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Delta Rae Is Not Afraid Of Getting Their “Hands Dirty”

By on November 12, 2018 in Album & Song Reviews, Music

Delta Rae just released their newest single, “Hands Dirty”.   It is a powerful and honest song written from a female’s perspective about standing up against discrimination, working towards equality, and not giving up by doing what we can to invoke change.  One example: exercising our right to vote.

With lyrics like these, I find the song to be very inspiring and thought-provoking:

“I could raise the crops from the earth
I could raise my children from birth
But when I’m looking for work
They say that job ain’t for her
I could be a good mans wife
I could give a new child life
But when I fight for my rights
They say no woman, no cry

But I ain’t giving up
I can’t count on luck

I get my hands dirty
I show up so early
They show me no mercy
So I just keep working
Maybe God could save me
Or my boss might pay me
Right now no one serves me
Maybe their hands are dirty, dirty, dirty, dirty”

In today’s heated climate filled with political discourse, divisiveness, and the #MeToo movement, it’s a very relevant and empowering anthem for women or anyone who has had to fight to be heard.  Yes, it might be 2018 and some might think that we have moved past that; however, it is very much still an issue in our world.  We SHOULD have already moved past this, but sadly we have not.  Women are still making less than their male counterparts.  Talented female artists on country radio are struggling to get anywhere close to equal airplay, far below what is given to male artists.  Women are still not equal in roles of leadership within our government.  Finally, too many women find themselves being survivors of sexual assault finding comfort that they are not alone with #MeToo movement.  We’ve got much work to still do and can’t be afraid as socially conscious people to get our “hands dirty” by being proactive about bringing about change with something as simple as starting a conversation about it.

I recently had the pleasure to speak with Brittany Hölljes, who along with her brothers, Eric Hölljes and Ian Hölljes, Grant Emerson, Elizabeth Hopkins, and Mike McKee form the group, Delta Rae. 

Delta Rae emerged from Durham, North Carolina nine years ago etching out a sound all their own that can best be described as southern gothic, swampy, folk with strong harmonies blended with an emphasis on big percussion and big voices through the lead of Brittany Hölljes and Elizabeth Hopkins.  The group as a whole is filled with passion, purpose, energy, and joy in the creation of music unafraid to step outside the box of what everyone else is doing.  Their name taken from a character in a book that the Hölljes’ mother created and writes about that has yet to be published.

Photo Credit: David McClister
Pictured: L-R: Back Row – Liz Hopkins, Brittany Holljes, Grant Emerson
L-R: Front Row – Mike McKee, Eric Holljes, Ian Holljes

Brittany Hölljes is a bold, beautiful blonde with a razor sharp intellect who gives off a more mysterious vibe and comes alive on the stage, which always seems to put me in mind of musical great, Stevie Nicks.  I think it’s just what comes most natural to her from the way she dresses on stage and where she probably feels most comfortable to be herself; expressing herself artistically through music.

Deciding to open up about her own personal experience is what inspired Brittany Hölljes to write this song alongside her brother and bandmate, Ian.  There is strength to be found in sharing your truth and putting feelings down into words can be quite healing.  Sadly, at the age of 15, she was sexually assaulted.  I am so sorry that she ever had to go through that traumatic experience.  This vile act, which is much less about sex and more about power over another, is not uncommon in our society.  Far too many women have their own stories to share.  I believe it is 1 in every 3 women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime, and those stats are derived from those strong enough to report it.  I think the actual statistics would shock us if we really knew the full scope of the problem if the unreported experiences were brought to light and figured in; lots of experiences we are now hearing from social media with the #MeToo movement.  With the support of her brothers and parents, she survived and came out stronger; although it is something that always stays with you and shapes you for the rest of your life.

Another sad part is that our society has created this rape culture where people are more likely to blame the victims in questioning what they were wearing, if they were drinking, etc., which tries to suggest the blame falls on the female while seemingly excusing the male with the “boys will be boys” comment suggesting that they can’t control themselves.  People have to stop this victim blaming.  Period.

Brittany Hölljes even experienced some negative feedback from people on the internet after she opened up about what happened in her past, hearing comments like: “get over it”, etc.  These responses are just so wrong and hurtful.  Always try to put yourself in another’s shoes and show empathy whenever you can.  I greatly admire her strength and determination as she shared her truth.

