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

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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Kip Moore And Tony Hawk Are Bringing Us The “Music City Skate Jam” On Sep. 10th

On Sunday, September 10th, country singer Kip Moore and professional skateboarder Tony Hawk are bringing the “Music City Skate Jam” to be held at the Music City Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville.

Gates open at 3pm beginning with music from Dee Jay Silver, followed by a performance from Jordan Davis, a skateboarding demonstration from Tony Hawk, and a headlining concert from Kip Moore.

Ticket prices range from $25 for general admission and up for various VIP packages.  Full details of VIP packages and tickets are available for purchase at: www.kipmoore.net

Proceeds raised from this fun day to benefit skateparks.

We are giving away a pair of silver VIP tickets to one lucky winner on Friday, September 1st at 12pm central thanks to Universal Music Group.  Find us on our social media pages for details how to win.  Better hurry!

Twitter: @focusonthe615

Instagram: @Focus_on_the_615

Also, don’t forget Kip Moore’s newest album, ‘Slowheart’, is coming out just before on September 8th.  Can’t wait to hear new music from this talented artist!

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Pitbull Invites Fans To Get Wild At After Dark Party 2018

Vacation pre-sale signups now open at PitbullCruise.com

Enter to win “Cruise To The Front” giveaway

International music superstar Pitbull and Sixthman, the industry leader in music festivals at sea, are at it again — presenting Pitbull After Dark Party 2018, an epic Caribbean cruisin’ bash where fans will party day and night alongside Mr. Worldwide himself!

It’s all going down from March 2-5, 2018, between Miami, FL and Nassau, Bahamas, when over 2,200 guests will join Pitbull in turning Norwegian Jade into a nonstop Latin-infused dance jam with hot singles like “Messin’ Around” and “Greenlight” from his new album, Climate Change.  Mr. 305 is currently on a co-headlining North American tour alongside Enrique Iglesias with dates heating up the summer through July 6.

Fans can “Cruise To The Front” and enter a dream getaway with Pitbull, joining him on the high seas for his second Caribbean cruise. Visit PitbullCruise.com to enter by August 6 and while you’re there join the pre-sale.  Any guest who books during the pre-sale will be entered for a chance to win exclusive experiences with Pitbull on board, including a photo with Mr. 305, a Teppanyaki dinner party with a toast by Pitbull, invitation to a Voli cocktail hour with Mr. Worldwide, and the chance to introduce Pitbull on stage before his Motivational Conversation.

The party won’t stop, as Miami hit-maker Flo Rida, and  “sexy, sassy, and classy” dancers The Most Bad Ones, along with DJ Laz, DJ Soulman and more artists to be announced join in on the fun.  Adding to the floating music festival is an onboard schedule that features two unique pool deck sets from Mr. Worldwide, a “Motivational Conversation” and Q&A with Pitbull, and a smokin’ hot dance boot camp with The Most Bad Ones.

A destination of her own, Norwegian Jade offers guests Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature freedom and flexibility to enjoy 11 onboard bars and lounges, 15 dining experiences, one outdoor pool, hot tubs, and a full menu of spa treatments. Pitbull After Dark Party cruisers will enjoy duty-free shopping and awe-inspiring architecture in beautiful Nassau. Explore your adventurous side diving into the crystal blue water with dolphins and colorful fish, or tempt lady luck in a casino.

Pitbull After Dark Party 2018 staterooms begin at $760 per person for double occupancy, plus taxes and fees. For more information about booking your vacation, visit us online at pitbullcruise.com or call Sixthman directly at 877-379-9187 between the hours of 10am ET and 6pm ET.

Connect with Pitbull After Dark Party cruisers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @pitbullcruise #pitbullcruise.

ABOUT SIXTHMAN: Since 2001, Sixthman has pioneered themed cruise experiences, creating intimate shared encounters for bands, brands, and their fan communities. We are proud to be celebrating our 16th year and the accomplishment of executing 104 festivals, hosting over 230,000 guests for 940,000 days on vacation at sea with world class artists such as KISS, Kid Rock, John Mayer, Zac Brown Band, Train, Pitbull, Paramore, Florida Georgia Line, Diplo, Joe Bonamassa, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 311, Lyle Lovett, Barenaked Ladies, Sister Hazel and for brand partners such as Turner Classic Movies, VH1, SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country, Walker Stalker Con, truTV and others along with Sixthman curated festivals, The Rock Boat and Cayamo! Our festivals at sea bring non-stop performances, artist collaborations and a truly immersive vacation experience with fan/band interactions throughout the voyage and in port. Our home ports of call include Miami, Tampa and New Orleans to dream destinations such as the Virgin Islands, Belize, Honduras, Mexico and the Bahamas. For more information, visit sixthman.net and connect with us @SXMLiveLoud.  LIVE LOUD.

