Learn all about new artist, Hayden Haddock, with this Q&A.
Q: You are currently busy touring, recording and are a full time student at Texas A&M. How do you juggle it all?
It definitely gets tough sometimes, but just basic time management is key. I try to just get all my school work done during the week to leave the weekends free for touring.
Q: With Type 1 diabetes, how do you maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the road?
Luckily, i’ve had plenty of time to adapt to having T1D since I was diagnosed at 8 years old. I try to just make health conscious decisions when it comes to eating, but that doesn’t mean I say no to a good ole Whataburger!
Q: What is your go to snack when touring?
My go to snack on the road would have to be Cheeto Hot Fries and a Bang energy drink.
Q: What is your favorite song to play at your live show?
My favorite song to play live would have to be “Don’t Bother Calling” off of my EP or a new song called “Where You Come In”!
Q: You are currently in the studio working on your sophomore project with Trent Willmon. What has been the most exciting part of the recording process for you so far?
My favorite part of recording is definitely tracking day with the band. I love it because you get to hear your songs take on a whole new personality and really come to life.
Q: What was it like writing with HIT songwriters during your first trip to Nashville?
It was a little intimidating, honestly. I don’t think of myself as a great songwriter yet, so I was just so fortunate to be able to learn from those guys and help better myself as a songwriter.
Q: What can fans expect from your next record?
This next project will definitely top the last, as it should. It is 100% true, authentic country music which is what I stand for. I think every song on this next record has the potential to be a hit!
Q: Since you are also a full time student, what is your favorite course you are currently taking?
I’m not a big fan of school (don’t tell my parents) but if I have to choose I would say Materials and Methods just because it’s teaching me things that can actually be used in everyday life.
Q: What is the most exciting show/venue you have played so far?
My favorite show has probably been playing at The Rustic Dallas. It was a packed house, a very interactive crowd, and I had a lot of old friends show up which was pretty cool.
Q: When can we expect the new music?
We are shooting to have the new record out by early January of 2020. We just might release a single before then, so stay tuned for that!
Q: Lastly, since we are Focus on the 615, what is your favorite restaurant in Nashville?
I have been to a lot of great restaurants there, but I think my favorite would have to be Kayne Prime!
Sad news broke via social media tonight, September 29th, from major artists that the famed songwriter/producer, busbee, has passed away today at the age of 43. No news of the cause of death has been released.
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We are saddened to hear of this loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.
Busbee worked with multiple artists including: Christina Aguilera, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Maren Morris, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Backstreet Boys, Florida Georgia Line, Rascal Flatts, 5 Seconds of Summer, Lauren Alaina,Better Than Ezra, Daughtry, and many more. BMI lists over 100 songs written by him on their website. His presence and talent will be deeply missed.
Michael James Ryan, known professionally as busbee, was an American songwriter,[4] record producer, publisher, record label executive and multi-instrumentalist from the San Francisco Bay Area.
Grammy-nominated hit songwriter and producer busbee was born in Walnut Creek, California and began playing music when he was seven years old.
We’re still in recovery from a whirlwind incredible weekend at the seventh annual Music City Food & Wine Fest. Foodies from Nashville and beyond descended upon Bicentennial State Park and Music City Walk of Fame for the 3-day festival that brought along with it a slew of top national chefs as well as local Nashville favorites. The star-studded affair featured all the eats and drinks anyone could possibly want (and then some) along with chef demo tents, tasting sessions, book signings and much more.
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
We’re excited to share with you our favorites from the Friday and Saturday sampling feasts as well as the pinnacle Saturday evening event, Harvest Night.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY:
Friday evening and Saturday afternoon’s sampling feast, located at Bicentennial State Park, featured countless artisanal bites, cocktails, local & global wine, beer, and spirits. Held in an elegant yet casual setting, you were free to roam and come back to any booth you’d like for as many times as you’d liked over the course of the afternoon. The park was also the location for chef demos and tasting sessions as well as book signings with your favorite food stars. We were overwhelmed at both sessions by the sheer number of booths and samplings available to you.
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
It was a tough job… but someone had to do it. Here is our BEST OF THE FEST.
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
EATS:
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
True Food Kitchen: Unbeetable Burger
Featuring a crunchy vegetarian patty made from beets, this dish was a big shock for this hardcore steak eater. The addition of jicama slaw gave it a nice tang while the vegan mayonnaise and flaxseed bun were the perfect accompaniments that added depth yet allowed the beet patty to shine. We may go as far as saying this was our favorite dish of both the Friday and Saturday sessions (and we may have gone back for a second…and a third).