She spoke with The Washington Post about being a woman in country music and how the industry has reacted read the full article here: https://goo.gl/JhcCLq.

Brittany told writer Emily Yahr at The Washington Post, “I wanted to make sure that they knew this song is about female empowerment, but it is also coming from someone who doesn’t always feel powerful, who experienced someone trying to take my power from me. We can rise from that place. … We have to change this environment and narrative so that the next generation and women don’t have to experience this kind of misogyny.”

“It’s really a song for anyone that has had to fight to find their place in this world” and “anyone that is struggling under the thumb of the proverbial ‘man'”, stated the singer when speaking with me over the phone.

 

You can catch Delta Rae every Wednesday now through December 19th at The Basement in Nashville beginning at 8pm with The Delta Rae Revival.  Limited tickets to this intimate performance are still available at: www.deltarae.com.

Below is a glimpse of what you can expect to see, but there is much, much more and you really want to see it in-person.

For our full review of the the Delta Rae Revival, click here to be taken to that article.

 

 

 

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CBS SUNDAY MORNING – Carrie Underwood Getting Beyond Three Miscarriages, To joy

By on September 16, 2018 in In The Press

Courtesy of CBS

Superstar singer Carrie Underwood opened up about getting beyond three miscarriages, motherhood and music in a revealing interview with Tracy Smith that was broadcast today on CBS SUNDAY MORNING on the CBS Television Network.

Underwood revealed for the first time the personal agony she endured last year and how it influenced her new music.

Below is the CBSNews.com story:

“Before He Cheats” was a huge hit for Carrie Underwood back in 2006, one of many. More recently she’s faced, and overcome, a daunting series of misfortunes and disappointments. She talks with our Tracy Smith For The Record:

She’s only 35, but Carrie Underwood has already had a lifetime of success. She’s sold 64 million records and won seven Grammys, with a voice that’s been called the best of her generation.

Smith met her last month at the high church of country music, Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, and the place was packed to the rafters.

“See, this makes me nervous – not you?” Smith said.

“You can go sing, if you want,” said Underwood.

“No, thank you. I’ll leave that to you.”

Underwood is expecting her second child, but she still did two shows that night, and as always, she managed to make it all look easy.

Smith asked, “Was there a point where you thought, ‘This has gotta stop, like, this winning streak has to end at some point’?”

“I’ve had a good life, and you can’t win all the time,” Underwood replied. “You gotta have some downs to realize when you’re up.”

And she’s definitely had her share of downs.

Her story began in the “single stoplight town” of Checotah, Oklahoma, population around 3,000. It’s typical enough, except for that big green sign just off the interstate that reads, “Checotah, home of CARRIE UNDERWOOD American Idol 2005.”

Underwood grew up here, the youngest of three girls. She’s always loved animals, even helped build a local shelter, Happy Paws, where her mom Carole’s a volunteer.

“We don’t have a bad dog here,” Carole said. “We hardly have ever had a bad dog here.”

Though she’s been gone since 2001, it seems a part of her never left. When asked if there are things she’s missed about Checotah, she replied, “Oh, yeah. I feel like this is the only place that my soul can rest.

“It’s just when I come here, I can turn off. And there’s no other place in world that’s like that. And I feel like everybody’s got that place. Everybody’s got that home feel. But it’s like, I sleep when I’m here. Like, I sleep. And I don’t get that anyplace else.”

Still, there was a world beyond Checotah. At Northeastern State University she sang a bit with a country music group, and majored in journalism, with her sights on a career in TV news.

But that all changed in the summer of 2004, when she tried out for “American Idol.” Her mom, Carole, said, “I was hoping through ‘American Idol’ that at least she would get some face recognition, so she might get a job at one of the news stations or something in Tulsa.”

That was the hope. And then, this happened:

Winning “American Idol” was like launching a country music moon-rocket. She made a hit album, and then a few more. She toured the world, and the awards started piling up.
She also got married, in 2010, to NHL hockey star Mike Fisher; had a little boy, Isaiah; started a workout wear line, Calia; and learned to enjoy her stardom, and all that went with it.

But just when it seemed that all was perfect, life threw her a curve. Last November she tripped outside her Nashville home, and landed on her face.

