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Jerrod Niemann Releases New Album, ‘This Ride’; Celebrates At Hemingway’s Bar & Hideaway

By on October 10, 2017 in Album & Song Reviews, Music, Special Events

Jerrod Niemann just released his fourth studio album and first on Curb Records after signing his new deal with them entitled, ‘This Ride’, on October 6th.

This release is his most adventurous yet with a strong indie rock influence throughout.  He’s taking chances and doing his own thing, which works well for him and something he is known for.  I don’t think those fans yearning for a traditional country sound will really appreciate this newest album due to the heavy influence of indie rock infused with contemporary country.  However, for fans looking for good music that is well-written and looking for an escape from the everyday reality of life, it will be right up their alley.

Be sure to buy it! It’s available everywhere that music is sold.

I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to hear the new album in advance of the release at the album launch celebration that was held at Hemingway’s Bar & Hideaway in Nashville just prior to the album dropping on October 6th.

It was the perfect setting to host the celebration that included all of the songwriters that he collaborated with on this album, label, team, friends, and media.  This upscale bar/restaurant is new to Nashville with a drink menu and rustic-chic decor inspired by the renowned writer, Ernest Hemingway.  I particularly enjoyed the Steve McQueen and the daiquiri.

I found the food to be incredibly-tasty and adventurous.  My personal favorite food they served were the brussels sprouts that were savory and oh-so-flavorful.  I helped myself to 2 servings of it.  Seriously, you must give them a try!

It’s nestled in an industrial area off the normal beaten track near downtown Nashville.  With the way Nashville is growing, I have no doubt more businesses will be popping up in the same area.

Located at 438 Houston Street in Nashville.  Be sure to check it out if looking for something a bit different and an escape just like Jerrod Niemann’s new album, ‘This Ride’.  Both will be well-worth your time.

‘This Ride’ track listing & songwriters:

  1. “Zero to Crazy” (Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Shane McAnally)
  2. “But I Do” (Josh Osborne, Jimmy Robbins, Jon Nite)
  3. “Leavin’ a Trail” (Corey Crowder, Luke Dick, Cole Taylor)
  4. “I Got This” (Rodney Clawson, Josh Osborne, Luke Dick)
  5. “Out Of My Heart” (Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Chris DeStefano)
  6. “A Little More Love” with Lee Brice (Ross Copperman, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, Kristi Neumann)
  7. “God Made a Woman” (Michael Ray, Joel Shewmake, Jeff Hyde)
  8. “Whiskey Waitin’ On Ice” (Jerrod Niemann, Lance Miller, Rob Hatch, Brandon Hood)
  9. “Feelin’” (Jeremy Stover, Chris Janson, Luke Dick)
  10. “I Ain’t All There” featuring Diamond Rio (Jerrod Niemann, Lance Miller, Richie Brown)
  11. “Come Back” (Jimmy Yeary, Matt Dragstrem, Craig Wiseman)
  12. “The Regulars” (CJ Solar, Tina Parol, Jessie Jo Dillon)
  13. “This Ride” (JT Harding, AJ Babcock, Pete Good)
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Watch As Ryan Kinder Breaks Down The Emotional “Still Believe In Crazy Love” In New Video  

By on October 10, 2017 in Music, The Latest

Photo credit: John Shearer

Loving this new video of Ryan Kinder’s “Still Believe In Crazy Love”.   It’s a beautiful ballad & mesmerizing live session video.  Check it out below & be sure to listen to more of Ryan Kinder’s music.  We really dig his sound and think you will, too!

