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Another Reflection On CRS 2012

CRS

Faith Hill performing during CRS 2012

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Well, I finally have a quiet moment to reflect on CRS 2012.  Matt’s already shared his perspective and I thought I would take a few minutes to share mine.

WOW.  That’s the best adjective that I can think of to describe this amazing 4-day long country music event known as CRS (Country Radio Seminar).  Matt and I were fortunate enough to be allowed to cover all of the events of CRS as media for the very first time this year for Focus on the 615.

This was simply an amazing experience for anyone who loves music as much as I do! THIS is quite simply why I do what I do so I can be there, hearing firsthand, connecting, and then sharing with you this love for music.  My love for music has gotten me through some of the worst times in my life and some of the best times.  Especially country music with it’s incredible lyrics and songs filled with emotion.  I feel so fortunate to be able to attend an incredible event such as CRS.  I’m one of the lucky ones allowed to hear some of the most amazing music that is out there today up close and to be able to come in contact with many of the people who are making this great music.  It was almost too much packed into 4 days to be able to absorb and much sleep was lost that week in order to take it all in, but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat and hope we are given the opportunity to attend this extraordinary musical event next year.

CRS

Hunter Hayes performing during New Faces show at CRS 2012

High points of the week were being able to attend the Country Radio Hall of Fame ceremony and dinner, Sony Music afterparty, and Black River Entertainment afterparty where long time friends Due West performed along with new friends, Sarah Darling and Glen Templeton.  Then, there was the Lady Antebellum concert with Darius Rucker and Thompson Square opening followed by Warner Music’s Attack of the 80s afterparty where favorites like Jana Kramer, THE FARM, Jason Jones, Frankie Ballard, Gloriana, The Dirt Drifters, and Big & Rich performed one original song then one 80s song.  That was one of my very favorite moments during CRS and a great way to end the night with all of the amazing people at Warner Music! Then, an incredible lunch brought to us again by Warner Music where I was front row being entertained by a full scale concert by none other than Faith Hill, who if anyone has doubts, has STILL got it and I eagerly anticipate the release of her new album! What an incredible performance and I’m fairly certain that will be the best lunch that I ever experience during my lifetime.  Lofty words, but THAT will be hard to top! There were elegant cocktail parties and a fun meet & greet mixer with large spreads of food and just about everyone who is anyone in country music in attendance just to talk to and take pictures with.  Then, the last night, another nice cocktail party where The Lost Trailers started off the evening with a short performance that ended with a gospel choir on stage singing this incredibly touching song “Underdog” that left me in tears.  It was quite difficult for me to keep my camera in focus and take the pictures I was trying to get as I tried to see through my tears because I was so moved by their performance.  Not only that, but they share a very touching story.  It was all very moving! Check them out if you haven’t heard of them! Lastly, there was the New Faces show concluding the event that featured full band performances on the same incredible stage that had been set-up earlier that day for Faith Hill.  Performers included: Eli Young Band, Hunter Hayes, Sunny Sweeney, and David Nail who each gave incredible, crowd-stirring performance that were appreciated by all in attendance at this elegant dinner.  Thompson Square was set to perform, but due to the loss of a loved one the evening prior, had to cancel unfortunately and completely understandable.  At least, we got to see them a couple of days before with Lady Antebellum.

We even thoroughly enjoyed all of the hours spent in the media room every day as we had the opportunity to sit down with many favorite artists to talk about their music like Gloriana, THE FARM, Jana Kramer, Frankie Ballard, Amber Hayes, Due West, Marlee Scott, Glen Templeton, Billy Dean and many more…we had so many great interviews in those jam-packed 4 days! Please look for those interviews throughout the site as there were so many, we are continuously uploading more video interviews and not nearly done!

I created Focus on the 615 this past August because I want to help promote great music and the artists who make it that I believe in. All of which is coming straight out of Nashville, TN! Being allowed to attend such a special event as CRS only solidifies for me my reasons why I created this music blog and why I want to continue to support the music & artists for many years to come.  If I want there to continue to be great music made, I feel like I have to do my part a little bit, too, and help promote.  As great as the internet is in reaching masses, it’s had such a devastating impact on the music community as a whole because of illegal downloading and sharing.  Countless labels have had to close their doors already, record deals have been lost due to labels simply not having the funds like they used to in order to fully develop and promote talented artists…in short, illegal music downloading has had a far reaching impact on the music industry.  So please, if you love music as much as we do on Focus on the 615, pay for your music downloads from places like iTunes or buy the physical cds from the stores.  Great music isn’t created for free and we can’t continue to get great music unless we support it.  A few dollars for a cd or $1.25 per song on iTunes is a very, very small amount to pay for something that will bring enjoyment for many years to come!

