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From Outlaws To Innocence: Struggle Jennings Debuts “Bad Company” Ft. Brianna Harness

By on July 25, 2018 in A Closer Look @, Album & Song Reviews, Artists to Watch, Music, The Latest

Waylon Jennings was the original outlaw of country music, having a career that has spanned over four decades and continues to influence aspiring and successful artists within the current musical spectrum.  Acknowledging his contribution to more than just country music would be an understatement, especially taking into consideration that the Jennings family legacy is carrying the torch boldly for generations to come.  Somewhat of a modern day outlaw himself, Waylons grandson Struggle Jennings takes on a tender approach with his latest single, “Bad Company”.  Not only does the songs honest interpretation give the listener a taste of Struggle’s diverse talent, we are also introduced to his daughter, Brianna Harness.

Brianna and Struggle have an interesting vocal dynamic. Her pure tone, versus the life experience heard in Struggle’s delivery, works as they sing the simple chorus in the beginning of the song.

“I don’t think you know how to be in love with me, your words don’t comfort me, oooh you should run from me, I’m bad company”

Struggles grit and depth shines as he lyrically conveys a bit of a softer side.  Although this is a father/daughter collaboration, the words can be taken into a unique context.  Both knowing the difficulties they have experienced from the mistakes made by a fathers controversial past possibly?

The message of “Bad Company” is clear as the female vocal consoles,  while the male is trying to warn her.  Upon listening to the song for the first time, I don’t think it is meant to be overthought.  Struggles natural flow in his verse is brilliant, allowing Brianna to carry the melody with an impressive, yet unique and underlying innocent sound.

With the vast musical history the Jennings family has built, Struggle and Brianna bring us a pleasing representation.  One that foreseeably can be taken to another level and would make Waylon very proud.

Video link:  https://youtu.be/Tm9zIzfG9Gs

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/track/5nnPRCuilZfnMxxywErwLI?si=D7cXWFSiQMm2eUyRTizCgA

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Newly-Signed Rachel Wammack Stuns Crowd At First Showcase

By on July 15, 2018 in A Closer Look @, Artists to Watch, Music, The Latest

On Thursday, July 12th, I had the pleasure of attending the first showcase of one of Sony Nashville/RCA Records’ newest artists, Rachel Wammack.  

Held at the beautiful, vibey Analog at Hutton Hotel near downtown Nashville with a standing room only crowd, Wammack along with her newly-formed band, played a 30 minute set to a enthusiastic, appreciative crowd.  The young singer/songwriter hails from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a town known for and deeply-rooted in a rich musical history with what has come to be known as the “Muscle Shoals Sound”.

Rachel Wammack is a beautiful blonde who puts me in mind of Carrie Underwood when just starting out, filling that void for Sony left by Underwood when she signed with with UMG Nashville last year after being with them since the start of her career.

Those are not easy shoes to fill and to be fair, she was discovered by Sony several years ago at the age of 17 in her hometown, long before Carrie Underwood departed her longtime label.  The now 23-year old Rachel Wammack, who is one of the newest additions to the label, seems poised and ready to lend her powerful voice to country music as she etches out her own nitche within the industry.  She brings with her a youthful exuberance, a sweet, southern disposition, and a subtle soulful sound behind her powerful vocals as she emotes from the stage seemingly feeling every lyric along with being a highly-skilled keyboardist/pianist.

The most poignant moment during the showcase that stuck out for me was when she talked about her song, “My Boyfriend Doesn’t Speak For Me Anymore”, as she asked the women in the audience how many of them had experienced a “suffocating relationship” and consequently gotten out of it finding their own voice again.  It is an emotional, empowering song that will resonate with many women who have dealt with the same scenario that is far too commonplace in our society.

I look forward to hearing more from Wammack as she just released her first single, “Damage”, off her debut self-titled EP available here to country radio.  I know there is much in-store for this talented singer/songwriter, and I can’t wait to see where it all takes her.

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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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CMT Next Women Of Country Artist: Lindsay Ell

By on January 17, 2018 in A Closer Look @, artist spotlight, Artists to Watch, Music

Lindsay Ell at CMT Next Women of Country celebration this past November.

I had the pleasure of catching up with several of CMT Next Women of Country artists this past November as we celebrated 5 years of this program created by Leslie Fran to spotlight up and coming female country artists.