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Inaugural Southern Rock Cruise Sells Out Six Months In Advance

Fans of southern rock will take to the high seas in fine style with the sailing of the sold out, Southern Rock Cruise! The Ultimate Tailgate at Sea will feature live performances by superstar southern rock artists as well as interactive fan events such as bourbon tasting, guitar seminars, artist panels, and Q&A sessions from many of the artists that were there when it started and are still entertaining audiences all over the world.

“I can’t wait for the lights to go down and hear these bands I grew up with delivering their uniquely American blend of blues based rock to a crowd that’ll be on their feet from the first to last note. This cruise will be great music and a non-stop party like no other,” said Mike Jason of StarVista LIVE.

The highly anticipated Southern Rock Cruise departs from Tampa, Florida on January 20, 2018 and travels to Jamaica and Grand Cayman before returning to Tampa on January 25th. Fans will enjoy a special onboard performance by Lynyrd Skynyrd in Jamaica and more than 40 other live performances by artists such as: 38 Special, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Wet Willie, Louisiana’s Leroux, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, Black Stone Cherry, The Curt Towne Band, Preacher Stone, Live at the Fillmore: A Tribute to the Allman Brothers, The Cowboy Poets and MORE!

For more information and to be the first to hear about future Southern Rock Cruises sign up for the mailing list at www.SouthernRockCruise.com or click here.

To catch waves on other Star Vista LIVE cruises, call 844-677-6884 or visit starvistalive.com.

About StarVista LIVE:
StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, the Flower Power Cruise, the 70s Rock and Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise and Abbey Road on the River festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista / Time Life brand, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity. Additional information about StarVista LIVE can be found at:

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Sofar Nashville Secret Show On June 10th

Photo credit: Lauren Pierce / rootsoftherose.com

Well, this sounds like a fun event from Sofar Sounds during CMA Music Festival.  Who doesn’t love a fun surprise? Grab your tickets today, so you don’t miss out!

On Saturday, June 10, Sofar Nashville will be hosting a showcase with 3 surprise local and international performers at a secret location in Music Row. 

Sofar Sounds is a global movement that brings the magic back to live music by hosting secret gigs in intimate and unique spaces for emerging and developing artists in front of passionate music fans, capturing shows in video and distributing across their channels. As an international, mostly volunteer-led community, Sofar is about providing authentic cultural experiences and creating a sense of community around people’s love for music in cities all around the world. Sofar’s community now spans over 310 cities in 60 countries and runs about 500 shows per month. 

Saturday, June 10 
Doors open at 12:30pm 
Show starts promptly at 1pm 
Tickets can be purchased and applied for here*Applicants and ticket holders will be emailed the exact location of the event on June 9.
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Southern Rock Icon Gregg Allman Passes Away At 69

Founding member of the Allman Brothers Band and southern rock icon Gregg Allman passed away at his home in Savannah, Georgia today at the age of 69.

Allman died due to liver cancer complications at his home surrounded by family and friends.

He will be buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, Georgia where 2 other members of the Allman Brothers rest.

This music icon will be missed, and the legacy of his musical contributions through the decades lives on.

Allman was born in Nashville, Tennessee on December 8, 1947.  Up until his passing, he was working on a new album to be released soon, but no date has been announced.

For his work in music, Allman was referred to as a Southern rock pioneer[1] and received numerous awards, including several Grammys; he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.  His distinctive voice placed him in 70th place in the Rolling Stone list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time”.  (Source: Wikipedia)

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Jade Jackson Announces Summer Tour Dates With Social Distortion

Country rock sensation Jade Jackson is set to release her anticipated debut album Gilded on May 19th via Anti-. The young California singer-songwriter, described as “part Hank Williams, part The Smiths” by Bluegrass Situation, was featured on the newest installment of the Walking The Floor podcast hosted by Foo Fighter guitarist Chris Shiflett.