Watch “Still Believe In Crazy Love” (The Deconstructed Live Sessions) here: https://wmna.sh/rk_sbicl_deconstructed_vid

Here is the official video, too: http://vevo.ly/UyCeN3  

ABOUT RYAN KINDER:

The Knoxville-born, Alabama-raised Ryan Kinder, who boasts over 30 million streams on Spotify alone, has been critically praised for his vocal prowess, vulnerable songwriting and nimble guitar playing. Billboard, who named him an Artist to Watch in 2017, recently shared the music video for his new single “Still Believe in Crazy Love,” noting the way it’s taking his career “to a different level, one that’s deeper than any radio hit could provide.” The Warner Bros. Records / Warner Music Nashville artist has co-written with some of Nashville’s most successful writers, including Josh Osborne, Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman, Chris DeStefano, Tom Douglas, Jeremy Stover and Luke Sheets, and has shared the stage with Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Brett Eldredge and Zac Brown, who personally handpicked him for the Great American Road Trip Tour. Kinder is currently writing and co-producing his debut album with multi-award-winning songwriter/producer Ross Copperman and multiple Grammy Award-winning producer Paul Worley.

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Pilgrimage Festival 2017: Wrap Up

By on October 3, 2017 in Music, Special Events, The Latest

On a normal Saturday in Franklin, Tennessee, you will see people checking out local produce at the Farmers Market. The Factory in Franklin will have a small crowd of people walking around and picking up unique gifts and maybe even making one at Third Coast Clay. This is not your normal Saturday in Franklin, that’s for sure.

An estimated 25,000 people from all over have swarmed in on this quiet town to attend The Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival.  The now widely-known festival all started as a simple idea from festival co-creator and front man of the pop/rock band Better Than Ezra, Kevin Griffin.  Griffin who is also a Franklin resident was on a jog just a few years ago when he passed by The Park at Harlinsdale, a century-old horse farm that sits on 230 acres of land. He envisioned not just a music festival, but an experience that would highlight the diverse musical artists, food, beer, wine, and art that is rooted in Middle Tennessee.

Going into the festival’s third year, they knew they had to make it bigger and that is exactly what happened when co-producer and newly-transplanted icon, Justin Timberlake, asked if he could perform.  In what is one of Timberlake’s only musical appearances of 2017, he doubled the attendance of the previous year and he showed up ready to play for his new hometown!

Closing out the first night of the two-day festival which featured incredible performances I caught by The Avett Brothers, The Shadowboxers, Ruby Amanfu with Steelism, and many more, Timberlake walked out to 25,000 people on their feet and applauding before he sang his first note. Proving that he is a class act, Timberlake forewent a big show opener and instead covered Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”, a prayer of sorts for the state that our country is currently in. With a bow of his head, Timberlake changed gears and ripped through hit after hit.  From “Drink You Away” and “Suit & Tie” to his closing numbers, the monster hits “Can’t Stop This Feeling!”, “Sexy Back”, and “Mirrors”, Timberlake had even the coolest East Nashville hipsters singing every word; making it a point to tell the crowd several times how much he loves his home state of Tennessee and that his new hometown is Franklin. It was clear, however, that no matter how much he loves Tennessee, Tennessee loves him even more!

The evening was highlighted when he reunited with Chris and Morgan Stapleton for the first time since their CMA Awards show duet.  Exchanging verses and taking turns doing each other’s background vocals on three of Stapleton’s songs.  The trio’s harmonies were so flawless that Timberlake’s band, “The Tennessee Kids”, couldn’t stop shaking their heads and neither could the audience.

As the night drew to a close and Timberlake took his final bow, it was clear that The Pilgrimage Festival delivered exactly what they said they would, a unique family-friendly experience that was for everyone! As the crowd filtered out onto Franklin Pike, you could already hear people making plans to come back next year.

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Album Review: Carly Pearce | ‘Every Little Thing’

By on September 26, 2017 in Album & Song Reviews, Music

For several years now, I have heard about Carly Pearce on the music scene; well before she was signed to Big Machine.  I always seemed to just miss her performance.

Finally, at this past year’s CRS (Country Radio Seminar), I got to see her perform live for the first time at the Big Machine luncheon showcase and she did not disappoint.

Pearce is releasing her debut album on Big Machine entitled, ‘Every Little Thing’, on October 13th.  It is produced by busbee.  Just to sum it up, I think it is aptly named because there really IS something to love about every little thing on this album.

