Aside from his unique look and style, Filmore continues to push boundaries within the country genre with his latest single, “Slower.” Released today, the catchy anthem integrates guitar twangs, R&B beats and his one-of-a-kind sound, capturing the innovative essence of the rising singer/songwriter himself. Listen up, Sam Hunt fans — Filmore is your next obsession. Catch this new hit on Spotify and iTunes.
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Song Review: Filmore | “Slower”
Song Review: Dillon Carmichael | “Made To Be A Country Boy
Dillon Carmichael brings out our favorite elements from classic country music in his newest single, “Made To Be A Country Boy.” Released today, the anthem is an ode to both southerners and Americans alike, reminding us to appreciate our heritage and remember where you come from. Dillon’s deep, soulful voice bring his touching lyrics to life, giving us a taste of the good ‘ole country music that we all miss. If you’re a Chris Stapleton or Jamey Johnson fan – Dillon’s traditional sound will be right up your alley. Check it out on Spotify and iTunes.
Album Review & Interview: LANCO | HALLELUJAH NIGHTS
The electrifying country rock band LANCO just released their debut 11-track album, HALLELUJAH NIGHTS, on Arista Nashville on January 19th.
LANCO is comprised of lead singer Brandon Lancaster, bassist Chandler Baldwin, multi-instrumentalist Jared Hampton, drummer Tripp Howell, and lead guitarist Eric Steedly.
After they crossed paths in Nashville during their early 20s, they quickly bonded over their shared small town upbringings and moved in together under one roof where they were able to truly gel as a band melding together their unique sound as they strived to pursue their musical dreams.
All 11 tracks on the full length album were co-written by lead singer and the band’s namesake, Brandon Lancaster. The album was produced by Jay Joyce who did a great job maintaining their signature sound that is best described as twangy rock. At least, that’s how I describe it. A sound that has been applauded by both music critics and fans alike.
LANCO performs at #1 party for “Greatest Love Story” at BMI. Photo credit: Steve Lowry
LANCO is currently busy bringing their high energy stage performance to the public as they make their rounds on national TV shows. This week you can see them perform their multi-week PLATINUM No. One hit “Greatest Love Story” on The Bachelor (1/22 at 7:00P CT on ABC) on Monday, performing their new anthemic single “Born To Love You” on TODAY (1/25 at 7:00A ET/CT on NBC), and then on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday (1/25 at 10:35P CT on ABC).
LANCO made their debut on The Ellen Degeneres Show last week with the popular and renowned host claiming, “you have to watch this”. Yes, we agree, you really DO have to watch this: http://bit.ly/2DktQrw
We had the opportunity to talk with the young, enthusiastic band at BMI just before their #1 celebration for “Greatest Love Story”, where they were also surprised with a plaque honoring them as the first country band to achieve platinum status on a single prior to the release of their album.
The #1 celebration at BMI that followed included tasty Mexican food, full bar, ceremony, and a special performance from the honorees.
HALLELUJAH NIGHTS brings us an anthematic collection of songs about coming of age, small town living, and young love that includes the two-week #1 hit, “Greatest Love Story” and their new single on country radio, “Born To Love You”.
My personal favorites off this album are “Long Live Tonight”, “We Do”, the title track “Hallelejuh Nights”, and “Stars Up”. All highly-infectious, uptempo tunes that I can listen to over and over.
LANCO after being presented with their 1st platinum plaque and being honored for #1 single, “Greatest Love Story”.
Photo credit: Steve Lowry
This album will appeal to a broad audience and could easily be a crossover hit that younger listeners will relate to with their heavily rock-influenced sound. Fans of traditional country won’t be thrilled, but fans of just simply good music will enjoy this.
Listen to & buy it now at all digital and streaming outlets. I highly-recommend this album.
LANCO can only fully be experienced live as they meld their high-energy stage performance with their distinctive, twangy rock sound. Lucky for us, they have joined Chris Young’s headlining tour along with Kane Brown, so you can experience their live show soon in a city near you.
According to bassist Chandler Baldwin, the band is excited to embark on this large arena tour as the band has “always envisioned” themselves performing in large arenas regardless of the size of venue they found themselves in and purposely geared their show to capture the attention of a large audience.
One of the reasons the band is so drawn to this genre and what they feel “makes country special”, according to drummer Tripp Howell, is the sense of community and the comradery that is found in Nashville as other artists cheer each other on at local music events like Whiskey Jam at Winner’s.
Can’t wait to hear and see more from this band that instantly made me a fan a year ago as I caught their show at 3rd and Lindsley. Look forward to great things to come since this is only the beginning.
Find out more about LANCO at their site and find out where you can see them live by going to: www.lancomusic.com
Album Review: Daphne Willis | FREAKS LIKE ME
Daphne Willis; Dopamine; Pop Artist; Nashville; Songwriter; NAMI; Mental Health; PTSD; Somebody’s Someone
Daphne Willis is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the pop space with her album, Freaks Like Me. Throughout the album, Daphne takes us on a trip of different stories that motivate listeners to climb out of dark areas in their life, remember that they are cared about, and to keep going no matter how bad the ups and downs are in life. As a whole, Daphne describes this project as the most exhilarating & vulnerable work that she has ever created. Musically speaking, Daphne mixes numerous different sounds and instruments that make the music appealing to a wide range of people.