Listen here: http://www.rollingstone.com/country/news/jade-jackson-chris-shiflett-talk-california-mike-ness-w481165

Jackson was also just profiled in the Huffington Post, which writes, “ For a young woman with a healthy appetite for life and a musical menu filled with enticing possibilities, Jackson and her delicious debut album should leave even a moody foodie with the most discerning taste craving for seconds.”

Read here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/with-debut-album-jade-jackson-finally-getting-a-taste_us_59112fd1e4b056aa2363d888

Jackson’s debut album Gilded was produced by Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness and powerfully merges the unflinching honesty and melodies of Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris with the raw energy of a musician influenced equally by George Jones, Hank Williams, The Cure and The Gun Club.

Jackson has just announced a series of live dates opening for Social Distortion.

Live Dates W/Social Distortion

July 22, 2017 The Depot  Salt Lake City, UT
July 25, 2017 Liberty Hall  Lawrence, KS
July 26, 2017 Palace Theatre Saint Paul, MN
July 28, 2017 The Riverside Theater Milwaukee, WI
July 29, 2017 Bogart’s  Cincinnati, OH
July 30, 2017 Newport Music Hall   Columbus, OH
Aug 1, 2017    House of Blues  Cleveland, OH
Aug 3, 2017    Stage AE  Pittsburgh, PA
Aug 4, 2017    The Fillmore  Philadelphia, PA
Aug 5, 2017    Paramount Theater Huntington, NY
Aug 8, 2017    Sherman Theater Stroudsburg, PA
Aug 9, 2017    College St. Music Hall  New Haven, CT
Aug 11, 2017 Palladium  Worcester, CT
Aug 12, 2017 Starland Ballroom Sayerville, NJ
Aug 13, 2017 The Fillmore  Silver Spring, MD
Aug 15, 2017 The Norva Theater Norfolk, VA
Aug 18, 2017 The Mill & Mine Knoxville, TN
Aug 19, 2017 The Fillmore  Matthews, NV
Aug 20, 2017 The Ritz  Raleigh, NC
Aug 22, 2017 House of Blues  Myrtle Beach, SC
Aug 23, 2017 Tabernacle    Atlanta, GA
Aug 25, 2017 House of Blues Orlando, FL
Aug 26, 2017 Revolution Live Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Aug 27, 2017 Jannus Landing  Saint Petersburg, FL
Aug 30, 2017 House of Blues   New Orleans, LA
Sept 01, 2017 Concrete St. Pavilion Corpus Christi, TX
Sept 02, 2017 The Aztec Theater  San Antonio, TX
Sept 05, 2017 Tricky Falls  El Paso, TX
Sept 06, 2017 Sunshine Theater Albuquerque, NM
Sept 08, 2017 Doheny State Beach Dana Point, CA

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Chris Young Delivers New Single, “Losing Sleep”

After earning multiple ACM, BBMA, CMA, Grammy and RDMA nominations and scoring three consecutive chart-topping singles – including his ninth No. 1 “Sober Saturday Night” with Vince Gill – from his “excellent” (New York Times) album I’m Comin’ Over, CHRIS YOUNG has set the bar even higher with the release of his brand new single, “Losing Sleep.”  Delivered overnight to country radio and retailers, the song shot immediately to the No. 2 spot on the iTunes Country chart within hours of release.

“I continue to be blown away by the response to my last record and it makes me push myself even harder in the studio and onstage,” said Chris. “With every new album I think I want to try and write something easier and not so high in my register, but of course, on ‘Losing Sleep’ we push the boundaries even further and layer in some fun, new grooves too.”

With bare, flawless vocals that lead into a bold, explosive chorus, “Losing Sleep” is the lead single from the RCA Records Nashville artist’s hotly anticipated seventh album due later this year. The song is written by Young with Josh Hoge and Chris DeStefano and marks the Grammy-nominated singer’s third time co-producing with Corey Crowder. Named “one of his era’s finest traditionalists” by the Associated Press, Young’s upcoming record will be his third project in less than two years, including 2015’s critically acclaimed I’m Comin’ Over and 2016’s It Must Be Christmas.

