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Rebecca Creek Whiskey Officially Launches In Tennessee

Lucchese Bootmaker of Nashville was the place to be Monday night, hosting a well attended launch party for Rebecca Creek Whiskey.

Rebecca Creek, a San Antonio, Texas based distillery, offered tastings from the brand’s award winning spirits.  With distribution through Athens Distributing, the Rebecca Creek brand is proud to add Tennessee to its expansion.

Rising country stars Smithfield provided music for the event, adding to the perfect combination of high end leatherwork and premium liquor.  Proving to be one of the hottest emerging duos in country music, Smithfield’s current single, “Hey Whiskey”, is in regular rotation on SiriusXM’s The Highway spending 6 straight weeks in the Top 5, climbing on terrestrial radio, and over 4 million streams on Spotify.

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KD Lang “Ingenue” Redux Tour: Nashville Welcomes Sold Out Ryman Performance

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of her Grammy winning studio recording “Ingenue”, KD
Lang made her presence known in Nashville Sunday night, performing to a sold out Ryman Auditorium audience. Lang’s live show was filled with simple, yet elaborate stage production, bringing an impeccable 8 piece band of players that truly complimented her rich and resonate vocal stylings.
The concept of this tour was to reintroduce the timeless songs from her second solo album “Ingenue”. Although the album was released in 1992, KD Lang has always been an artist that has seemed to be ahead of her time, receiving critical acclaim and never being one to be put in a box.

“Constant Craving” was the first single released from the album. It peaked at number 8 in Lang’s native Canada, number 38 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 15 on the UK Singles Chart when re-released, becoming her biggest solo hit single there. “Constant Craving” inspired The Rolling Stones’ 1997 single, “Anybody Seen My Baby?”, from their Bridges to Babylon album, with the result that the Stones gave writing credits on that song to Lang and her collaborator Ben Mink.

 

“Miss Chatelaine” was released as the second single from the album. The song’s video depicted Lang, who was usually best known for a fairly androgynous appearance, in an exaggeratedly feminine manner, surrounded by bright pastel colours and a profusion of bubbles reminiscent of a performance on the Lawrence Welk show, complete with an accordion in the instrumentation.

 

A third single, “The Mind of Love”, was also released.

 

Both “Save Me” and “Still Thrives This Love” were used in the 2003 Showtime film Soldier’s Girl.

 

Lang has humorously called herself a one hit wonder, but her longevity has sustained, building a global and diverse fan base, categorizing her as one of the worlds modern day crooners. Her Nashville appearance was nothing short of exemplifying a music icon with continued longevity and an evident connection with her listeners. Focus on the 615 applauds KD Lang with a standing ovation and leaves us hoping for her to create more music in the future.

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Reyka Rooftop Pool Party @ The Omni Nashville 9/10/2018

Events at the beautiful Omni Nashville are always nice.  This premiere downtown hotel served as host to a rooftop pool party, sponsored by Reyka Vodka and Lipman Bros., filled with amazing branding, signature cocktails and an Omni presence that demands attention as Reyka Vodka makes their Islandic presence known in the city.  Trevor Schneider hosted the party as the Brand Ambassador of Reyka Vodka

Looking to enter the premium vodka market, William Grant & Sons established a distillery in Borgarnes, Iceland, beginning production in 2005. The marketing for Reyka draws heavily on Iceland’s reputation for purity and uniqueness. The word “Reyka” derives from the Icelandic word for “smoke”.

The vodka is handmade and uses water drawn from a lava field, forgoing the need of treatment or demineralisation before it is blended with the vodka.

Lipman Bros. Nashville has partnered as distribution in support of the REYKA Vodka brand, creating a much deserved awareness about demineralization and an excellent drink.

 

Reyka has won accolades, including the 2011 Vodka Trophy, awarded by the International Wine and Spirit Competition and being ranked as one of the Top 10 Vodkas by Drink Spirits.

We look forward to seeing more of REYKA Vodka on the shelves in Nashville and welcoming another European spirit to the U.S.  FOCUS on the 615 had a blast at your beautifully-impressive party!

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Dan & Shay’s “Tequila” Peaks #1 Multiple Weeks

Having a #1 song on the charts is a phenomenon all on its own. Dan & Shay are not only experiencing having “Tequila” at the top of the charts for multiple weeks, they are also seeing crossover radio success.
Written with fellow songwriters Nicole Gaylon and Jordan Reynolds (Reynolds’ first #1), and co-produced with Scott Hendricks, “Tequila” was released by Warner Bros. Nashville in January as the lead single from their newest project.
When Dan & Shay were asked when they experienced a defining moment in their career, they referenced to their live performance at the last ACM Awards.
“We played the song acoustic, just the two of us, we were a little nervous, but after Shay hit that incredible last note and his vocals soared, we got a standing ovation. Seeing that from our peers was that pivotal moment.”
John Esposito, CEO of Warner Music Nashville, joined the guys on stage at the presentation. “Having this song stay at #1 for multiple weeks is rare. We could not be more excited about these guys.” says Esposito.
With the machine of Warner Nashville behind them and a rapidly growing fan base, Dan & Shay are a country duo we will be seeing more of, not only in country music, but on pop formats, as well.
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Music Row Magazine’s Artist Roster Edition Reveals Carly Pearce Cover

As a breakout female artist in country music, Carly Pearce has not had an easy road. She started making her presence on Music Row back in 2011, collaborating with songwriters and building relationships, scoring an unsuccessful development deal with Sony, while working odd jobs and self funding her first recordings. Carly’s respected work ethic did not go unnoticed.