“Every Little Thing” is also the title of the first single off this album.  If this beautiful ballad does not hit #1, I’ll be incredibly disappointed.  It has all the makings of a great hit and such an emotional song that many can relate to when they lose a loved one.

Carly Pearce’s voice is powerful.  She sings with conviction, great control, and emotion that is incredibly moving.  I can’t say enough good things about her vocals.

There is something for every country music lover on this album.   The songwriting is strong and deep throughout the album.  Thankfully, no mention of beer, pick-up trucks or dirt roads.   “Honeysuckle” is exuberant and playful midtempo.  “Dare Ya”, “Catch Fire”, and “Everybody Gonna Talk” are sassy mid to uptempo tunes.  “If My Name Was Whiskey” is poignant and moving ballad.  It is probably my very favorite off the album.

Honestly, I can go straight down the tracklisting and tell you something I enjoy about each song.  There is no song that I want to skip over and it is on repeat right now.  It is such a strong album in whole and I feel would appeal to any country music fan whether you like the contemporary country sound or more traditional roots.  Pearce tends to lean a little more traditional very reminiscent of early works by Sara Evans with just the right blend of contemporary to appeal to a broad audience.

In short, I think Carly Pearce has the potential to become one of the great, standout female A-list vocalists that you’ll be hearing about for many years to come in country music along the lines of greats like Sara Evans, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Reba, and Carrie Underwood just to mention a few who have all stood the test of time.  She is certainly one to watch and I strongly recommend buying this album when released.  It is one of the best I have had the pleasure to listen to this year.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 

 

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Darius Rucker Celebrates 8th #1 Hit, “If I Told You”, And Previews New Music

By on September 23, 2017 in Music, Special Events, The Latest

Music industry and friends gathered at the newly-unveiled entertainment venue Topgolf this week to celebrate Darius Rucker’s 8th number one hit song, “If I Told You”.

The three-time GRAMMY winner celebrated the current hit off his forthcoming album alongside the songwriters: Ross Copperman (BMI), Shane McAnally (GMR) and Jon Nite (ASCAP).

Following the presentation of the awards, guests were treated to a full band preview of his 5th studio album entitled, ‘When Was The Last Time’, set to release on October 20th.  Rucker became the first artist, along with his band the Carolina Grey Boys, to play a full set at the new venue and entertained the crowd with several new songs.  He closed out the set with his rendition of an old favorite, “Wagon Wheel”.

Fans who pre-order Darius Rucker’s new album will also receive the instant grat track, “Don’t”.

We can’t wait to hear more from the chart-topping country singer!

Afterwards, all guests were invited to stick around and try their hand at knocking a few golfballs out at the lit targets on the large driving range as a special preview of Topgolf before opening to the public on September 22nd.

About Darius Rucker
Rucker first attained multi-Platinum status in the music industry as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of GRAMMY award-winning Hootie & the Blowfish. Since re-introducing himself to the world as a country artist, he has released four consecutive albums to top the Billboard Country albums chart and earned a whole new legion of fans. In 2014, Rucker won his third career GRAMMY award for Best Solo Country Performance for his 4x Platinum selling cover of Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel,” off his album, True Believers. Rucker’s first two country albums, Learn To Live and Charleston, SC 1966 produced five No. 1 singles including “Come Back Song,” “This,” “Alright,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” Southern Style, his fourth studio country album, features his seventh No. 1 single “Homegrown Honey,” co-written by Rucker, label mate Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum and Nathan Chapman. Rucker’s last single, “If I Told You,” is his eighth No. 1 on country radio and the first cut from When Was The Last Time, his forthcoming fifth album for Capitol Nashville, due out October 20.

 

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BMI And Dualtone Celebrate “The Lumineers Day” In Nashville

By on September 16, 2017 in Music, Special Events

Photo credit: Steve Lowry

BMI and Dualtone celebrated one of Americana’s hottest acts yesterday afternoon with a special awards ceremony in the BMI lobby. The Lumineers were presented plaques honoring the successes of their 3x certified Platinum debut album and certified Gold follow-up album Cleopatra. In addition, three platinum singles – “Ho Hey,” “Stubborn Love,” and “Ophelia” – and two gold singles – “Flowers in Your Hair” and “Cleopatra” – were recognized. BMI’s Vice President of Writer Publisher Relations, Jody Williams, presented the group with MillionAir awards in recognition of 3 million radio performances. The ceremony concluded with a special surprise from Williams: a proclamation declaring September 14, 2017 “The Lumineers Day” in Nashville signed by Mayor Megan Barry.