With a hit-packed set that highlights his nine chart-toppers — including “Gettin’ You Home,” “Voices,” “Tomorrow,” “I’m Comin’ Over” and “Think Of You,” — and fifteen Gold/Platinum certified projects, Chris has joined reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean as special guest on his They Don’t Know Tour through October before resuming his own headlining dates later this year.

 

LISTEN TO “LOSING SLEEP”
iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon Digital, Spotify, Google Play

FOLLOW CHRIS YOUNG
Website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

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Country Star Kane Brown Releases “What Ifs” Music Video Featuring Lauren Alaina

Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina are shown here filming the “What Ifs” music video on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean at The Inn at Newport Ranch in Northern California.  Photo credit: P.R. Brown

Academy of Country Music and CMT Music Awards nominated breakthrough artist Kane Brown reveals his highly-anticipated new music video “What Ifs” featuring Lauren Alaina streaming now exclusively on Amazon Music. “What Ifs” is included on Brown’s #1 self-titled album which remains country’s best-selling new-artist debut of the past 2 ½ years.

Kane Brown’s co-star in the new clip is Lauren Alaina, his good friend and middle-school classmate turned duet partner. Announced earlier this week, both artists are nominated for the 2017 CMT Music Awards “Breakthrough Video of the Year” – Brown for the clip of his Gold-certified “Used to Love You Sober,” and Alaina for “The Road Less Traveled.”
Directed by P. R. Brown and produced by Steve Lamar, “What Ifs” is the first music video to be filmed at The Inn at Newport Ranch on the breathtaking North California coastline. Prior to the world premiere of the clip on Amazon Music, the “What Ifs” lyric video and an interview with Brown and Alaina about the music video shoot were previewed last week on People.com.
“What Ifs” featuring Lauren Alaina is Kane Brown’s current single at country radio. It was produced by 9-time ACM Award-winning producer/musician Dann Huff and co-written by Brown, Matthew McGinn, and Jordan Schmidt. “What Ifs” is one of 11 songs, 7 of which he co-wrote, on the Kane Brown debut RCA Nashville/Zone 4 album which fans can purchase here.
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Country Group Levon Releases Self-Titled Debut EP, Available To Download And Stream Now

Available to Download and Stream Now
 
Watch the New Trio’s Video Biography and
 

Photo credit: David McClister

New country group Levon, dually signed to Sony Music’s Columbia Nashville and Epic Records, have released their self-titled debut EP. Produced and arranged by Jamie Houston for GB Productions, the five-song EP is available now for fans to download and stream.

Levon consists of three best friends: Northbrook, Illinois, native Michael David Hall (on guitar and lead vocals, with a soaring five-octave range); Sumter, South Carolina’s Jake Singleton (on harmonies, bass, and percussion); and Camden, Tennessee, native Ryan Holladay (on guitar, mandolin, banjo and harmonies). View a Levon brief video biography HERE.
Showcasing the band’s compelling song craft and harmonies, as well as their genre-transcending performance style and sound, their Levon EP features the following selections and songwriters:
1. “Why Oh Why”
Michael David Hall/James Dean Hicks/Jamie Houston
2. “Runaway Love”
Michael David Hall/Chris Lindsey/Jamie Houston
3. “Wired”
Michael David Hall/Marc Beeson/Jamie Houston
4. “Give Up Your Heart”
Jamie Houston/Craig Wiseman
5. “Ms. Marianne”
Michael David Hall/James Dean Hicks/Jamie Houston
 
Currently on a nationwide country radio tour to promote their new EP, Levon took yesterday off to fly to Pittsburgh, PA for a concert performance. While in flight, the band surprised Southwest Airlines passengers with an a cappella rendition of “Give Up Your Heart” HERE.
A debut single from the Levon EP will impact country radio this summer.
A few of the trio’s musical roots are suggested by their name, an homage to the talents of The Band’s Levon Helm, as well as Elton John and his song, “Levon.”  All in their twenties, Levon’s members nonetheless share a collective musical passion for the 1970s “Laurel Canyon Sound” generation whose lyrics and melodies have remained relevant long after their time on the charts.
Playing such Music City-area venues as Puckett’s in nearby Leiper’s Fork and gigging for tips outside Nashville fave, the Pancake Pantry, contributed to the early buzz on Levon.  To date, the band has expanded its résumé to include festival dates and opening slots for such artists as Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Willie Nelson, Kelsea Ballerini, Alabama and many others.
Follow Levon on…
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