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Thai Esane: Stir Fried Noodles
Beloved Chef Nina’s booth featured refreshing and light stir fried noodles with bean sprouts and egg. Full of flavor, this dish made us even more excited for her new location on Demonbreun.
DRINKS:
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Vuis Kitchen: Edamame Dumplings
This booth had to have been the most popular one at the festival, but oh were we happy we had waited. The edamame dumplings were simply divine featuring a lighter than air dough exterior and light mashed edamame filling that was complemented with a delicious ponzu sauce to finish.
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Ellington’s Mid way Bar & Grill: Grilled Shrimp & Caprese Salad
The flavor was spot on with this very simple yet well executed dish. We found it to be a welcome reprise from some of the needlessly complex dishes that were around the festival
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Mangia: Pumpkin Pie Panna Cotta
Savory seemed to be the name of the game at the festival as many booths opted not to feature desserts. We were super happy that one of Nashville’s top Italian restauranteurs, Chef Nick, featured this light and creamy Pumpkin Pie Panna Cotta.
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Deacon’s New South: Black Fudge Cookie
This cookie was the perfect way to end an amazing afternoon at the sampling feast. It was incredibly moist and full of flavor without being overly sweet, which tends to happen with chocolate desserts and specifically fudge. While Deacon’s doesn’t serve this on their regular menu, I would gladly venture downtown to see what other dessert concoctions they are coming up with.
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Cannonborough Beverage Co.: Fresh Fruit & Herb Carbonated Sodas (non-alcoholic)
Surprisingly enough, one of our favorite beverages of the festival happened to be a non-alcoholic, all-natural carbonated beverage. We found ourselves back again and again at their playful pour-your-own station for their delicious Raspberry Mint Carbonated soda.
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
GIFFT Wine: Rose’
Created and fronted by Kathie Lee Gifford, the now Nashvillian who also made several appearances at the festival, this Rose’ was near perfect with a subtle sweetness and a crisp finish…absolutely perfect for a hot day!
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Hendrick’s Gin:
The Hendrick’s booth is always a highlight at the MCFW and this year they did not disappoint us with their creative concoction. Cleverly named, The Cornamusa, their signature cocktail featured their namesake gin along with Ancho Reyes and grapefruit juice. It was delicious, strong and fruity.
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Guinness with Cheese Pairing:
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Ancho Reyes: They took the cake for one of the coolest experiential booths, even complete with several ice luges for shots! For those not familiar with this trendy booze, Ancho Reyes is an authentic spicy liqueur crafted from ancho and poblano chiles in Puebla, Mexico. Their booth felt more like an actual bar and there was always a lively crowd surrounding it…. we even caught Chef Aaron Sanchez throwing back some libations there!
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
EXPERIENCES:
This was one of our favorite experiences of the weekend. We sat in with a Guinness ambassador and a Cheese maker as they provided us with tips on pairing suggestions. The Franklin-based Noble Farms Dairy offered 3 cheeses, including our personal favorite, a hot chicken spice coated goat cheese. The beer pairing included Blonde Ale, Traditional Guinness and Guinness Extra Stout.
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Maker’s Mark- Meet The Maker
In the ‘Meet The Maker’ Tent, we were invited to listen in on an expert at Maker’s Mark as he told us the history of the family behind the company and allowed us to sample both Maker’s Mark original along with Maker’s 46.
Fun fact: In America, they can’t reuse the barrels so they send them to Scotland to be used for the production of…you guessed it, Scotch!
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Rick Bayless Guacamole Master class & book signing:
We had an all-around blast with Rick Bayless at both his demo class as well as his book signing. His humor and humility really sets him apart from the rest.
Harvest Night:
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Entering Music City Walk of Fame Park as the sun was setting on a gorgeous Nashville night we experienced a pinch me moment… It was totally surreal bearing eye witness to our nation’s top chefs manning their own booths to not only cook but assemble and serve one of their signature dishes. It was like we were peeling the curtain back to catch first-hand these chefs in their element. Carla Hall, Tyler Florence, Rick Bayless, Aaron Sanchez were just a few of the megastars serving up that evening.
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
FOOD HIGHLIGHTS:
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Sarah Grueneberg (Michelin awarded chef and head chef and owner of Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio in Chicago)
Squash & Burrata: While this crostini may have looked simple in appearance, this dish was a burst of fresh ingredients and an incredible flavor combination.