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Exclusive Debut: GRAMMY-Nominated Singer/Songwriter Matthew West’s “Jesus & You”

By on September 13, 2017 in artist spotlight, Music

GRAMMY-nominated Christian singer/songwriter, Matthew West, has a brand new lyric video for his song, “Jesus & You”, that we’re excited to make it available to you on FOCUS on the 615!

This is new track from his upcoming album, ‘All In’, which will be releasing on September 22nd.

Watch it by clicking here or going to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqFitKCDRAg  We’re loving it and think you will, too!

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Matthew West is a four-time GRAMMY® nominee, a multiple-ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner and Dove Award recipient, and was awarded an American Music Award (2013), a Billboard Music Award (Top Christian Artist, 2014), a K-LOVE Fan Award (2016), and named Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year (2016). West also received a Primetime Emmy® Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for “The Heart of Christmas” from the film of the same name. In addition to his own recording career, he has co-hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards three times and has more than 130 songwriting credits to his name, including cuts by Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Mandisa, among others. Selling more than 1.6 million albums to date (TEA), West’s discography includes acclaimed releases: Live Forever (2015), GRAMMY-nominated Into The Light (2012), The Story of Your Life (2010), Something to Say (2008),  History (2005) and Happy (2003).

Well known for communicating stories through song, Matthew West has received thousands of stories from around the world. His latest studio album, Live Forever, continues that storytelling theme and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Sales Chart. He has obtained numerous No. 1 singles, most recently with “Grace Wins,” while achieving a record-setting No. 1 for 17 straight weeks at radio with “Hello, My Name Is” and “The Motions” for 15 weeks.

Adding author to his list of accolades, West has written five books to date: Give This Christmas Away, The Story Of Your Life, Forgiveness, Today Is Day One, and his newest release, Hello My Name Is. He is also passionate about providing hope and healing through the power of prayer and story, so along with his father Pastor Joe West he founded popwe, a non-profit ministry helping others to craft, share, and live a more meaningful life. Please visit popwe.org for more information.

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Artist Spotlight: Get To Know Airpark

By on September 11, 2017 in artist spotlight, Music

Photo credit: Melissa Madison Fuller

Nashville-indie rock duo, Airpark, will release their second EP entitled, ‘Early Works Vol. 2’ on September 15th.  They’ll celebrate with a show at The High Watt in Nashville on September 20th.  Don’t miss it!

The Nashville-based duo is made up of brothers Michael and Ben Ford, who formed the band after their previous project, The Apache Relay, called it quits.  With Airpark, the brothers create deconstructed pop music, focusing on songs that pack a punch with bold, basic ingredients.

1) How did you get together as a group?

 

“We’re brothers and have been playing music together since we were 11 and 12. Our previous project disbanded in 2015 and we took a solid year to write and record with no preconceived notions. The formation of our duo came out of that time and we formed officially in late 2016.”

 

2) Where are you from?

 

“We grew up right outside of New Orleans. It was awesome to be exposed to all the music of that area while growing up. It’s something I have only become more thankful for the older I get.”

 

3) How would you describe your sound?

 

“Our taste is pretty eclectic and it’s always tricky trying to be objective about your own art. We consider it to be groove focused, alternative pop.”

 

4) What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome as artists?

 

“I think continuing to be vulnerable with your writing and knowing that your letting people into the most personal aspects of your life. That’s also what seems to make for the best art though…”

 

5) What has been your favorite, most memorable experience so far?

 

“We recently did a run of dates with Tennis. Not only are we fans of their art but they were wonderful people to be around.  Their crowds were also very receptive to our tunes.”

