the road promoting their debut single “Drinkin’ Problem.” Read extended feature here.

Produced by Dann Huff and Shane McAnally, “Drinkin’ Problem” is within the Top 20 on Country radio charts and has no signs of slowing down. The single’s chart momentum has made it the fastest rising debut single ever released to Country radio by Big Machine Label Group – the record label that also launched the careers of Superstars Taylor Swift and Florida Georgia Line.

Just yesterday, the music video for “Drinkin’ Problem” was nominated for a CMT Music Award in the Group Video of the Year category. Click here to vote now. Midland is spotlighted alongside established acts like Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Eli Young Band and Old Dominion.

The trio joins Tim McGraw and Faith Hill at the end of the month for Canadian dates of their acclaimed SOUL2SOUL WORLD TOUR and heads out with Kenny Chesney for shows in August. Midland will also perform at select fairs and festivals this summer leading into the September release of their full length debut album. Full details and more information available at MidlandOfficial.com.

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Powerhouse Vocalist, Lara Johnston, Performs At AURORA Nashville

By on May 10, 2017 in artist spotlight, Artists to Watch, Music

Lara Johnston performing at AURORA Nashville.
Photo credit: Patrice Majors

California native and powerhouse vocalist, Lara Johnston, recently performed a full band show on April 26th at the beautiful AURORA Nashville hosted by Caroline Hobby from Nashville Insider and “The Amazing Race”.

With her soulful pop sound and a voice reminiscent of today’s music greats like Kelly Clarkson or Pink, Johnston entertained a packed audience inside the AURORA Nashville studio while streaming live to an audience around the country through the AURORA site.

Johnston, just recently off the road after a world tour as backing vocalist for the iconic Don Henley, is confident, entertaining and takes full command of the stage.

Photo credit: Patrice Majors

Her songs are full of soul with her own pop mixture added and inspired by her musical influences of Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and many more Motown musical greats.

This is an artist to watch and one to see live as she delivers her original tunes with such an incredibly-strong voice that very few can muster.  Certainly a standout and a cut above many young artists today as she basically delivers what can only be described as a masterclass of voice & overall performance as she takes the stage.

She is a seasoned and polished performer who should be a household name already.  Think only time will tell for this star in the making who is making a buzz in Nashville.

Watch for her new album to be released very soon.

Lara Johnston and band pose with Caroline Hobby and staff member of AURORA Nashville following performance.
Photo credit: Patrice Majors

 

About AURORA Nashville

AURORA Nashville, a division of renowned audio and technology company THIEL Audio, is an entertainment solutions provider that combines award-winning production with today’s digital world for the ultimate fan experience.  AURORA Nashville owns and operates a state-of-the-art 4K Ultra HD production studio in downtown Nashville that provides a truly customizable experience.  From premiere live stream concerts to sit-down interviews, record release parties and industry events, the studio is the perfect venue for artists to connect with their fans with high-quality content.  It is also home to their own weekly live-stream concert series AURORA Live, which has featured artists such as Kane Brown, Lauren Alaina, Muddy Magnolias, Rhonda Vincent, Jerrod Niemann and many more.

About Lara Johnston

Lara Johnston is emerging as one of pop music’s most dynamic voices.

She is friendly, optimistic and driven to succeed, whether she’s performing her captivating music, touring the world as a singer in Don Henley’s band, or collaborating with Nashville’s songwriting community.

On her new EP recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles, Lara taps into her own personal and professional experiences while drawing on the R&B influences that shaped her musical aspirations.

“When I’m writing, it always reflects what I’m going through at that time,” she says. “This has definitely been a time of change for me. I’ve written and experimented with a lot of different sounds. All of them are extensions of what I love, and now I have music that I’m excited to share.”

Lara plans to release new music in the summer of 2017.

Get to know this dynamic, new artist in this video: https://youtu.be/qNKm3UI3QeQ

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