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
Emmy Squared: Chopped Cheese
Matt Hyland has been topping all the lists with his critically acclaimed Le Big Matt burger and signature Detroit style pizzas. As a self-proclaimed cheesesteak snob, I was BLOWN away by their version, simply titled: The Chopped Cheese. A master on the grilled expertly cooked & chopped beef adding just the right amount of cheese, peppers and onions and then topping it into the most soft yet sturdy pretzel bun. This was the CLEAR hit of the night that had everyone talking.
Photo credit: Carly Caramanna
And, of course, our friend’s from Hendrick’s were on hand to make sure the drinks were free-flowing all night!
Another amazing Harvest Night came to an end as the superstar chefs freely roamed the park greeting and thanking the attendees.
Brett Young | Hilton Honors Photo credit: Getty Images
Members of Hilton Honors got an incredible opportunity yesterday to cash-in their earned points for an exclusive opportunity to spend the day with Big Machine Label Group’sBrett Young in Nashville.
Brett Young | Hilton Honors Photo credit: Getty Images
Members of Hilton Honors were treated to a pre-party that included an open bar and tasty food at the Country Music Hall of Fame prior to a full concert by Brett Young.
Brett Young | Hilton Honors Photo credit: Getty Images
Young wowed the enthusiastic audience singing his multiple hits off his 2 albums as the packed crowd sang along to most of the songs he sang.
He played for well over an hour with his full band on the top level of the Country Music Hall of Fame with breathtaking views of the Nashville skyline as his backdrop.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 12: Brett Young performs for Hilton Honors Members who redeemed points for an Exclusive Concert by Brett Young at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on September 12, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Koury Angelo/Getty Images for Hilton)
The full set list from the night:
“Catch”, “Used To Missing You”, “Like I Loved You”, “123 Mississippi”, “Reason To Stay”, Medley, “Sleep Without You”, “Incase You Didn’t Know”, “Love Yourself”, “Close Enough”, “Not Over You”, “Ticket To LA”, “Mercy”, and “Here Tonight”.
Today, Brett Young’s 3rd release entitled is available for download at Apple Music and Google Play. It is a 5-song EP of tracks from TICKET TO LA done acoustically entitled, THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS.
Get Brett Young’s new EP today, AND don’t forget to sign up for Hilton Honors to earn points when you stay at any Hilton property so you can enjoy exclusive special events. Hilton Honors organizes several members only events each year for their valued members.
Hilton Honors at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. Photo credit: Getty Images
Are you a member of Hilton Honors and a big sports fan like Brett Young is? Find out all about an upcoming experience in Nashville below.
Home Free, the country acapella vocal group who got their start together on NBC’s THESINGOFF, just released their newest full length album, DIVE BAR SAINTS, this week. Available everywhere that music is sold.
Favorites off the album for me are: “Remember This”,“Dive Bar Saints”, “Lonely Girl’s World”, and “Dreamer”. Additionally, “Go Rest High On That Mountain” brought tears to my eyes and sent chills up my spine. Well done, fellas!
This group of 5 men blend their vocals together so masterfully, making it seem effortless, when it really is far from easy. To hear their recorded voices, as great as they are, pales in comparison to seeing them perform live. Between their energy, fun personalities, their stage presence as they deliver near perfection in vocal harmonies, they are a force to be reckoned with and a treat to see. All they need are their voices along with beatboxing. No backing band is required. Nothing is pre-recorded. It is all pretty awe-inspiring to see live, which is why I highly-recommend you catch them out on the tour by the same name of the album coming to a city near you.
Home Free rehearsing for upcoming tour at SoundStage in Nashville.
The 12-track release by this incredibly-talented vocal group is sure to be another success for the group, and strongly-appeal to their legions of devoted fans who are very dedicate to the vocal group. One listen to Home Free in a live setting, and you’ll understand why.
I highly-recommend buying this album AND seeing them on their new tour, DIVE BAR SAINTS, for the full experience.
Mitchell Tenpenny performing. Photo credit: Courtesy of BMI.
The stormy forecast on August 20th didn’t stop BMI from throwing their last “Rooftop On The Row”party of the summer.
Gone West performing. Photo credit: Courtesy of BMI.
The event, presented by George Dickel Tennessee Whisky, featured performances by Mitchell Tenpenny and Gone West. Attendees enjoyed BBQ from Texas Roadhouse and sipped on playfully named cocktails including Dickelade (Dickel and lemonade) and Redneck Pepper (Dickel Tabasco and Dr Pepper). Gone West took the stage first. The band, which consists of Grammy-winning artist Colbie Caillat, her fiancé Justin Young, Jason Reeves and his wife Nelly Joy, opened with the song “Gone West,” an homage to the reasons behind the band’s name. Caillat performed her hit song “Realize,” which she wrote with Reeves. They finished their set with a fun breakup song called “Confetti,” and their first single, ”What Could’ve Been.”
BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Gone West and BMI’s Spencer Nohe (Photo: Nathan Zucker)
Between performances, one lucky concert-goer won a $250 voucher from Delta Airlines.
Mitchell Tenpenny opened with the song, “Truck I Drove in High School”. As the wind picked up, Tenpenny’s band kept a high energy vibe while they rocked out guitar solos under occasional lightning bolts. Tenpenny showed off his vocal abilities (and lung capacity) holding long notes with impressive intensity. The band slowed things down with a heartbreaker called “I Can’t Go To Church Anymore,” and picked the energy back up with the Platinum-certified No. 1 single, “Drunk Me.”
In the end, the storm held out long enough for both performances and BMI closed their summer rooftop concert series on a high note.
AmericanaFest & Spotify Present Sheryl Crow and Friends Photo Credit: Getty Images / John Shearer
Spotify set the bar high at AmericanaFest in Nashville on Tuesday night by hosting its first show in the festival’s 20 year history with an all female line-up. Headliner, Sheryl Crow, was joined by friends, Bonnie Raitt and Jade Bird.
AmericanaFest & Spotify Present Sheryl Crow and Friends Photo Credit: Getty Images / John Shearer
Taking place at historic Cannery Row inside the Cannery Ballroom on the balmy September evening, a packed crowd eagerly awaited the show that promised to be a memorable one, and a highlight of the week.
AmericanaFest & Spotify Present Sheryl Crow and Friends Photo Credit: Getty Images / John Shearer
Nine-time GRAMMY winner, Sheryl Crow, took to the stage performing with her full band many of her beloved hits like, “A Change Could Do You Good” and “If It Makes You Happy”, along with songs from her newly-released album, THREADS.
AmericanaFest & Spotify Present Sheryl Crow and Friends Photo Credit: Getty Images / John Shearer
Kicking off the evening with her most iconic hit, “If It Makes You Happy”, Crow then teased the crowd, “I’ve been around for a long time but it makes me very excited because there is an incredible crop of young women coming up!”
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 10: Artists Jade Bird and Sheryl Crow perform onstage during a special event hosted by Spotify and AmericanaFest at Cannery Ballroom on September 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Spotify)
English singer and songwriter, Jade Bird, was the first to join Crow on stage. Later on she was joined by a very special guest, the legendary GRAMMY Award-winning artist, Bonnie Raitt. It was a special surprise delighting the festival crowd who roared with approval, as they sang their newly-released song, “Live Wire,” alongside another Crow classic, “Strong Enough.” Sheryl Crow ended the wonderful Spotify event with yet another one of her well-known hits, “Everyday Is A Winding Road.”
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 10: Artists Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crow perform onstage during a special event hosted by Spotify and AmericanaFest at Cannery Ballroom on September 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Spotify)
Sheryl Crow’s new album on Big Machine, THREADS, is slated to be her final studio album. It features an incredible array of collaborations with country/Americana stars, ranging from Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, Mavis Staples and Willie Nelson to Maren Morris, Jason Isbell and Gary Clark Jr. You can stream it now on Spotify here.
CMT built the excitement for a second year in a row as they hosted several fun music events around Nashville leading up to their biggest event: CMT Music Awards.
Maggie Rose and Them Vibes perform at CMT Songbird Supper Club.
The week celebrating the CMT Music Awardskicked off with the inaugural CMTSongbird Supper Club on Sunday, June 2nd , which you can read all about here. This elegant event was sponsored by Pepsi and held at the Neuhoff Site.
Check out the photos above in Instagram for some highlights from the evening that featured a special dinner created by some culinary superstars from across the U.S. and music by some fabulous up-and-coming country artists.
On Monday, June 3rd, the 2nd annual CMT Ram Jam: Artists To Watchconcert was held at the Cowen at Top Golf, serving as the perfect setting for the evening that was presented by Ram Trucks. It featured dynamic, full-band performances by Runaway June, Morgan Wallen, and Jordan Davis in front of a packed house. Check out video clips from the night below.
Tuesday, June 4th, started with the 2nd annual CMT Block Partyin the early afternoon at the beautiful Schmerhorn Symphony Center Plaza in downtown Nashville. Presented by Wendy’s who handed out free Frosties and chicken sandwiches to the hungry crowd. It was an outside event that featured performances by: Cassadee Pope, Brandon Lay, and Lainey Wilson.