 

6) What do you like to do when not making music?

 

“We’re both big film nerds these days. We love going to the Belcourt Theater to see movies and documentaries. We also go to 3rd Coast Comedy occasionally to check out their improv.”  

 

7) Tell us about your newest song and/or album out.

 

“It feels like a continuation of our first EP but more filled out sonically. On our first release we really kept it very intentionally minimalistic. With this collection of songs it naturally wanted to grow and we allowed that to happen.”

 

8) Do you enjoy the songwriting process and do you write your own songs?

 

“We’ve been writing our own songs since we were 11 and 12. I’ve always found the process of songwriting to be pretty elusive. Every song seems to come together differently and often times seemingly at it’s own pace. It can be the most rewarding thing in the world and the next moment, the most frustrating. For us, that’s what keeps the process intriguing.” 

 

9) What’s next for you?

 

“Heavy, heavy touring behind the new release. We’ll be on the road pretty regularly from now until Thanksgiving. A lot of these shows will be our first time playing some of these cities. We’re looking forward to seeing how the new songs come across.” 

 

10) Favorite place to eat in Nashville.

 

“Dino’s! The Porter Road Butcher burger with their fries. It’s a glorious thing.” 

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Lady Antebellum Brings The House Down In Nashville

By on September 10, 2017 in Music

Photo courtesy of the GreenRoom PR.

In what was the last stop of the North American leg of the YOU LOOK GOOD world tour, Lady Antebellum brought the house down along with tourmates, Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young.

Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena held a capacity crowd that was dancing and singing along with all 3 acts all night long.  As Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott put it: “It’s been two years since we took this stage” with Charles Kelley chiming in that they were prepared to “leave it all out on the stage”.  They did just that.  After taking a break to work on some special projects they wanted to do, Lady Antebellum is back and better than ever.

Photo courtesy of the GreenRoom PR.

Brett Young opened the night with a great performance to an appreciative crowd.  Midway through, he was presented with a multi-platinum achievement plaque by record label president, Scott Borchetta, along with other members of his team for his debut album and singles.  This is only the start of what is sure to be a successful career from the handsome, tall tunesmith.

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Next, Kelsea Ballerini took the stage in an energetic performance entertaining the crowd with hits from her debut album and sprinkling in a few new tunes from her upcoming release.  Vibrant as ever, we look forward to hearing more from the always adorable artist who took the country world by storm right out of the gates and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, thankfully.

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Finally, Lady Antebellum closed out the show with singing hits from their first album all the way through their current release.  They were enthusiastic and better than ever sharing how happy they were to be doing what they love for so many years in a heartfelt moment as they slowed it down a bit singing a few songs acoustically giving the band a break.  One of my favorites from that segment was their rendition of Shania Twain’s classic hit,“Still The One”.

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“Without getting too nostalgic, this is a dream come true for us to close out this tour in Nashville,” said Charles Kelley. “For over ten years we have walked this journey with everyone here tonight and we couldn’t feel more blessed. Thank you to everyone who helped us make this tour the most unforgettable journey yet.”

My favorite moment of the night is when they brought out the full horn section from Nashville School of Arts to join their 2 incredible horn players that usually tour with Justin Timberlake, but joined them while he is on a break from touring.  They finished off their single from the current album, “You Look Good”, in stellar fashion creating my favorite memory from the evening.  Also loved the opening with just the two added horn players energizing and hyping the crowd on stage alone for a couple of minutes serving as the intro of the always incredible Lady Antebellum to enter the arena’s huge stage.  They poured their hearts out all night long and had a spectacular conclusion with an encore of “Bartender” transitioning into their mega crossover hit, “Need You Now”, and leaving the stage to a standing ovation from a very appreciative crowd.

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They succeeded in accomplishing what they sought out to do, leaving it all out on the stage in a stellar performance lasting nearly two hours on a beautiful, cool, crisp fall-like evening in downtown Nashville.

