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Announcing First Ever Country Music Blog Rodeo

By on January 17, 2013 in Artists to Watch, In The Press, Special Events

FOCUS on the 615 will join several independent blogs to discuss country music!

FOCUS has been invited to participate in the first ever Country Music Blog Rodeo! Thanks to Country Music News Blog, several independent country music blogs will come together to chat about country music! We’d like to thank them for this opportunity and for such a great idea! Read more from CMNB below:

Next week, a group of some of the top independent country music blogs across the U.S., and even a couple across the pond, will be getting together to launch the first ever Country Music Blog Rodeo! Through individual posts, links and social sharing, we’re coming together to chat about what we all love the most…country music! For this inaugural Blog Rodeo, we’ll be discussing what’s to come in 2013 for the country music scene. With brand new tours, lots of new music, newcomers and seasoned artists on the rise, and so much more already happening, this year promises to be a BIG one for country music artists, fans, bloggers, industry folks and everyone in between, and all THAT is exactly what we’re going to be talking about!

So, be looking for posts featuring a unique perspective from each of the sites on the list below onTuesday, January 22nd! After you’ve checked out our thoughts for what will be happening in 2013, you can join in with our live Twitter Chat and share what you’re looking forward to in 2013, and we’ll even be giving away some fun country music prizes to fans! Get ready to rodeo!

Blog Rodeo Twitter Chat:

  • Date: Thursday, January 24th
  • Time: TBD
  • Find us: #BlogRodeo #CountryMusic

Country Music Blog Rodeo Participants:

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Check Out The New Video From Gloriana – “Can’t Shake You”

By on December 28, 2012 in Artists to Watch

One of our favorite groups in country here at FOCUS is Gloriana. Please check out their newest video right here! We think it’s a good one!

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First Listen: Nikki Williams New Single, “Glowing”

By on December 9, 2012 in Artists to Watch

I know it’s been less than a month since the debut single Kill, F***, Marry from Nikki Williams, but she hasn’t slowed down a bit! Her upcoming single Glowing (slightly more radio friendly) is already available, and sure to be a pop smash. If KFM was a brilliant introduction to Nikki as a vocalist and edgy pop rock star, Glowing will solidify her on the top of the charts, and put her in the conversation with the biggest names out there.

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Grand Opening Of SEEN: The New Place In Nashville To Be Seen And Make A Scene!

By on November 23, 2012 in Artists to Watch

There is only one word that can adequately describe Nashville’s newest nightclub and event venue, SEEN: “WOW”.  Ok, maybe there are a few more that I can think of: , “sophisticated”, “hip”, “modern”, and “chic”.  Those are just a few of the adjectives that I’d use to describe what is sure to become a hit with the local Nashville community.

Spotlights outside, lights with clouds inside shooting across the room, screens with people moving at the entrance, live models in metallic body paint on stage, private party areas with comfortable, stylish couches throughout, large screens at the huge bar area showing various images, music that is non-stop and drives you to move on the dance floor.   How could you ask for more? Owner, Doug Green, sure knows how to create a nightclub that is sure to please even the most discriminating club goer looking to dance the night away to dance, pop, rock, and hip hop tunes.

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New & Noteworthy: The Reverse Cowgirls

By on November 14, 2012 in Artists to Watch

No pictures, no video, but that’s coming soon from them! Brand new country duo, The Reverse Cowgirls, comprised of Andrea Young, who has played with such artist as Jana Kramer, and Trista Mabry are a high-octane mix of a little classic rock with a whole lot of country.  They debuted as a duo this past week at the Whiskey Jam to a room full of adoring friends and fans.  In fact, the room got even MORE crowded as they were taking the stage.

They are ANOTHER one to watch! Great energy, great music and propelled by some damn fine fiddle playing by Andrea!

 

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New & Noteworthy: Morgan Evans

By on November 14, 2012 in Artists to Watch

Australian artist Morgan Evans is one to watch! He’s busy recording his album right here in Nashville and we can’t wait to hear it here at FOCUS! Check out his video below because we think you’ll love what you here, too!

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Album Review: “Set Love Loose” by Elise Hayes

By on November 13, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews, Artists to Watch

For most of the past year, I have been hearing the name Elise Hayes mentioned around town.  Words used to describe her were always “wow”, “amazing”, “incredible artist”, ect.  So, obviously, FOCUS wanted to seek her out and hear her perform.  As it happened, last night FOCUS was at Winners just by Music Row for the “Whiskey Jam”, which has become a weekly musical event in this city known for featuring some of the best unsigned AND signed artists in town.  You never actually know WHO might take the stage at any moment.  This is a local place, not frequented by out-of-towners.  The artists know they can show up, not get hounded, be able to have a fun night out visiting with friends, and hop up on stage to play a few songs.  No pressure, just fun and there’s always a crowd of locals there to fill the room.

Anyway, back to Elise Hayes…we were invited by another artist performing that night, Andrea Young, who we’ve come to know through her fiddle playing recently with such artists as Jana Kramer.  Andrea has a new duo called Reverse Cowgirl, who are also amazing, but this is about Elise Hayes.  Unbeknownst to us, Elise was performing just before our friend, Andrea’s band.  Didn’t catch her name at first, but when she started singing, she took our immediate attention! “WOW” is right and exactly the correct way to describe her & her music.  She held our attention from the moment she took the stage until she left it.  Sadly, only 3 songs, but those songs were amazing and left us wanting to hear more! Met her just following her stage performance.  Not only does she have all the qualities it takes to make it as a star these days, but such a genuine, warm quality about her. Plus, she graduated from Berklee College.  HELLO?? Serious musical talent here!

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New Artist Nikki Williams World Premiere Video

By on November 9, 2012 in Artists to Watch

Disclaimer: Video contains strong language and violence.

Nikki WilliamsNikki Williams is new, bad ass and ready to rock your face off. After over a year in the works, her debut video is out! The single, “Kill, Fuck, Marry” (yep, that’s what it’s called) is dark pop-rock at it’s finest, and I don’t think anyone but Nikki could pull it off. I’ve known this 24-year-old South African beauty for a little while, but now is the time everyone needs to start paying attention, as she is poised to be the next big thing.

Nikki’s album is produced by Dallas Austin who has recently been appointed senior vice president of A&R at Island Records. Austin is a musical genius, having worked with superstars such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Rihanna and many more. Said Chairman & CEO of Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown, Barry Weiss: “The work he has just done on [Nikki] is nothing short of stunning.”

Watch the world premiere of “Kill, Fuck, Marry” below:

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New & Noteworthy: Colby Dee

By on September 14, 2012 in Artists to Watch

Tonight I had the opportunity to see a new country artist, Colby Dee, performing at Judge’s (1805 Church St.) in Nashville.  I had never heard her music and didn’t know quite what to expect when I was invited out to see her perform by a friend.

Most of the songs she sang were original with a couple of covers thrown in since that’s what’s expected when playing out at some venues.  Colby’s got a great stage presence–very comfortable and personable with a very strong voice.  One of the covers she did was by Carrie Underwood “Good Girl”.  It’s one of my favorites and if you are going to perform a Carrie Underwood song, you better be up to the task BECAUSE Continue Reading →

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