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Kelsea Ballerini Shows A Rawness, Vulnerability, And Growth In Short Film

By on February 28, 2023 in artist spotlight, Music, The Latest

This short film from Kelsea Ballerini is next level for her all around. I’ve always enjoyed her music, but this shows a growth, rawness, and vulnerability that will resonate with a lot of people.

We’ve seen the playful and fun side of Kelsea in her early twenties that garnered so much praise.  Now, we have a glimpse at the woman she is becoming as she leaves her twenties behind along with the end of her marriage as she carves herself a new path bravely forward.

Can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented artist!

 

 

 

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Audio Exclusive: Sarah Ryder | “Go So Good”

By on May 30, 2019 in artist spotlight, Artists to Watch, Music, The Latest

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.

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Exclusive Audio Premiere: Clark Manson | “Goodyear’s

By on May 16, 2019 in artist spotlight, Artists to Watch, Music, The Latest

Clark Manson cleverly connects three generations through the tires on a truck passed down from father to son in his new song, “Goodyear’s”. Evolving from the good-time, party guy we met a few years ago to a tender-hearted, first-time father, his new self-penned single is set to release tomorrow, May 17.  We are excited to bring you an exclusive first listen!

Listen to “Goodyear’s” now here:

Sentiment and nostalgia earnestly roll out of “Goodyear’s” from the very first notes.

“I remember the day he passed it down to me / I was smiling like crazy, holding the keys / Four new tires he said is all it needs”

While the song begins with Manson reflecting on the past with his father, it soon finds the 28-year-old looking forward to the future with his son, who was born last year.

“They seen some long nights where your momma liked to pull off and park, we were dancing in the lights, kissin’ in the dark, got stuck one night down by the creek after a couple of beers, yeah those were some Goodyears”

“Goodyear’s” is undoubtedly Clark Manson’s most authentic, heartwarming song yet. Clearly, becoming a husband and father have been great for him.

No stranger to success, Manson has had three consecutive singles featured on Spotify’s “New Boots” playlist, placement on SiriusXM “The Highway,” an independent album on Billboard’s Top 5 Heatseaker Chart and an independent EP reaching Top 10 on iTunes County.

If you’re lucky enough to have a truck passed down from your dad, “Goodyear’s” is the kind of song that makes you want to hop in it, drive over to his house and give him the biggest hug of your life.

Hey Goodyear Tires, Clark Manson wrote and recorded the perfect song for your next commercial. You’re welcome.

Keep up with Clark Manson at clarkmanson.com, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

 

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Audio Premiere: Austin Merrill | “Grand Cherokee”

By on April 25, 2019 in artist spotlight, Artists to Watch, Music

With Grammy-award winning producer Mark Bright (Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, BlackHawk) at the helm producing his first album, rising country artist Austin Merrill will be making his debut with his upcoming self-penned EP release, Whiskey & Water, on April 26th. Together, they have crafted an impressive 5-track project that embraces Austin’s 90’s country upbringing while showcasing his contemporary songwriting and Bright’s musical vision that will effortlessly transition to the ears of today’s country listener.

 

After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Austin answered another lifelong calling that he could no longer ignore: he joined the U.S. Army and is currently commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Tennessee Army National Guard.  He proudly serves his country.

 

We are excited to be hosting the audio exclusive of one of the tracks called “Grand Cherokee.”  Listen to it below.

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New Artist Spotlight | Colleen Orender Releases “Blame It On The Mistletoe” 

By on November 23, 2018 in artist spotlight, Music

With the holiday season now upon us, artists releasing Christmas music is also in full swing.  One of the stand-out original Christmas songs brought to our attention is “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, written and produced by Michael Davey, recorded by Colleen Orender.

Maintaining a classic feel and throw-back approach, “Blame it on the Mistletoe” has the potential to rank high with any of the traditional holiday hits.  Colleen’s vocal performance brilliantly delivers, giving the listener tasty hooks, warm tone and a timeless sound.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6DsKvSg6EonO1fW3SZaxIr?si=uepsEuOcTai2t9H6m97AVg

With this release being a prelude to Orender’s forthcoming studio recording “Don’t Give a Damn About Love”, set for a Nov. 30th drop date, we are told to “expect the unexpected”.   Collaborations on the project includes an A-list group of songwriting partners. 2018 Latin Grammy winner Nikki Williams (Laura Pausini, Demi Lovato, Lauren Alaina), Greg Becker (Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts) and Michael Davey (Martina McBride, Angie Aparo) all prove the diversity these recordings will present.

Focus on the 615 is very excited to follow Colleen Orender’s musical path, one that seems to be paving a way for the many multi-genre songwriters and artists Music City embraces.

www.colleenorender.com

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Get To Know Sony’s William Wild, Performing In Nashville August 28th

By on August 24, 2018 in A Closer Look @, Album & Song Reviews, artist spotlight, Artists to Watch, Music

Photo credit: Erin McCall

William Wild, one of Sony’s newest artists and Knoxville-based musician, will be performing at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville on August 28th alongside SAWYER and Katie Herzig beginning at 8pm.

He gained an impressive following in the wake of his debut EP, which amassed over 12 million streams on Spotify alone.  The music itself is a really unique mix of folk-tinged songwriting and melodies with more modern, pop-leaning production and aesthetic.  His music has also landed a number of high-profile placements in film and TV, including 2017’s major motion picture & Sundance favorite Wind River (his track “Feather” featured as the end credits track) and the Kevin Costner-led series Yellowstone (“Morning”).