From the big band and symphonic elements to the guitar strums, you never know what sound you’ll get on the next track. A few stand outs include, “Out of the Black”, “Keep on Keepin’ On” and her viral single “Somebody’s Someone”.
“Out of the Black” is a prideful hit about overcoming the shadows of depression and enjoying all that life has to offer–without medication. It’s a great anthem for anyone that has had struggles with mental illness.
“Keep on Keepin’ On” is an upbeat, energetic tune infused with some great brass instrumentals that are complemented by Daphne’s thoughtful, poetic lyrics. It’s a celebratory song about persevering through difficult times and the strength drawn from the people around you.
“Somebody’s Someone” is a slower, heartfelt melody encouraging listeners to know that they’re loved and valued–it’s probably the one that has resonated the most with her listeners.
Overall, Freaks Like Me is a unique journey through the last few years of Daphne’s life, that anyone can connect with. It’s incredibly honest and raw, with Daphne pouring her heart out in the lyrics and melodies. Daphne shows incredible promise and proves why she is certainly one to watch in the pop music genre.
Listen to the album here.
Album Review: Carly Pearce | ‘Every Little Thing’
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.
Show Review: LANco & Ryan Kinder At 3rd & Lindsley
LANco
Recently got to attend a show at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville with Warner Music’s Ryan Kinder and Sony’s LANco.
With a standing room only crowd, Ryan Kinder opened the show. Enjoyed his performance and songs very much. Great stage presence and very comfortable in front of a crowd. Definitely hope to hear more of his music in the near future.
Be sure to check out his new single, “Close”, available now on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon.
Ryan Kinder
From the very instant that headlining act LANco came onstage, they brought such an energy to the room, and the crowd seemed to feel it that singing along with them & dancing. Absolutely loved their stage presence and whole performance. There was such energy and enthusiasm. Great songs with a few covers thrown in was the perfect blend for the evening.
You can find LANco’s debut EP at iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon now featuring the single, “Greatest Love Story”.
Hope to catch both of these acts very soon again. Cool vibes and great music. Highly-recommend.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
Album Review: Delta Rae | “A Long And Happy Life”
Delta Rae just released their debut 4-track EP with Big Machine entitled “A Long And Happy Life”. Continue Reading →
Jerrod Niemann | “Buzz Back Girl”
Arista Nashville
I can’t tell if it’s that last shot of Fireball or Jerrod Niemann’s latest release that has me buzzin’ right now! The country-rocker stuck to his favorite theme – drinking – with “Buzz Back Girl.” But this time he shifted gears from tipping them back to tipping his hat.
“Lookin’ like that, lookin’ like that/You don’t even know what you’re doin’ to me/You got my buzz back, girl, my buzz back, girl,” Niemann sings in the cheerful chorus.
The special someone in this song cured Niemann’s hangover and turned him into a happy-go-lucky guy. Who needs bloody marys when you have this girl around?! The secret’s out, guys. Niemann confirmed there’s no more reason for that hair-of-the-dog to turn into a 12-pack-deep Saturday afternoon. All you need is a morning with your lady, and you’ll be fine
Niemann nixed the Auto-Tune found in his last two singles – “Donkey” and “Drink to That All Night” – and stuck with a classic-country-meets-pop vibe for “Buzz Back Girl.” However, he did include simulated scratching sounds, which are primarily associated with rap. Is Niemann taking a step in the emerging country rap direction? It’s hard to say, but I doubt it since he’s pretty established in his own style.
“Buzz Back Girl” was written by fellow country star Lee Brice; Kellie Pickler’s songwriting husband, Kyle Jacobs; and founder of Nashville Songwriters in the Round, Phillip Lammonds. This track from his High Noon album, which also features his past two singles, peaked at 35 on the U.S. Country Airplay chart. Niemann is wrapping up his Get Your Buzz Back Tour on Saturday in Orlando, Fla. But that’s not the only thing he’s wrapping. I’d imagine a few gifts are in store for his new bride, Morgan Petek, with their first Christmas as a married couple quickly approaching.
There’s a chance “Buzz Back Girl” could get lost in the mix of cookie-cutter, mainstream music compared to his past, distinct hits like “Lover, Lover” and “What Do You Want.” But for now, I’m jammin’ to this fun song and loving the idea of being someone’s hangover remedy!
Twitter: @jrodfromoz
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Album Review: Brian Collins | ‘Healing Highway’
The new 13-track album by Brian Collins entitled ‘Healing Highway’ releases on iTunes October 7th. Not only did Collins co-write every song on the album, but he produced it along with Mills Logan and Kenny Greenberg. Continue Reading →
Song Review: Nate Green | “Wild And Free”
Country newcomer Nate Green is grabbing attention across the globe with his debut single “Wild and Free.” And his good looks certainly aren’t hindering him.
Continue Reading →