“My face broke my fall,” Underwood said.

“You joke about it now,” said Smith. “But it was how many stitches?”

“They said between 40 and 50.”

But as bad as that fall was, it was almost trivial compared to the personal agony she endured last year, all while working on a new album called, appropriately enough, “Cry Pretty.”

She told her fans she’d wanted to get the title track right because, “It speaks to a lot of things that have happened in this past year.”

Smith asked, “What’d you mean by that?”

“Here we go. Oh, lawdy! 2017 just wasn’t how I imagined it,” she said.

In what way? “I’d kind of planned that 2017 was, you know, going to be the year that I work on new music, and I have a baby. We got pregnant early 2017, and didn’t work out.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah. It happens. And that was the thing, in the beginning it was like, ‘Okay, God, we know this is, just wasn’t Your timing. And that is all right. We will bounce back and figure our way through it.’ And got pregnant again in the spring, and it didn’t work out.

“Got pregnant again, early 2018. Didn’t work out. So, at that point, it was just kind of like, ‘Okay, like, what’s the deal? What is all of this?’

“And throughout the whole process, you know, I’m writing and, like, literally right after finding out that I would lose a baby, I’d have a writing session, I’d be like, ‘Let’s go. You know, I can’t just sit around thinking about this. Like, I wanna work, I wanna do this.’

“‘Cause I would literally have these horrible things going on in my life, and then have to go smile and, like, do some interviews or, like, do a photo shoot or something, you know? So it was just kind of, like, therapeutic, I guess.”

And, Underwood says, it could also be excruciating.

“This is what the song’s about – that you put this face on for the world,” said Smith.

“And sometimes you just can’t,” she laughed.

I’m sorry, but I’m just a girl

Not usually the kind to show my heart to the world
I’m pretty good at keeping it together
I hold my composure, for worse or for better
So I apologize if you don’t like what you see
But sometimes my emotions get the best of me
And falling apart is as human as it gets
You can’t hide it, you can’t fight what the truth is
– “Cry Pretty”

Smith asked, “Was there a point when you’re like, looking up, going, ‘What are you doing to me?'”

“I had always been afraid to be angry,” Underwood said. “Because we are so blessed. And my son, Isaiah, is the sweetest thing. And he’s the best thing in the world. And I’m like, ‘If we can never have any other kids, that’s okay, because he’s amazing.’ And I have this amazing life. Like, really, what can I complain about? I can’t. I have an incredible husband, incredible friends, an incredible job, an incredible kid. Can I be mad? No.

“And I got mad.”

Then one night, after what she thought was another miscarriage, she says she prayed like never before.

“Mike was away just for the evening, and I texted him, and I was like, ‘I don’t really want to be alone, so I’m just gonna go snuggle with Isaiah.’ And I don’t know how I didn’t wake him up, but I was just sobbing,” Underwood said. “And I was like, ‘Why on Earth do I keep getting pregnant if I can’t have a kid? Like, what is this? Shut the door. Like, do something. Either shut the door or let me have a kid.’

“And for the first time, I feel like I actually I told God how I felt. And I feel, like, we’re supposed to do that. That was like a Saturday – and the Monday I went to the doctor to, like, confirm, another miscarriage. And they told me everything was great!

“And I was like, ‘You heard me.’ Not that He hasn’t in the past. But maybe, I don’t know, He heard me.”

“God heard your prayer?”

“He did.”

Looking at her now, you’d never guess anything was ever wrong.

She’ll go on tour this spring – hopefully, she says, with her new baby in tow. It seems Carrie Underwood waded through a year of despair, and found something beautiful.

“I feel like there’s a lot of songs, there’s several songs on the album that came from that, you know, or I connect with in a totally different way because of those experiences that we went through,” she said. “And they were hard. And it sucked so much! But things are looking better.”

Courtesy of CBS

CBS SUNDAY MORNING is broadcast Sundays (9:00-10:30 AM ET) on the CBS Television Network. Rand Morrison is the executive producer.

Follow CBS SUNDAY MORNING on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and CBSNews.com. Listen to CBS SUNDAY MORNING podcasts on all podcast platforms.