Tuesday night began with the taping of CMT Crossroads with Brooks & Dunn and a star-studded line-up of friends in downtown Nashville in the middle of lower Broadway in front of a live audience. Fans stood for hours prior to the taping to get a glimpse of the sound checks taking place for the show. You can see a video clip below.
They were joined by: Brett Young, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Luke Combs, Midland, Brandon Lancaster from LANCO, and more.
The night didn’t stop there as the fun continued with an intimate late night acoustic round of music with some of the ladies of country music. It was held at the trendy True Music Roomand Bar inside the Cambria Hotel, featuring some of CMT’s Next Women of Country members: Clare Dunn, Lindsay Ell, and Erin Enderlin. Sponsored by SEE HER and Citibank.
Afterwards, fans were given the opportunity to take pictures with and get autographs from the three talented ladies.
Finally, Wednesday kicked off early with CMT Sweat presented by Barry’s Bootcamp in the Gulch.
CMT Sweat was the can’t-miss kickoff to the CMT Music Awards happening lthat evening. Fans joined Barry’s trainers for an early-morning workout while enjoying music mixed live by DJ Anthony Batista. Attendees enjoyed swag giveaways and a free healthy breakfast.
In the early afternoon, day two of the CMT Block Party in front of the Schmerhorn Symphony Hall continued. Crowds gathered again for free chicken sandwiches and Frosties from the presenting sponsor, Wendy’s. It featured performances from Hardy, Rachel Wammack, and Ingrid Andress.
At last, the day of the CMT Music Awards had arrived after a fun-filled week leading up to their hallmark yearly event. Crews cleared the street around the Bridgestone Arena and began to set up the red carpet to the delight of excited onlookers anticipating what the evening had in store.
Stay tuned for the full wrap-up of the CMT Music Awards from our perspective!
You’ll be feeling “Go So Good” with the debut EP from newcomer Sarah Ryder. With a soulful, distinctive voice and a knack for writing powerful songs with moving melodies, singer/songwriter Sarah Ryder is proving to be one of country music’s prolific writers. Her unique sound is both traditional and modern, a seamless blend with mass appeal that feels just as much at home on stage as it does on the farm. With acclaimed Nashville producer Johnny Garcia (Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood) at the helm, listeners can expect her debut EP, Feels Like This, tomorrow. Together, they have crafted an impressive 5-track project that embraces Sarah’s 90’s Country upbringing while showcasing her emotive songwriting.
FOCUS on the 615 is proud to bring you an exclusive first listen to “Go So Good” on Ryder’s debut EP, Feels like This.
If you’re looking for a night filled with super-chic fashion and the metropolis’s most eccentric and elegent art supporters, look no further than the Nashville Symphony Fashion Show 2019.
This year was the 10th anniversary and boasted Carolina Herrera’s fall collection, Presented by Gus Mayer with a special appearance by Creative Director Wes Gordon. The show featured country entertainer Lauren Alaina with ticket proceeds supporting the Nashville Symphony’s artistic, educational, and community programming.
The CH collection was an an obvious omauge to 60s mod and a true testament to the multifaceted woman. The runway was directly in the middle of the glowing symphony hall and was constantly being splashed with bright falling orange or magenta chefon and electric blue died furs.
Sammi Moore stunned in a long black, button down, taffeta-dress complete with pockets. The newest Victoria Secret model, Sofie Rovenstine, displayed her signature smile, Carolina Horerra’s fun choice of brightly printed silks and bellowing sleeves. Sheridan walked in a fitted black suit with a surprise peekaboo cutout in back.
CH brought in embroidered leather, high necklines, and high hemlines, some doused in rhinestones and all paired perfectly with the hero of the night… the Manolo flat. Big cheers Bobbi Jo Hemmen and the team at Gus Mayer for creating a vision on the runway that encapsulated what women desire… easy-beauty and comfortable-freedom.
Shoutout to Codigo 1530 for making the yummiest Tequila refreshments for the pregame and the killer after party.
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You’ll be feeling “Go So Good” with the debut EP from newcomer Sarah Ryder. With a soulful, distinctive voice and a knack for writing powerful songs with moving melodies, singer/songwriter Sarah Ryder is proving to be one of country music’s prolific writers. Her unique sound is both traditional and modern, a seamless blend with mass appeal that feels just as much at home on stage as it does on the farm. With acclaimed Nashville producer Johnny Garcia (Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood) at the helm, listeners can expect her debut EP, Feels Like This, 
Shoutout to Codigo 1530 for making the yummiest Tequila refreshments for the pregame and the killer after party. 
