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The 2023 London Fashion Week Opening Debuts Country Artist Michael Rix For Jeff Garners Prophetik Clothing Show At Burlington Arcade

By on September 20, 2023 in Artists to Watch, In The Press, Music, Special Events, The Latest, Uncategorized
Nashville made a profound presence this year at London Fashion Week by honoring local designer Jeff Garner as the opening runway show at the iconic Burlington Arcade.  Garner has made a name for himself and his Prophetik Clothing brand by dressing many musicians, from Taylor Swift to the Kings Of Leon. His designs have been seen on The Acadamy Awards, The Grammys and in various top publications.  Garner is an eco-fashion pioneer.
Country artist Michael Rix has been differentiating himself as a performer by adding the banjo as an integral element to his soulful sound. Michael is endorsed by Recording King Banjos. At the helm of his latest release “Take A Drink,” Rix has definitely been paying his dues within the Nashville music community, not only sharing the stage and writing with some of the industries top songwriters, he is also an author, penning the book “From Cult To Country,” sharing his story as a cult survivor from his early childhood.  Michael has a story that is unmatched, yet you can hear the triumph and hope within the music he shares.
Rix was approached by Garner in the spring of 2023 at the Davy Crockett “Savage Lands” movie premiere, presenting the idea for him to play and sing during Garners “Let Them Be Naked” runway show at London Fashion Week. The show was sponsored by The Redford Center (Robert Redfords foundation) and included a special appearance from Gerard Butler. Not only was this the 1st runway show ever to be held at Burlington Arcade, Rix was the 1st country banjo artist to perform within the historic property.

Michael Rix will be performing at the Pilgrimage Music Festival this Saturday at noon, kicking things off on the Americana Triangle Stage, with Mike Farris closing the show.  Other headlining performers included at  the Pilgrimage Festival are The Lumineers, The Black Crowes, Zack Bryan, Better Than Ezra and James Bay.  To check out the full line up, visit www.pilgrimagefestival.com.

For more information about Michael Rix, Jeff Garner, Prophetik Clothing and London Fashion Week, please visit:

www.michaelrix.com

www.prophetik.com

www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

United Kingdom press links:

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/london-fashion-week-september-2023-b2410628.html

https://www.etonline.com/gallery/must-see-celeb-sightings-september-2023-210709

https://nextjs-dot-london-fashion-week.appspot.com/designers/prophetik

https://www.gonesunwhere.com/2023/09/london-fashion-week-opens-with-ethical.html?m=1

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Betty Who Live @ The Brooklyn Bowl Nashville

By on March 7, 2023 in Artists to Watch, Music, Special Events, The Latest

The spirit of love was guided, fed and led by the one and only Betty Who at Nashvilles Brooklyn Bowl to an energetic and well attended audience Monday, March 6th.In support of the Nashville show,  drag performer Shea Couleé opened the night with a dynamic set of original dance music, adding not only a bit of controversy to the show in the midst of Tennessees current anti-drag bill that was passed last week, but proved the art of drag is inclusive with live music.

Couleé achieved international fame after competing on season nine of RuPaul’s Drag Race, placing in the top four. In 2020, Couleé won the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Couleé later returned to compete on the all-winners seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022, once again placing in the top four.
Betty Who previously performed at the 2014 Nashville Pride Festival in support of her debut studio album, Take Me When You Go. The Australian singer-songwriters second studio album, The Valley (2017), saw the commercial success of her cover of “I Love You Always Forever“, which peaked to the top ten in Australia and reached the top of the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in the United States.
Her 2022 project simply entitled “BIG!” has received critical acclaim, weaving together a body of well crafted pop songs with relatable depth and purity.  The combination of breathy, melodic hooks and solid vocal tone showcases that she is an artist with global and cultural appeal.  In true Who style, her beautifully, unique version of Kate Bush’s iconic hit song “Running Up That Hill” was released last month.
Whos live show definitely exhibits her love to perform and her connection with the listener is something she does not take for granted.  There is a reason why Betty Who has maintained relevance and grown a substantial fanbase for over a decade.  Her growth as a songwriter and recording artist shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. In fact, it seems she’s just begun a new chapter.
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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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Delta Rae Revival At The Basement: A Southern Gothic Immersive Experience

By on November 11, 2018 in Artists to Watch, Music, Special Events

Signed to Big Machine Label Group, Delta Rae is currently hosting a weekly residency every Wednesday night beginning at 8pm through December at The Basement.

The Durham, North Carolina natives who formed as a band 9 years ago is comprised of siblings, Ian Hölljes, Eric Hölljes, and Brittany Hölljes, as well as Elizabeth Hopkins, Mike McKee, and Grant Emerson.

What I have always loved about Delta Rae from the first time I saw them perform is the energy and passion they always bring to the stage.  As great as they sound on their recorded music, they are a band that really needs to be seen in-person to fully appreciate their music.  On the stage is where they really shine and there is nobody else out there like them.  That is why the weekly residency called the Delta Rae Revival is the perfect opportunity to see them.