One of the artists I was able to talk with was critically-aclaimed songstress & multi-instrumentalist Lindsay Ell signed to Broken Bow Records.

In the fall of 2017, Lindsay released her debut full length album, THE PROJECT, produced by the uber-talented Kristian Bush (Sugarland), who she credits for helping her find her sound.  The album debuted at #1 and since then, Ell has been on a musical whirlwine ride traveling across the U.S. and internationally to tour with Brad Paisley to performing alongside multiple guitar legends in Guitar Legends for Heroes on November 29, 2017 at Terminal 5 in New York City, an all-star show benefitting our military, veterans and their loved ones.

Lindsay Ell performing with multiple guitar legends at Guitar Legends for Heroes in NYC Nov. 2017.
Photo credit: Lucas Kammerer

Two of Lindsay’s favorite songs on her album that she co-wrote are “Champagne” and “Castle” since both allow her to “step outside of her comfort zone” and have fun on stage.

Find Lindsay Ell’s THE PROJECT on iTunes and Google Play.

Lindsay’s favorite memories this year have come from being on tour with Brad Paisley.  Aside from simply being a great experience in front of huge crowds, Paisley does things for his tourmates like renting out a movie theatre to watch the latest installment of “Spiderman”, renting out a go-kart track to race go-karts, and much more.

She had a blast on the road in 2017 and is currently preparing to rejoin country superstar Brad Paisley on the road for his WEEKEND WARRIOR WORLD TOUR  kicking-off on January 25th in Los Angeles at STAPLES Center.

She will also be joining Sugarland for a few dates on their STILL THE SAME TOUR.

For more information and dates to find out where you can see Lindsay, please visit: www.lindsayell.com/tour

Needless to say, things aren’t slowing down anytime soon for Ell, and we wish her the best of luck in the year ahead! Find her on social media to keep up with what she has going on daily.

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Our Top 10 Picks For Artists To Watch In 2018

By on December 31, 2017 in A Closer Look @, artist spotlight, Artists to Watch, Music, The Latest

As 2017 comes to a close, we want to give you some of our picks and the top 10 artists we think you should keep an eye on in 2018.  Some you have heard of and some maybe you haven’t, but we think that you should! We are most excited about these artists and had a hard time narrowing the list down to only 10.

Here goes, in no particular order and from any genre.   We hope you’ll take a closer look and get to know these talented artists!

Aubrie Sellers:  Aubrie is signed to Warner Music and has a background deeply rooted in music.  She is the daughter of Lee Ann Womack and Jason Seelers.

With a strong voice that is pure country set to an edgier sound that she describes as “garage country”, she is an artist on the rise.

The first time I heard her, I was mezmerized by her sound and stage presence.  The girl’s just got swagger playing electric guitar on stage and has this slightly mysterious, edgy presence on stage.   Off stage, she is all smiles and an absolute sweetheart.

Delta Rae:  Delta Rae has stood out to me from the first time I heard them about 5 years ago.  They are signed to The Valory Music Co./Big Machine.  Their harmonies are strong with powerful lead vocals.

They’re best known for their energy, big percussion accompaniment, and the occassional stomping on stage.  As good as they are recorded, they really bring it live and it’s infectious.

Devin Dawson:  Devin has been on my radar since we first got to see him perform at a Pepsi event for discovering new artists this past summer.

Signed to Warner Music, his sound and vocals are smooth.  I could listen to him all day, honestly.  To me, he’s the John Mayer of country music and you’ll be hearing a lot more from him.

Ryan Kinder: Another artist on Warner Music that we’re excited about is Ryan Kinder.  Ryan absoultely shreds the guitar, has a more progressive country sound infused with indie rock, and exudes a strong stage presence.

Definitely keep your eye on him!

Lara Johnston:  Lara has a powerful voice reminscent of such great vocalists as Pink and Kelly Clarkson, she is a force to be reckoned with who leans towards a pop with a soul-infused, retro-influenced sound much like Maren Morris.   Her stage presence is charismatic, confident, and that of a seasoned professional well beyond her years.

Currently unsigned, we think a label should snatch her up and soon! We’re scratching our heads why she isn’t signed already.