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | williamwildmusic.com

Get to know Wild in his own words from our interview with him below and don’t miss him at 3rd & Lindsley this week.  You’re in for a treat!

1) What made you decide to pursue a career in music?

“I think I’m asking myself this question for the first time these days. I never made the decision to pursue music, there really just came a time in the middle of college where it was the only thing I thought about and wanted to do…so I kept doing it!”

2) What and where was your first performance?

“Preservation Pub in Knoxville, TN. I may or may not have worn a fedora.”

3) Describe your music.

“I love the simplicity of folk songs and I spend most of my time trying to figure out how to write and present those ideas in a weird and fresh way.”

4) Musical influences?

“Neil Young was the first artist that actually got the wheels turning for me.  It’s such a specific vibe, yet so plain and upfront.”

5) What do you enjoy doing when not making music or performing in your free time?

“I like to cook and learn about food, exercise outside, and cuddle with my beautiful brown dog, Delta.”

William Wild’s newest single, “Who Do You Love”, is a catchy, uptempo tune reminiscent of classic rock hits of the 70’s.  You can listen to it below.  We think he’s an artist to watch!

 

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Song Review: Carrie Manolakos | “Take Me Down”

By on July 30, 2018 in Album & Song Reviews, artist spotlight, Artists to Watch, Music

Photo credit: Shervin Lainez | www.shervinfoto.com

I first became aware of Carrie Manolakos after watching the “This Is Me” video from a rehearsal for ‘The Greatest Showman’ soundtrack.  If you haven’t seen this video, watch it below.  I must have watched this video well over a dozen times.  There is such joy and pure talent overflowing in that room.  It is infectious! Carrie was one of the choir members who really stood out in this video.  The rehearsal room was filled with some of the best of the best of young, rising Broadway performers.  Literally, a “who’s who” list of who to look out for on Broadway in NYC, including Hugh Jackman.

Ok, I realize that Carrie Manolakos has nothing to do with the 615 aka Nashville & surrounding areas.  I need SOME kind of tie in to our city to talk about her on here since this site is all about anything related to Nashville.  Well, I noticed in her Instagram that at some point in the past few years she DID perform at City Winery Nashville.  If we get lucky, maybe she’ll pass through this way again, but there is the connection to Nashville that I was looking for. 😉 Update: According to Carrie she has visited Nashville a few years back working on her songwriting with some of our vast songwriting community.

Anyway, now that I have gotten THAT out of the way, let’s talk about why I think you should get to know Carrie and her music.

She is a standout among singers with such tremendous control of her powerful vocals.  While some vocalists with her kind of power can have a tendency to oversing at times, Carrie starts out softly, harnessing her power.  She emotes and seemingly feels every lyric as she continues to build until she reaches a dramatic peak where she unleashes the full power of her voice.  Her voice is so strong, controlled, and pitch perfect that it simply gives you chills.  Well, it does me anyway.  Then, she brings it back down softly again.  She will quite literally make you gasp from the power and emotion she exudes as she sings.  That is the best way that I can describe it.  Simply flawless vocals.

In this new, original song by her entitled, “Take Me Down”, you have a power ballad in the pop/alternative rock genre.  It’s a mesmerizing and haunting song with lyrics like: “Every hurt that I’ve ever known.  I need fear to leave me alone.  Take me down to the water’s edge and make me whole.”  She sings of pain she is feeling with vivid imagery and yearning to heal from it.  It’s a song that everyone can relate to and she sings it so beautifully.

Get to know more about this incredibly-talented singer by checking out her website: www.carriemanolakos.com/

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Premiere Of Lyric Video From Brailey Lenderman

By on June 27, 2018 in A Closer Look @, artist spotlight, Artists to Watch, Music, The Latest

We here at Focus on The 615 are pleased to bring you the exclusive premiere of a brand new video from one of the genre’s most promising powerhouse vocalists.  Brailey Lenderman’s debut single “Remember All The Nights” is already steadily heading up the charts and now you can check out the lyric video ahead of the upcoming release of the accompanying music video.  Produced by Jared Logan (Fall Out Boy) & Aswan North (Paper Tongues) with the iconic mandolin player and Grammy Award-winning artist Ricky Skaggs lending his picking skills on the track, the wistful song is a strong debut for the Georgia native. At the helm of the team is industry vet Phoenix Stone (of Halogen Entertainment-Backstreet Boys, Maty Noyes, Este & Danielle Haim).

https://youtu.be/IVzkrqS5nAg

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Gavin Kennedy Shows Off New Music

By on February 9, 2018 in artist spotlight, Artists to Watch, Music, Special Events, The Latest

The Back Corner was filled Tuesday with supporters of multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer, Gavin Kennedy. The lights were dimmed and Gavin’s logo blazed bright against the wall. This was all a part of a listening party in celebration of his upcoming debut album release this Friday, Sunchaser. People gathered inside The Back Corner to listen as Gavin told his story and played tracks from the album. He started from the beginning of the album and in between songs clips were played featuring people who had worked on the album. One of those clips was of Adam “Nolly” Getgood who was actually in attendance. Nolly co-produced Gavin’s debut album. According to Gavin, the album starts with a few “one off songs” then progressively leads into more story telling songs that feel more thematic and cinematic. The music was amazing and the visuals projected behind him perfectly represented the vibe of every song. We’re so excited to see where Gavin goes next and will be looking out for more of his shows! Be sure to check out his album when it drops this Friday.

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Album Review & Interview: LANCO | HALLELUJAH NIGHTS

By on January 22, 2018 in Album & Song Reviews, artist spotlight, Music

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

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