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Gretchen Wilson Makes First Radio Appearance Since Last Week’s Arrest

By on August 29, 2018 in In The Press

Gretchen Wilson stopped by the Big D and Bubba show to introduce their audience to Jessie G, who is signed to Gretchen’s label Redneck Records.

 

Big D asked her early in the interview to talk a little about what happened in Connecticut last week.

 

“Everything I’ve read so far is not true,” said Wilson.  “In my opinion, it was a big misunderstanding.”

 

Despite her ‘Redneck’ image, Gretchen explains that this was the first time she’s ever been arrested. “I was completely shocked and  sad… and just flabbergasted.”

 

In her first national radio appearance, Jessie G later performed her single, “Army Ranger,” with Gretchen providing background vocals.

Listen to the radio segment below:

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Country Singer Rory Feek Reveals His Feelings About Performing Solo, His Daughter Coming Out And More On “CBS Sunday Morning”

By on June 15, 2018 in In The Press

It has been nearly two and a half years since country singer-songwriter Rory Feek lost his wife and singing partner, Joey, to cancer. Now, as he’s started performing solo, Feek talks with Anthony Mason about singing again without her, his relationship with his daughters, and his life as a widower, in an interview for CBS SUNDAY MORNING to be broadcast Sunday, June 17 (9:00 AM, ET) on the CBS Television Network.

 

Feek tells Mason that he feels no different about his wife now than he did when she died in March of 2016.

 

“I feel just as married and just as in love,” Feek tells Mason. “And I feel like she’s just as much a part of our life as she was.”

 

Performing solo, however, has taken some adjustment. Together, Joey and Rory were a popular duo. Today, however, he admits he hasn’t quite figured out who he is on stage without her.

 

“It felt surreal and strange, a little wrong in some ways because I had kinda decided I wouldn’t,” Feek tells Mason. “But, on the other side, it felt strangely similar.”

 

Without Joey, Feek says he’s had to adjust to being a single father again. Feek had two daughters, Hope and Heidi, from a previous marriage before he met Joey. Together they had a daughter, Indiana.

 

For instance, just days after Joey died, Feek got a sense his middle daughter, Hope, had something to say.

 

“I said, ‘just tell me, Hopie,’” Feek recalls. “And she went on to tell me that her friend Wendy was more than her friend, that Wendy and her had been dating for almost a year. And that she was in love.”

 

Hope tells Mason she was afraid her father would judge her.

 

“Even more than that,” Feek says, “she’s asking me, ‘Are you still going to love me?’ And my first reaction, honestly, was I don’t think so.”

 

“You weren’t sure,” Mason asks.

 

“Because my conservative Christian faith that saved me – the first reaction is that challenges that immensely,” Feek says. “Am I supposed to shun my child now and say, ‘No, you can’t be in my life until you come around to thinking like I’m thinking’?”

 

Hope says she saw “panic” in her father, but understood his struggle.

 

“The only thing I try to keep in mind is it’s her life, it’s her choice, it’s her faith and my job is to love her even when it’s hard,” Feek says.

 

“Do you accept?” Mason asks.

 

“Yes,” Feek replies.

 

Feek also talks with Mason about the family farm, life without Joey, how people react to him in the supermarket and more.

 

CBS SUNDAY MORNING is broadcast Sundays (9:00-10:30 AM, ET) on the CBS Television Network. Rand Morrison is the executive producer.

 

Follow CBS SUNDAY MORNING on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and CBSNews.com. Listen to CBS SUNDAY MORNING podcasts at iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Radio.com and TuneIn.

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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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Jon Bon Jovi Teaches Colbert To Rock; This House Is Not For Sale Tour On-Sale This Friday (1/19)

By on January 17, 2018 in In The Press

Last night, Jon Bon Jovi made the first of three appearances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (1/16 guest, 1/17 musical guest, 2/22 musical guest).  Among the topics – the band’s upcoming i1nduction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, their upcoming tour, new songs in February – but most importantly, Stephen asked for pointers on being a stadium-filling, Grammy winning rock star. Jon just smiled his signature grin and replied, “I go to work every day wanting to be here.” Watch the full interview here.

 

This morning, Jon joined Howard Stern where the pair not only made the surprise announcement that Stern will induct the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they also premiered Bon Jovi’s upcoming new single, “When We Were Us.” Although the song isn’t set for release until February 23, the two stars famous for making their own rules decided on the fly to reveal the song. And, as Howard said, “I think you got a hit here!” Listen to the clip here.