She has a new album to be released this year, and we think she is one to get on your radar.

Drake White:  Drake has been around for a little bit and we’re surprised he hasn’t quite taken off just yet.  We think it is only a matter of time, though.

His sound is a swampy, soulful country sound exuding a passion and enthusiasm that is best experienced live, but certainly translates well recorded, too.

Smithfield:  This charismatic duo from Texas has a special quality between them with a strong stage presence, great vocals, and radio-friendly pop country songs.

Another unsigned act that a label needs to snatch up quickly and we’re wondering why they haven’t already.

We think you’ll be hearing more from them!

Jordan Davis: Universal Music Group’s Jordan Davis should be on your radar.  Reminscent of Sam Hunt, Jordan will be an artist to be reckoned with very soon with his smooth vocals and great songs.

Keep your eyes on him!

Morgan Evans:  Sadly, right now Warner Music’s Morgan Evans is probably best known to people as Kelsea Ballerini’s other half and new husband.  That’s not a bad thing, BUT Morgan Evans is a great artist in his own right from Australia that we think should keep on your radar to hrar much more from.

Charismatic, charming, a great entertainer with strong songs who can bring it on stage alone without a full band.  We want the opportunity to see him with a full band soon knowing he will shine and can’t wait to hear much more from him!

LANco: We have loved LANco’s sound and their live stage performance since we first saw them perform last January at 3rd and Lindsley.  They light up on stage and exude such an incredible energy.

Signed to Sony Music, they have just obtained their 1st number one song and we think you’ll be hearing much more from them in 2018.  They are taking off!

Honorable mentions since this was a tough list to compose:

Drew Baldridge:  Signed to Cold River Records, Drew is fun & charismatic.  Such an entertainer live.  He and his band always look like they are having an absolute ball on stage!

High Valley: This Canadian duo signed to Warner Music is full of energy and great songs! Love their pop country with bluegrass infused sound.

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Exclusive Video Premiere: Acme Radio Session – “No One Goes Dancing Anymore” By Paul Childers

By on December 16, 2017 in Artists to Watch, The Latest

Focus on the 615 presents the exclusive video premier of “No One Goes Dancing Anymore” by Nashville Pop/ Rock artist Paul Childers from the Acme Radio Session. The video is in support of Paul Childers Live At Acme, the debut release from Acmeville Records, out on January 19, 2018.

Watch the video:

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The album features 10 tracks from Paul’s off-the-hook live performance at Acme Feed & Seed, one of Nashville’s hottest downtown nightclubs.

Acmeville Records plans to record and produce albums captured during live performances from the stage at Acme Feed & Seed, as well as compilation records, original content and commentary from inside the Acme Radio Live studio. The label is focused on promoting Nashville artists who have helped to define Acme and Acme Radio Live’s unique sound and atmosphA familiar face on the Acme Feed & Seed stage, Childers was chosen to be the first performer to launch the recording series. He performs songs from his debut album Naked Poetry as well as covers of classic hits such as “Roxanne” (Sting and the Police) and “Sir Duke” (Stevie Wonder). When not on tour, Childers is a resident on Acme’s stage, performing regularly for devoted fans. The live album not only captures the energy of Paul’s dynamic performance, but also the crowd’s enthusiastic response.

“Recording and releasing a live album is a unique opportunity for artists to connect with fans and involve them in the record-making process,” said Carl Gatti, Director of Entertainment and Radio at Acme Feed & Seed. “We’re excited to get Acmeville Records up and running to continue our mission of discovery and preservation of the local music scene, and Paul Childers is a perfect fit for our first release.”

Paul Childers Live At Acme will be available for purchase on January 19, 2018, via digital download and on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Amazon Music.

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High Valley Headlines Sirius XM’s THE HIGHWAY FINDS TOUR

By on October 23, 2017 in A Closer Look @, Artists to Watch, Music, The Latest

We had the pleasure this past week to catch a rehearsal of High Valley as they prepared to set out on their first ever headlining tour with Sirius XM’s THE HIGHWAY FINDS TOUR that began on October 18th.

High Valley rehearsing at S.I.R.