Thanks to the staff at Aristo PR for putting together such a spectacular event!

I would like to leave you with this great video from new Curb recording artist, Rachel Holder! When I saw this video aired just prior to the New Faces show, I absolutely loved it and it continues to stick out in my mind! Enjoy!

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CRS 2012: Interview With Due West

Due WestCheck out the interview below from CRS 2012 with some of my favorite people, the immensely talented:  Due West!

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Alzheimer’s Awareness, Hiding From The Rain

Please take a moment to check out this site dedicated to raising Alzheimer’s awareness and see the new video Rick Roman created with the help of several friends called “Hiding From The Rain”.

Since I lost my dad to this disease nearly 6 years ago, it’s a cause that’s very near to my heart.  So, please take just a couple of minutes to visit the site.

http://hidingfromtherain.com/

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My Favorite Music Video From A Nashville Artist

Mallary Hope

My favorite music video from a Nashville artist would have to be Mallary Hope‘s “Love Lives On“. This song is really touching and is a poignant reminder as to how valuable life is. I have seen this song positively mentioned on a lot of music blogs that I respect,†www.bestmusicblogs.org. Furthermore, this song and its accompanying music video helped to showcase Hope on the national stage as an inspiring new talent in the Nashville tradition of country and western. Hope is able to showcase her considerable vocal range on “Love Lives On”, as she sings this emotional ballad about the enduring nature of love. The scenes and images depicted in the video come mostly from the song’s heartfelt lyrics. Hope is able to portray the positive and mortal aspects of a romantic relationship with this effort. The video, like the song, is highly realistic in the sense that it illustrates the fact that life can be unpredictable, and things don’t always go one’s way. If this song is any indication of the singer’s potential, Hope should be around for several years to come. Country music in general, and in particular the brand of this music that stems from Nashville, is oftentimes unflinchingly realistic in its portrayal of the joys and pains associated with life.  “Love Lives On” continues this tradition, and is a testament to the genuine nature of Hope’s artistry.  I wish labels would learn to produce more songs of this quality. The video can be seen†here. †

Sources

Youtube.com

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CRS 2012: Interview With HER And Kings County

HER and Kings CountyCheck out this fun interview below with HER and Kings County!

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The Voice: Interview With Gwen Sebastian

Recently I caught up with a dear friend of mine, Gwen Sebastian, who many might recognize if you tune-in to NBC’s The Voice.  Gwen was selected to be on Blake Shelton’s team.

I’ve known Gwen for about 5 1/2 years.  She was kind enough to participate in a couple of benefit shows that I put together in the past.  From the beginning, I sensed something very special and endearing about her.  Aside from being extremely talented, Gwen is an extremely sweet, down-to-earth person.  What you see is what you get with Gwen and the reason I have always tried to support her music.

I was thrilled when I found out that she had been selected to compete on The Voice! I know she’ll go far if people can just get to know her better on the show.  She’s got the pipes AND the personality!

According to Gwen, she decided to audition for the show at the urging of her cousin.  She decided to take a chance and went out to the Los Angeles auditions the end of the past September since she missed the Nashville auditions.  It was a 3 step process to get to the final round to audition for the judges and what you see on tv.

Right now the show is recorded, but it will be going live in April.

“This is the greatest moment of my life.  It’s surreal.” says Gwen.  What she appreciates the most is they didn’t want to change people, just let them all be who they are.

I asked Gwen what a normal day is like for her on The Voice“Constantly on the go and bonding with other contestants.”  It’s hectic for her, but she is loving every minute of it!

Watch for Gwen Sebastian on The Voice and vote for her, please! She’s one of the good ones and truly deserves this!

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CRS 2012: Interview with THE FARM

Be sure to check out this interview with THE FARM! We think you’ll love them just as much as we do!

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CRS 2012: Interview With Gloriana

Check out the interview below with Gloriana from CRS!

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Tin Pan South Media Kick-Off Party, Buy Your Tickets Today!

Matt and I got to enjoy a special Tin Pan South media kick-off party on Tuesday, March 6th at The Rutledge in Nashville.  We enjoyed a fun afternoon filled with a preview of great music from several hit songwriters, free food from Maggiano’s Little Italy, and open bar.  It was a special event that we were very happy to be invited to be part of! Even Nashville Mayor Karl Dean joined the festivities on what was a beautiful spring day here in Music City!

Mayor Karl Dean at Tin Pan South Kick-off Party

Be sure to get your tickets for the 20th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival happening March 27th-31st.  Tickets on sale now! For more information, go to the site here for tickets and schedules.  You don’t want to miss out on what’s a truly special event in Nashville!

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CRS 2012: Interview With Billy Dean

See the video below for an exclusive interview with country star, Billy Dean!

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