 

This Friday, tickets go on sale for the spring leg of the This House Is Not For Sale Tour starting January 19 at 10 a.m. local time (except St. Paul, which will be February 16) at Ticketmaster.com and through participating venue box offices. Each online ticket purchased will include a CD of the original This House Is Not For Sale.

 

Reviews from the previous leg of tour prove that Bon Jovi is still on top of their game and leading the pack. Atlanta Journal-Constitution raved, “(The tour) solidifies their standing as one of rock’s most resilient acts.” Creative Loafing Tampa said, “Bon Jovi leaves 18,000 screaming, standing fans shot through the heart…” while the Los Angeles Daily News reported that “JBJ shook the stage from the start to end with energy and enthusiasm, and he kept that energy rolling with a voice in tip top shape…” The St. Louis Post-Dispatch said “Bon Jovi doesn’t miss a beat…” and the Toronto Sun enthused, “It was anthemic Bon Jovi at its best…”

 

This House Is Not for Sale Tour Spring 2018 Concert Dates:

Wed., Mar. 14, 2018 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
Fri., Mar. 16, 2018 Salt Lake City, UT Vivint Smart Home Arena
Sat., Mar. 17, 2018 Las Vegas, NV T-Mobile Arena
Tue., Mar. 20, 2018 Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena
Thu., Mar. 22, 2018 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center
Fri., Mar. 23, 2018 Houston, TX Toyota Center
Sun., Mar. 25, 2018 New Orleans, LA Smoothie King Center
Mon., Mar. 26, 2018 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
Mon., Apr. 2, 2018 Boston, MA TD Garden
Wed., Apr. 4, 2018 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
Sat., Apr. 7, 2018 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
Sun., Apr. 8, 2018 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
Wed., Apr. 18, 2018 Orlando, FL Amway Center
Fri., Apr. 20, 2018 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
Sat., Apr. 21, 2018 Charlotte, NC Spectrum Center
Tue., Apr. 24, 2018 Raleigh, NC PNC Arena
Thu., Apr. 26, 2018 Chicago, IL United Center
Sat., Apr. 28, 2018 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
Sun., Apr. 29, 2018 Milwaukee, WI BMO Harris Bradley Center
Wed., May 2, 2018 Allentown, PA PPL Center
Thu., May 3, 2018 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
Sat., May 5, 2018 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
Mon., May 7, 2018 Ottawa, ON Canadian Tire Centre
Wed., May 9, 2018 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Thu., May 10, 2018 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Sat., May 12, 2018 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
Mon., May 14, 2018 Washington, DC Capital One Arena

 

 

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Artist Spotlight: Get To Know Airpark

By on September 11, 2017 in artist spotlight, Music

Photo credit: Melissa Madison Fuller

Nashville-indie rock duo, Airpark, will release their second EP entitled, ‘Early Works Vol. 2’ on September 15th.  They’ll celebrate with a show at The High Watt in Nashville on September 20th.  Don’t miss it!

The Nashville-based duo is made up of brothers Michael and Ben Ford, who formed the band after their previous project, The Apache Relay, called it quits.  With Airpark, the brothers create deconstructed pop music, focusing on songs that pack a punch with bold, basic ingredients.

1) How did you get together as a group?

 

“We’re brothers and have been playing music together since we were 11 and 12. Our previous project disbanded in 2015 and we took a solid year to write and record with no preconceived notions. The formation of our duo came out of that time and we formed officially in late 2016.”

 

2) Where are you from?

 

“We grew up right outside of New Orleans. It was awesome to be exposed to all the music of that area while growing up. It’s something I have only become more thankful for the older I get.”

 

3) How would you describe your sound?

 

“Our taste is pretty eclectic and it’s always tricky trying to be objective about your own art. We consider it to be groove focused, alternative pop.”

 

4) What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome as artists?

 

“I think continuing to be vulnerable with your writing and knowing that your letting people into the most personal aspects of your life. That’s also what seems to make for the best art though…”

 

5) What has been your favorite, most memorable experience so far?