With just a small sampling of what to expect from the tour that I got to hear at the rehearsal, this is going to be a great tour that you don’t want to miss. High Valley is very comfortable on stage and have a great presense that is hard to not enjoy.  They’ll have you clapping along in no time.  Skilled musicians and talented singers, you don’t want to miss them if they come to a city near you. You’ll hear their original music along with the occassional classic country & bluegrass tunes from some of their musicial influences.

The 20-date North American tour will be stopping in Nashville at Mercy Lounge on October 27th headlined by the talented duo along with supporting acts/tourmates, Ashley McBryde and Adam Doleac.

https://twitter.com/FOCUSonthe615/status/920131665703424001

High Valley is comprised of brothers, Brad and Curtis Rempel, from Blumenort, Alberta, Canada. Signed to Atlantic Records, the Canadian country duo is known for their contemporary country sound with a bit of bluegrass mixed in and strong harmonies. Their use of instruments like mandolin, banjo, and steel guitar in their music is not as common in today’s country music as it was in the past; setting them apart from many others in the genre to create their signature sound. They are heavily-influenced by the bluegrass sound, since its the genre of music they grew up on and listened to regularly.

Their current single, “She’s With Me”, is currently top 20 and rising on the country charts from their most recent album, DEAR LIFE, released November 2016.

Their most recent album remains one of my favorites nearly a year after its release, and I queue it up regularly to listen to from my phone. My personal favorites off the release are the current single, “She’s With Me”, “Make You Mine”, and “Young Forever”;all uptempo tracks. Find it at iTunes and Google Play today, and support this great duo.

Don’t forget to catch them in Nashville on October 27th, if not already sold out! Tickets for all stops of the tour can be purchased at: www.ticketmaster.com

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Song Review: Lucy Angel | “Public Pool Party”

By on May 12, 2017 in Album & Song Reviews, Artists to Watch, Music

Just in time for summer, Lucy Angel brings us a cool, new summer jam called “Public Pool Party”.

Written by Emily Anderton, Jake Anderton, Kate Anderton, Lindsay Anderton and Summer Overstreet.  Produced by Noah Gordon.

This song has a very fun, catchy groove that will immediately draw you in, and you’ll probably be hitting repeat a lot.  I know that I did.  Love the blend of their beautiful harmonies.  This infectious tune will have you wanting to head for the pool and jamming to it all summer long.   It’s the perfect summer jam.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars. 

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About Lucy Angel
-Kate, Lindsay and Emily Anderton comprise the family trio
-Debut single “Crazy Too” reached No. 51 on the Billboard/Mediabase chart
-Brand new summer single “Public Pool Party” to be released in May of 2017
-Currently in the studio recording a new EP due out the first quarter of 2017
– 13-Episode docu-series “Discovering Lucy Angel” starring Lucy Angel and their family is currently available on NETFLIX
The docu-series previously aired on AXS TV network and the UK’s SHOWBIZ TV network
-Recently performed on the 20th season of ABC’s The Bachelor
-Following The Bachelor performance, “I’d Be Lyin” from their self-titled album, reached No. 26 on the iTunes chart
-Recently launched YouTube vlog channel “Life With Lucy Angel”
-Lucy Angel’s self-titled album is available in Walmart and Target stores nationwide and debuted on iTunes as a “New and Noteworthy” album
-“Crazy Too” debuted on SiriusXM The Highway as a featured Highway Find single
-Recently opened for Jake Owen, Dustin Lynch, Chris Young, Kip Moore, Craig Campbell, Chris
Janson, A Thousand Horses, Big & Rich, Montgomery Gentry, The Cadillac Three, Charlie Daniels, Jerrod Niemann, Casey James, Neal McCoy and more
-Have toured internationally in Japan, Switzerland and China and were honored as the very first
Western/American act to ever sing at the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square, Beijing
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“With their impossibly close, God-given family harmonies, the Anderton women evoke comparisons to Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton. After AXS TV ran a special on the family entitled “Discovering Lucy Angel” one thing was
clear: these girls were destined for stardom.”- Pepsi.com

“Family trio Lucy Angel is percolating on the Country Airplay chart with its debut hit, “Crazy Too” (G-Force/New
Revolution), as the plucky track bullets at No. 60. Comprising Kate Anderton and her daughters Lindsay and Emily Anderton, the act has become visible via AXS TV‘s docu-series Discovering Lucy Angel and is currently making
the promo rounds at country radio.” – Billboard