The Delta Rae Revival is a fun southern gothic theme set inside what they have created as the haunted chapel.  It fits their swampy, folky sound perfectly and is pure unadulterated fun.  You forget that you are in Nashville and are transported to an old, abandoned, haunted chapel in the deep south somewhere deep within the swamps of Louisiana.

You are first greeted by an old time southern preacher preaching from his pulpit.  Stained glass windows and old style lanterns decorate the dim, almost cave-like atmosphere of The Basement located off 8th Ave. South beneath Grimey’s Record Store.

Delta Rae is joined each week by special guests opening the night for them.  This show featured 18-year-old Payton Smith with his full band, whose stage presence and guitar skills command the room.  He comes across far more seasoned than his mere 18 years and is an artist to keep your eye on.  Following Smith’s high energy, full band performance, Adam Wakefield took to the stage with an acoustic set.  Probably should have been swapped in order of performance with Wakefield opening up the night since it is a tough for acoustic to follow a full band performance due to always more subdued regardless of who you are.  However, the extremely talented THE VOICE alum with his soulful vocals held his own.

The show started at 8pm with the opening artists and by 930pm when Delta Rae took to the stage, the crowd was packed to capacity spilling far out into the lobby area where you only get a limited view of what is going on, so arrive early when the doors open at 730pm to snag a good spot to view the show and grab yourself a drink.  It’s worth it and such a treat!

You only have through December to see Delta Rae’s residency.  Don’t miss it! It really is a lot of fun filled with great performances.

 

 

 

 

 

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“The Walking Dead” Actress Emily Kinney Performs At 3rd and Lindsley

By on October 1, 2018 in Artists to Watch, Music, Special Events, The Latest

Kicking off the 40 city “Same Mistakes” tour, Emily Kinney made Nashville her fourth stop at the weekly Lightning 100 Sunday night live broadcast at 3rd & Lindsley, supporting her latest studio recording, “Oh Jonathan”.

Kinney is no stranger to the entertainment world, having notable success as an actress in film and television, she is best known for her role as Beth Greene in the popular series, “The Walking Dead”.  She will also be appearing in the upcoming Netflix series, “Messiah”.

Aside from acting, Kinney has always been passionate about her songwriting and music career. Her latest album, “Oh Jonathan”, is a well-received collection of songs that signifies a pure and honest sound.  Her simple melodies, combined with innocently sweet vocals and an electro-pop undertone, allows the listener to relate to her youthful, yet mature sound.  Kinney was listed by Paste as the “Best of What’s Next” and Esquire declared her as a “double-threat musician you need to know”.

Joining Kinney on tour is Paul McDonald as opening support.  McDonald is best known for his stint on season 10 of “American Idol”.  He has maintained an impressive presence independently since then, creating and recording music that has garnered positive criticism on local and national platforms.

McDonald’s 2018 release, “Modern Hearts”, was produced by Jordan Lehning (Caitlin Rose, Rodney Crowell, Andrew Combs), and features an impressive cast of studio musicians whose resumes include Cage The Elephant, James Bay, Shawn Mendes, Maren Morris, Nikki Lane, Kacey Musgraves, and Buddy Miller, among others. The album was tracked with ace musicians playing in real time with sympathetic band interplay at the vibey Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, NC (Band Of Horses, Avett Brothers).  Additional recording took place at Sound Emporium Studios (Jason Isbell, Alabama Shakes) in Nashville, TN

McDonald is also currently featured on the summer 2018 Lincoln Parish (Cage The Elephant) release,  “What I Need”.

For more information about the current tour,  visit www.emilykinneymusic.com or www.thepaulmcdonald.com

 

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Audio Exclusive: Dakota Danielle | “Forever.

By on September 6, 2018 in Artists to Watch, Music

Three words come to mind when you hear Dakota Danielle’s sophomore single “Forever.” Nostalgic. Empowering. Wise.

Slated to release tomorrow, we’re bringing you an exclusive sneak peek.

From the first chords, a wave of sentiment washes over you as the 25-year-old singer-songwriter’s insightful voice begins with:

“Honey I know what you’re going through;

I was young once and in your shoes.”

An ode to her 15-year-old self, the song’s vintage tone sends a black-and-white reel of high school’s simple moments spinning through your mind. Walking down the halls, longing to fit in, catty cliques, young love and broken hearts are memories highlighted in the lyrics.

These words are intertwined with a wise perspective brought about for Dakota Danielle 10 years later. “Forever” delivers an empowering message to young people to view themselves through the eyes of someone who sees their true worth and potential.

The trials and tribulations of teenage years are enhanced with a skewed perception of what is important in life. “Forever” offers compassion and the promise of a bright future in moments of adolescent darkness.

After listening to Dakota Danielle’s self-penned sophomore single, young people should feel a sense of companionship. Anyone else should feel inspired to encourage the middle- and high-schoolers in their lives with the same uplifting message.

Following in the wake of her debut single, “One Church,” the Teutopolis, IL. native has captured our attention with a meaningful song produced by Mookie & Evan with Michael J. Clouse III (Jeff Buckley, The Rolling Stones’ Nicky Hopkins, Thin Lizzy’s Marco Mendoza).

Intended to positively impact the lives of others, we’re looking forward to more music like this from the up-and-comer.

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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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