 

“We recently did a run of dates with Tennis. Not only are we fans of their art but they were wonderful people to be around.  Their crowds were also very receptive to our tunes.”

 

6) What do you like to do when not making music?

 

“We’re both big film nerds these days. We love going to the Belcourt Theater to see movies and documentaries. We also go to 3rd Coast Comedy occasionally to check out their improv.”  

 

7) Tell us about your newest song and/or album out.

 

“It feels like a continuation of our first EP but more filled out sonically. On our first release we really kept it very intentionally minimalistic. With this collection of songs it naturally wanted to grow and we allowed that to happen.”

 

8) Do you enjoy the songwriting process and do you write your own songs?

 

“We’ve been writing our own songs since we were 11 and 12. I’ve always found the process of songwriting to be pretty elusive. Every song seems to come together differently and often times seemingly at it’s own pace. It can be the most rewarding thing in the world and the next moment, the most frustrating. For us, that’s what keeps the process intriguing.” 

 

9) What’s next for you?

 

“Heavy, heavy touring behind the new release. We’ll be on the road pretty regularly from now until Thanksgiving. A lot of these shows will be our first time playing some of these cities. We’re looking forward to seeing how the new songs come across.” 

 

10) Favorite place to eat in Nashville.

 

“Dino’s! The Porter Road Butcher burger with their fries. It’s a glorious thing.” 

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Artist Spotlight: Sandra Lynn Talks About Newest Single, “Hey California”, And Much More

By on September 7, 2017 in artist spotlight, Music

Photo credit: Jean Claude

Get to know this California native and talented country artist. Hear all about her newest single and much more below!

What’s the name of your new single and what is it about?

“My latest single is called, ‘Hey California.’ It debuted on Radio Disney during their ‘Country Spotlight’ hour, and its the first single off of my upcoming debut full-length album that’s in the works to release soon. It’s a song that I co-wrote with songwriter/producer, Dave Brainard. When Dave and I first sat down together to write it, I told him I wanted to write a song that had a little bit of a Beach Boys vibe to it. My parents always listened to the Beach Boys’ records when I was a child, and I remember especially loving their Endless Summer album. I also wanted to write a country song that gave a nod to my Southern California roots—a song that has a Summertime, playful, California dreamin,’ vibe to it.”

Did you write the song? 

“Yes, I co-wrote it with Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter, Dave Brainard.”

What artists inspire you most musically?

“As a child, I always looked up to female country music artists such as Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, and Sara Evans. The list goes on…I always remember hearing these powerful female voices on country radio when I was a kid. I remember the first time I heard Deana Carter’s song, ‘Strawberry Wine’, come on the radio. I remember exactly where I was at the time—out in Chino, CA in the car with my mom, parked at a stoplight, and that song came on the radio…it’s the song that made we want to sing and write country music. I also looked up to artists such as the Beach Boys, Sheryl Crow, and Michelle Branch, and I think you can hear some of those influences in my latest single.”

What lead you to pursue music? How did you get your start?

“I started performing from a young age. I began dancing when I was three, acting when I was five, and singing when I was seven. Performing has always been in my blood, and I’ve always loved country music. As I said previously, when I heard ‘Strawberry Wine’ first come on the radio, that was when I knew I wanted to sing and write country music. In fact, I definitely had one of my childhood dreams fulfilled recently when I got to write with Deana Carter. It was such a surreal experience, and when we first met, I told her I was having a ‘geek-out’ moment with her because she’s the reason I wanted to sing country music ;).”

What is the greatest obstacle you have had to overcome as an artist?

“Being true to who I am as a person in my artistry. In other words, the common phrase, “be yourself.” It sounds cliché, but I 100% believe it. As human beings, we all want to connect with one another—we all want someone to relate to us in one way or the other—and we all live in a fickle, on-demand world these days. Music is subjective, but music is also an escape. The artists and music I’ve always connected to are the ones that lay it all out on the line—the ones that are vulnerable, where I feel like I can relate to them in some way. That’s what I strive to do with my own music in the hopes that it will resonate with new listeners and fans.”

Three words to describe yourself. 

“Charismatic, funny, kind”

What do you like to do when not making music?

“My husband and I love traveling, hiking, wine tasting, game nights with friends, visiting with family, and our five cats.”

What’s coming up next for you?