Thanks, Lady Antebellum, for adding so much to the country genre with your harmonious sounds and constantly bringing your fans something fresh and new with each release for over 10 years. From their humble start playing at 3rd & Lindsley to packing arenas around the world, we hope to continue hearing from them for many more years to come. They are a must-see concert whenever they come to town.

Photo courtesy of the GreenRoom PR.

 

 

 

 

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Artist Spotlight: Sandra Lynn Talks About Newest Single, “Hey California”, And Much More

By on September 7, 2017 in artist spotlight, Music

Photo credit: Jean Claude

Get to know this California native and talented country artist. Hear all about her newest single and much more below!

What’s the name of your new single and what is it about?

“My latest single is called, ‘Hey California.’ It debuted on Radio Disney during their ‘Country Spotlight’ hour, and its the first single off of my upcoming debut full-length album that’s in the works to release soon. It’s a song that I co-wrote with songwriter/producer, Dave Brainard. When Dave and I first sat down together to write it, I told him I wanted to write a song that had a little bit of a Beach Boys vibe to it. My parents always listened to the Beach Boys’ records when I was a child, and I remember especially loving their Endless Summer album. I also wanted to write a country song that gave a nod to my Southern California roots—a song that has a Summertime, playful, California dreamin,’ vibe to it.”

Did you write the song? 

“Yes, I co-wrote it with Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter, Dave Brainard.”

What artists inspire you most musically?

“As a child, I always looked up to female country music artists such as Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, and Sara Evans. The list goes on…I always remember hearing these powerful female voices on country radio when I was a kid. I remember the first time I heard Deana Carter’s song, ‘Strawberry Wine’, come on the radio. I remember exactly where I was at the time—out in Chino, CA in the car with my mom, parked at a stoplight, and that song came on the radio…it’s the song that made we want to sing and write country music. I also looked up to artists such as the Beach Boys, Sheryl Crow, and Michelle Branch, and I think you can hear some of those influences in my latest single.”

What lead you to pursue music? How did you get your start?

“I started performing from a young age. I began dancing when I was three, acting when I was five, and singing when I was seven. Performing has always been in my blood, and I’ve always loved country music. As I said previously, when I heard ‘Strawberry Wine’ first come on the radio, that was when I knew I wanted to sing and write country music. In fact, I definitely had one of my childhood dreams fulfilled recently when I got to write with Deana Carter. It was such a surreal experience, and when we first met, I told her I was having a ‘geek-out’ moment with her because she’s the reason I wanted to sing country music ;).”

What is the greatest obstacle you have had to overcome as an artist?

“Being true to who I am as a person in my artistry. In other words, the common phrase, “be yourself.” It sounds cliché, but I 100% believe it. As human beings, we all want to connect with one another—we all want someone to relate to us in one way or the other—and we all live in a fickle, on-demand world these days. Music is subjective, but music is also an escape. The artists and music I’ve always connected to are the ones that lay it all out on the line—the ones that are vulnerable, where I feel like I can relate to them in some way. That’s what I strive to do with my own music in the hopes that it will resonate with new listeners and fans.”

Three words to describe yourself. 

“Charismatic, funny, kind”

What do you like to do when not making music?

“My husband and I love traveling, hiking, wine tasting, game nights with friends, visiting with family, and our five cats.”

What’s coming up next for you?

“My official music video for “Hey California” will be releasing really soon, so I’ll be excited for you to check that out! We filmed it out in Los Angeles, CA in iconic locations such as the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood ‘Walk of Fame,’ the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and up and down the coast of Malibu. It also features my friend and actor, Liam McNeill as our ‘Mr. Hey California’ in the video (Manchester by the Sea). We’ve got some live dates booked out on the road as well that are coming up, and lots more music coming for ya! I’ll be sharing all of these updates and more on my social media (@sandralynnmusic) and my website (www.sandralynnmusic.com) so make sure to check those out, as well as head over to Spotify to hear ‘Hey California!'”

Watch talented country artist Sandra Lynn’s playful tune called, “Hey California” by clicking here.  Love the vibe to this one, and like holding on to a little bit of summer as we start to change seasons!

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