 

After releasing her debut single “Every Little Thing”, Sirius XM’s The Highway added it to their playlist, eventually catching the attention of Allison Jones and Scott Borchetta at Big Machine Records. BMLG re-released the song to country radio as a buzz single for her forthcoming 2017 studio album named after the title track, “Every Little Thing”. 2018 has faired well for Pearce, being nominated as the ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year, CMT Female Video of the Year and winning the CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year.

 

Music Row Magazine found it fitting to have Pearce as the cover of their new Aug/Sept Artist Roster edition. Sherod Robertson, publisher and owner of MRM, spoke about how he has been a supporter and a believer in Pearce since her humble beginnings.

 

If there is one thing Pearce exemplifies, it is an extremely grateful attitude. As her star continues to rise, Carly Pearce is a pure representation for women in country music.

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Keith Urban And Busbee Penned Song, “The Fighter”, Featuring Carrie Underwood Officially Honored 

Picture the scenario: Country music superstar Keith Urban is visiting his movie star wife Nicole Kidman in London as she is on location working.  He becomes so moved to write a song inspired by her, he calls fellow songwriter and producer Busbee to collaborate.  Busbee immediately jumps on a flight to London and  “The Fighter” is born.

After writing the song that ultimately became a duet, choosing the female artist who could carry the powerhouse vocal melody became the focus.  It was undeniable that Carrie Underwood would be called.  She heard the demo, with busbee singing the female part, and fell in love with the idea.

“Carrie’s delivery was so heartfelt.  Those are some hard lyrics for a female to sing”, says Urban.

“What if I fall (I won’t let you fall)

What if I cry (I’ll never make you cry)

And if I get scared (I’ll hold you tighter)

When they’re tryna get to you baby I’ll be the fighter

What if I fall (I won’t let you fall)

What if I cry I promise I’ll never make you cry

And if I get scared (I’ll hold you tighter)

When they’re trying to get to you, baby, I’ll be the fighter”

As the fifth and final single from Urban’s Capitol Nashville released RIPCORD album, “The Fighter” also won as the 2017 CMT Collaborative Video of the Year and the 2018 ACM Vocal Event of the Year.  It remained on the Adult Top 40 Billboard charts for 40 weeks.

As scheduling was a challenge, uniting Underwood, Urban and busbee to celebrate the success of “The Fighter” finally happened, ironically, on the same day as Urbans newest single, “Coming Home”, also reached #1 from his latest 2018 project, PARALLEL LINE.  Whether it be strategic marketing or pure coincidence on Urban’s side, the one thing we can all agree on is that he continues to create music that is commercially-viable and exhibits mass appeal.  Keith Urban is forging a path in country music that has no boundaries

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Jordan Davis Celebrates First #1 Song “Singles You Up” At Fat Bottom Brewery

Pictured (l-r): Songwriter Steven Dale Jones, songwriter-artist Jordan Davis and songwriter Justin Ebach. Photo: Peyton Hoge

As “Singles You Up” (written with Steven Dale Jones and Justin Ebach) currently garners 200,000,000 streams, it is the most played song by a male artist on country radio in 2018 thus far and gains such quick momentum for a debut release, Jordan Davis is proving that he is one to watch with the success of his first UMG/MCA released project “Home State”, produced by Paul DiGiovanni.

 

The Louisiana native moved to Nashville with the hopes of being a songwriter, not necessarily wanting to be in the spotlight as an artist. Davis paid his dues, working as a bartender while building his catalog and seeking a publishing deal, ultimately securing a recording contract with Universal Music Group in 2016.
Davis continues to tour this summer extensively into the fall with Jake Owen and Chris Janson. When asked what he has gained through the experience, his response was: “I am always learning and standing on the side of the stage watching and taking notes, looking to see how I can make my live show better”.

 

Focus On The 615 asked Davis who his dream collaboration would be with, especially having the leverage of a #1 song on the charts. His answer was quick and confident:

 

“John Prine. I respect him so much! I came to Nashville as a songwriter first. John Prine is a storyteller and his career is one that I respect to the core”.

 

With Jordan Davis continuing to make his mark as an artist and songwriter, his goal to work with John Prine could possibly become a reality. That balance of authenticity and catering to country radio is one that Davis seems to easily combine. A combination destined for longevity in a constantly changing music climate.

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Classic Blues: Keb’ Mo’ Kicks Off Fall Tour At Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Photo credit: www.chuckarlund.com

Photo credit: www.chuckarlund.com

Friday night, August 28th in Nashville, TN. was full of notable musicians playing major venues throughout the city, from the new Ascend Amphitheater hosting Old Crow Medicine Show, to Rob Thomas performing at The Ryman Auditorium. Our home for the evening, however, was the prestigious Schermerhorn Symphony Center as Keb’ Mo’ kicked off his 13-city fall tour. Continue Reading →

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Nashville Fashion Week 2015

imageAs Music City forges into spring with a full schedule of festivals on the calendar in the upcoming months, there seems to be no better way than to kick things off with another successful Nashville Fashion Week. 2015 finds this much anticipated event, in its 5th year, hosting some of the south’s most notable designers.

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SXSW 2015

John Legend performing.

John Legend performing.

With the expansion of SXSW adding both film and tech worlds to the 28 year old music festival, SXSW 2015 has again proved to make Austin, TX. a destination for people from around the globe this year.  Nashville always seems to have a strong presence every year and this year Focus on the 615 was honored to be a part of some of the biggest parties and showcases that SXSW 2015 had to offer! Continue Reading →

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