“My official music video for “Hey California” will be releasing really soon, so I’ll be excited for you to check that out! We filmed it out in Los Angeles, CA in iconic locations such as the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood ‘Walk of Fame,’ the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and up and down the coast of Malibu. It also features my friend and actor, Liam McNeill as our ‘Mr. Hey California’ in the video (Manchester by the Sea). We’ve got some live dates booked out on the road as well that are coming up, and lots more music coming for ya! I’ll be sharing all of these updates and more on my social media (@sandralynnmusic) and my website (www.sandralynnmusic.com) so make sure to check those out, as well as head over to Spotify to hear ‘Hey California!'”

Watch talented country artist Sandra Lynn’s playful tune called, “Hey California” by clicking here.  Love the vibe to this one, and like holding on to a little bit of summer as we start to change seasons!

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10 Questions With Temecula Road: Getting To Know Them

By on May 4, 2017 in artist spotlight, Artists to Watch

Temecula Road: Emma, Maddie & Dawson Photo credit: Shayla Eddins

Temecula Road is a young country trio comprised of Emma, Dawson & Maddie from California.

Newly-signed to Disney Music Group’s Buena Vista Records, they are Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing featured artists.

With their fresh faces, sound and strong harmonies, this is just the beginning of their careers and we look forward to hearing much more from them.

We want our readers to get to know this talented group, so here are 10 questions with Temecula Road!

1) How did you get the name for the group?

Emma: We wanted our name to represent our roots. We’re all from Temecula, California. That’s where we met and started this crazy journey, so it speaks to where we came from.

2) How did you come together as a group? Your story for when decided to pursue a career in music?

Dawson: We all were living in Temecula, but went to different schools, so our paths first crossed at vocal lessons. We started singing together right after we met and the rest is history!

Maddie: Emma and I are sisters and our parents always had CMT on in the house when we were growing up. We would always sing-a-long and Emma would harmonize with me. That’s where it all started for us.

3) Musical influences?

Dawson: I love so many people. Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Dan + Shay, Lady Antebellum. The list goes on!

Emma: I love Dan + Shay, too! We’re all obsessed with them. Their harmonies are amazing.

Maddie: Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, and Maren Morris are my favorites. I love females with big voices.

4) How would you describe your music?

Emma: There’s a big focus on harmonies in our music. The blend of our three voices has become our signature thing.

Dawson: I play acoustic guitar and Emma plays mandolin, so those sounds are always incorporated into our music.

5) If you could go on tour with anyone, who would it be?

Emma: Dan + Shay for sure!

Dawson: Thomas Rhett or Luke Bryan.

Maddie: Carrie Underwood! I would die.

6) When not making music or performing, what do you like to do?

Maddie: I love watching makeup tutorials and Netflix.

Emma: I love photography, spending time with my boyfriend, and playing with my dog, Wilson.

Dawson: Hanging with my friends and playing any sport.

7) If you were not in music, what would each of you like to do?

Emma: I would be a neonatal intensive care nurse.

Maddie: I would be a makeup artist.

Dawson: An actor or firefighter.

8) What/who are each of you listening to?

Maddie: Maren Morris! I’m in love with her whole album.

Emma: I love Brett Young’s new album. And of course Dan + Shay.

Dawson: Dan + Shay for me, too. I also love Levi Hummon’s new single.

9) What has been your most memorable experience so far as a group and what’s next for you?

Dawson: Randomly meeting Luke Bryan and getting to talk to him at CMA Fest last year was probably the most memorable. We were warming up in an empty room that was apparently his dressing room and he just walked in. He was the nicest guy and told us to keep warming up.

Maddie: Meeting Carrie Underwood and opening up for Martina McBride. Both dreams come true!

Emma: We’ve met Dan + Shay a few times and they’re just my favorites. We got to see their set when we both performed at C2C in London and it was amazing.

10) Tell us about your new single.  

Maddie: Our current single is “What If I Kissed You” and it’s just so relatable. It’s about that moment of anticipation between two people waiting to see who will make the first move.

Dawson: It’s one of our favorites and we’re so glad people are loving it! So thankful for all the love and support.