“Lucy Angel has a lot of potential in the country scene; vocally, they are in the same league as such country artists as Leann Rimes and Heidi Newfield.”-Markos Papadatos, Reporter at Broken Records Magazine
“Lucy Angel comes to Nashville with a ton of charisma, hook-laden songs, and more importantly – a heavy dose of talent.” –Chuck Dauphin, Reporter at Billboard
“Sprightly, brightly rocking. Their pert trio harmonies are flawless, and the lickety-split tempo tune of a guy who drives the gals nuts is ear catching, too.” -Robert Oermann, MusicRow Magazine

“It has been a while since an all-female trio graced our airwaves in country music, but if this is any indication then we are on the verge of the next trio of females doing just that.” –Editor at One Stop Country

Have Recently Been Seen In…
– Country Weekly: Two-page spread
– East Valley Tribune (Mesa, AZ): Cover story
-Franklin Life Magazine (Franklin, TN): Cover story and three-page spread
-Williamson Herald (Franklin, TN): Full-page story
-Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ): Full-page story
-My City Journals (Sandy, UT): Full-page story

Have Recently Been Seen On…
-ABC’s The Bachelor: Performed on ABC’s hit romantic reality show garnering millions of views
-Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family: Performed and interviewed on the national entertainment show

Find out much more about them at: www.lucyangel.com

 

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Powerhouse Vocalist, Lara Johnston, Performs At AURORA Nashville

By on May 10, 2017 in artist spotlight, Artists to Watch, Music

Lara Johnston performing at AURORA Nashville.
Photo credit: Patrice Majors

California native and powerhouse vocalist, Lara Johnston, recently performed a full band show on April 26th at the beautiful AURORA Nashville hosted by Caroline Hobby from Nashville Insider and “The Amazing Race”.

With her soulful pop sound and a voice reminiscent of today’s music greats like Kelly Clarkson or Pink, Johnston entertained a packed audience inside the AURORA Nashville studio while streaming live to an audience around the country through the AURORA site.

Johnston, just recently off the road after a world tour as backing vocalist for the iconic Don Henley, is confident, entertaining and takes full command of the stage.

Photo credit: Patrice Majors

Her songs are full of soul with her own pop mixture added and inspired by her musical influences of Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and many more Motown musical greats.

This is an artist to watch and one to see live as she delivers her original tunes with such an incredibly-strong voice that very few can muster.  Certainly a standout and a cut above many young artists today as she basically delivers what can only be described as a masterclass of voice & overall performance as she takes the stage.

She is a seasoned and polished performer who should be a household name already.  Think only time will tell for this star in the making who is making a buzz in Nashville.

Watch for her new album to be released very soon.

Lara Johnston and band pose with Caroline Hobby and staff member of AURORA Nashville following performance.
Photo credit: Patrice Majors

 

About AURORA Nashville

AURORA Nashville, a division of renowned audio and technology company THIEL Audio, is an entertainment solutions provider that combines award-winning production with today’s digital world for the ultimate fan experience.  AURORA Nashville owns and operates a state-of-the-art 4K Ultra HD production studio in downtown Nashville that provides a truly customizable experience.  From premiere live stream concerts to sit-down interviews, record release parties and industry events, the studio is the perfect venue for artists to connect with their fans with high-quality content.  It is also home to their own weekly live-stream concert series AURORA Live, which has featured artists such as Kane Brown, Lauren Alaina, Muddy Magnolias, Rhonda Vincent, Jerrod Niemann and many more.

About Lara Johnston

Lara Johnston is emerging as one of pop music’s most dynamic voices.

She is friendly, optimistic and driven to succeed, whether she’s performing her captivating music, touring the world as a singer in Don Henley’s band, or collaborating with Nashville’s songwriting community.

On her new EP recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles, Lara taps into her own personal and professional experiences while drawing on the R&B influences that shaped her musical aspirations.

“When I’m writing, it always reflects what I’m going through at that time,” she says. “This has definitely been a time of change for me. I’ve written and experimented with a lot of different sounds. All of them are extensions of what I love, and now I have music that I’m excited to share.”

Lara plans to release new music in the summer of 2017.

Get to know this dynamic, new artist in this video: https://youtu.be/qNKm3UI3QeQ

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