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 Watch their video & current single below for “What If I Kissed You”:

About Temecula Road:

Named after the town they grew up in (Temecula, CA), Dawson, Maddie, and Emma are ready to bring their brand of country music from SoCal to the rest of the world. Sisters Maddie Salute, 16, and Emma Salute, 17, have been singing together for years, and joined forces with longtime friend, Dawson Anderson, 17, to form Temecula Road. Noted for their impeccable three-part harmonies, the trio writes their own original material, backed by Dawson on guitar and Emma on mandolin.

Called out by The Huffington Post as one of the top country artists to watch in 2016, Temecula Road spent the year opening for Martina McBride, Josh Turner, Joe Nichols, Sara Evans, Eli Young Band and Love And Theft and joined Jessie James Decker on a nationwide, sold out tour. They also supported Kenny Rogers for select dates on his farewell tour.

Kicking off 2017, Radio Disney named Temecula Road it’s newest Next Big Thing featured artist, one of only two breakout country acts since the program’s inception. Following in the footsteps of Next Big Thing alums Kelsea Ballerini, Shawn Mendes, and Alessia Cara, the group will be presented nationally on Radio Disney, Disney Channel, and across Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country’s digital platforms.

With talent far beyond their teenage years and an infectious, youthful energy, Temecula Road has already amassed a sizeable and loyal following online with their series of song covers. A recent mashup video of the trio singing portions of 2016’s top 20 country songs in a mere 3 minutes garnered them over 7 million views online and 89,000 shares on Facebook alone. Their covers have also earned praise from Carrie Underwood, Brett Eldredge, Dan + Shay, Cam, and RaeLynn.

Signed to Disney Music Group’s Buena Vista Records, Temecula Road’s first single, “What If I Kissed You” (written by Jimmy Robbins, Sara Haze and Mike Daly), was released on February 17.

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A Closer Look @ Sister Hazel As They Discuss Their 13th Studio Album, Live Performance DVD

By on January 8, 2017 in A Closer Look @

We sat down recently with the platinum-selling band, Sister Hazel, as they discuss their newest release and 13th studio album in the video interview below.

Here’s a little throwback and my personal favorite pop hit of theirs when they first came on the music scene.

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In their second showing on the country music charts this year, platinum-selling band, Sister Hazel, makes another strong debut with the stunning 14-track live performance DVD, “Unplugged From Daryl’s House Club,” which features their classic hits and new offerings for a one-of-a-kind intimate live experience. The album debuted at #75 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

In February, Sister Hazel debuted “Lighter In The Dark” at #4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, #6 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart, #30 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart and #79 on the Billboard 200 album chart. First week sales of the new CD were 8,352 units.

Commenting on this year’s success of two Billboard charting albums, Ken Block, Sister Hazel’s lead singer said, “It’s crazy exciting to us that we’ve had TWO new CD’s on the Billboard charts is less than a year! Huge thanks to all the Hazelnuts – And especially to all the new fans out there who are just now discovering Sister Hazel’s music, live shows, and our signature events. We’re having a Blast!”

For more information on Sister Hazel visit http://www.sisterhazel.com. Follow Sister Hazel @SisterHazelBand, Instagram/sisterhazelband and Facebook.com/SisterHazel. **Suggested Tweet: @SisterHazelBand Debuts on Billboard Country Albums Chart at #75 with #Unplugged @DarylsHouseClub and at #4 with “Lighter in the Dark”

ABOUT SISTER HAZEL:

Originating from Gainesville, FL, Sister Hazel is comprised of five gifted, seasoned musicians whose well-spring of natural talent has been called “one of the Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years” by Performing Songwriter Magazine. Song “All for You” topped the adult alternative charts during the summer of 1997 and the success propelled their album to platinum status. Sister Hazel has been equally attentive to connecting with their audience through social media. In their first showing on the country music charts they made a strong debut with “Lighter In The Dark” at #4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, #6 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart, #30 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart and #79 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Living up to their fan-centered reputation, the band hosts annual events like “Hazelnut Hang,” that focuses on fan involvement and are co-founders of the “Rockboat,” a cruise featuring nonstop opportunities for fan/artist interaction. In addition to the events and touring, the band also gives back with “Lyrics For Life.” Founded by singer Ken Block, the charity unites musicians and celebrities for concerts and auctions to benefit cancer research and patient-care charities.

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