ARTIST SPOLIGHT
INDUSTRY NEWS
Brei Carter
Brei Carter Bringing a new sound to country music
Who are your biggest influences?
Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Patsy Cline, Tina Turner, Johnny Cash, June Carter, Kenny Rogers to name a few. Really growing up I’d hear Motown, like the temptations, smokey robinson, country, rock, disco, r&b to gospel. I grew up having an appreciation for all music.
What’s the craziest thing that has happened on tour?
I haven’t had the opportunity to go on tour yet. Looking forward to the day that I can answer this one.
What’s your songwriting process?
Typically it starts with a mood or message. Or sometimes it comes down to a tag line or phrase that I’d heard or that came to mind. Normally I’m a little better at the lyrics vs the melody, but I’m getting better. I really like to write and tell a story or talk about a situation because everyone has a story and everyone has been in a situation a time or two.
Who do you sound like?
This is a great question, I’m still trying to figure that one out. I’m told my voice is just unique.
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing right now?
Honestly, it took a long time to get to this point and music is all I can think about doing. I feel free when I’m making music and no matter what’s going on in my life, Music makes things come into perspective. I can see a little clearer.
What do you feel is the best song you’ve ever released and why?
I don’t think I’ve released my best song yet. I’m constantly pushing myself, growing and getting better. I also actually love all the songs I’ve released so far. I will say though that there are a few I’d love to go back re-record someday.
Which musician would you like to collaborate with next and why?
There’s actually a few. I’d love to do something with Chris Stapleton because he’s just soulful and everything he touches is magic. Miranda Lambert because I love all her music and I think we’d have a great time recording and I love the messages of her songs. Dolly Parton or Tanya Tucker just for some knowledge and good old country roots (music like they use to make).
What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far?
Learning to embrace my uniqueness and how my voice is enough. Knowing that It is good enough and it’s me. I’d say learning to appreciate my sound. I’ve come to realize that I’ve got to believe in me and that somedays will be harder than other days, but to keep fighting for my dreams no matter what anyone says.
What do you enjoy most about being a musician? What do you hate most?
What I enjoy most about music is that it allows me to be free. Music allows me to connect with people all over the world. I love that music is the one thing that universal! There’s no color, there’s no race, there’s no gender. Music is!
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
If I could change anything about the industry it would be to have a platform where new artist like myself could go and showcase our music to have a fair oppty to help change the world through our music platforms.
What inspires you? What connection do you have to your music?
Life inspires me! Time isn’t promised to any of us, so we have but now to make the most of everything that comes our way. My music is me! It’s me whether I wrote it or not. When I choose to sing, or record a song, I take on the meaning and connect with every word, every beat, every moment.
PAST ARTIST FEATURES
Swedish Artist Simon Andersson from Malmö Nominated for the 2023 World Entertainment Awards
Who are your biggest influences? How long of an answer do you like? Ha ha! Early on I watched a VHS tape my father had with videos of John Fogerty, Little Richard, Fats Domino and The Eagles etc. That made a big impact on me as a kid and I watched that tape over and over. Later on when I was around eleven, I was heavily influenced by Chicago. The early era many seem to have forgotten about. I’m talking about the 70’s. So much great music they did back then! And their guitarist – Terry Kath – who was […]
Protest Song Wins Top Honors at USA Songwriting Competition
Will Carpenter and Abby Posner (both pictured) from Los Angeles won the Overall Grand Prize of the 2023 USA Songwriting Competition with their protest song “Get Loud”. Will is part of a Rock group “Ships Have Sailed”. “We truly can’t believe we won. It means the world that the song’s message resonated with you and the judges, and we are truly grateful. This song was written as a protest song for anyone that has had their rights stripped away. We want it to be a universal anthem for those that feel like they have to continue to push for positive changes, for human rights, […]
Meet New Rising Artist Sasha Anne
Who are your biggest influences? Miley Cyrus, Jade Starling (Award Winning singer/songwriter of Pretty Poison), Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Paramore, Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, Olivia Rodrigo What’s the craziest thing that has happened on tour? I haven’t been on tour just yet. Hopefully in the near future! What’s your songwriting process? Bekah Novi and GG Ramirez were the songwriters for this song and wrote it for me after I gave them the concept/story and explained my experience and how I felt. Who do you sound like? I sound like myself. I want to have an original […]
Ireland’s Ryan Sheridan Wins Top Honors in 19th Annual Acoustic Music Awards
Critically Acclaimed Ireland based folk-acoustic artist Ryan Sheridan wins top honors in the 19th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards). He also won Best Male Artist Award as well. Ryan Sheridan is a Platinum-selling Recording Artist, Songwriter, Performer and Producer based in Dublin, Ireland. Sheridan started his music career as a busker on the streets of Dublin. It was here that he would work on his craft and trademark sound and be spotted by a Record Label’s A&R. Sheridan’s durable presence on the gig circuit, where amidst his energy-driven, charismatic shows, has led to 2 no.1 Albums in both […]
The 28h Annual USA Songwriting Competition Kicks Off, 2022 Winners Announced
Entries are now accepted for the 28th Annual USA Songwriting Competition. Win a top prize of $50,000 worth of cash and merchandise. Also, have your winning songs played on radio! Enter in Pop, Rock/Alt, Folk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Instrumental, etc. Entrants come from all over the world: Australia, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Germany, USA, South Africa, etc. USA Songwriting Competition is sponsored by: Michael Kelly Guitars, Hartke, Samson Technologies, Acoustic Guitar magazine, Klevgrand, Music Gateway, Fiedler Audio, PreSonus, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, Airplay Access, Hal Leonard, Jamstack, Nembrini Audio, Melda Production, FL Studio, Discmakers, School of Rock, Singer Express, […]
BREAKING AC/HOT AC NEWS
Mallow Hill Set To Release “Thinkin’ Bout My Baby” June 7
Baltimore quintet, Mallow Hill are set to release their debut song “Thinkin’ Bout My Baby” June 7, 2024. Recorded at famed 3Sirens in Nashville, “Thinkin’ Bout My Baby” was produced by Grammy-nominated Dex Green (Elvis Costello, Margo Price, Nicole Atkins, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Shemekia Copeland) and engineered by Joe Costa (Ben Folds, Caitlin Rose, Amanda […]
Kayley Bishop Releases Highly Anticipated New Album Little Dove
Award-winning artist Kayley Bishop is thrilled to announce the release of her latest album, Little Dove, an evocative blend of soul-stirring lyrics and masterful production that encapsulates her journey through faith, self-discovery, and the transformative power of music. Recorded at Nashville’s iconic Farmland Studios, Little Dove is a testament to Bishop’s commitment to authenticity, a journey that has seen her confront limiting beliefs and embrace a renewed vision for dreaming big. “Little Dove is a tribute to the journey God has taken me on this year,” says Bishop. “At the start of 2023, I felt called to overcome fears that […]
Lark Tells an Upbeat Tale of Love and Magic With New Single “11:11”
Dynamic Australian pop artist Lark has released her latest single titled “11:11.” This 80s-inspired dance-pop track effuses an uplifting and positive mood that inspires listeners to love with playful romance. The song is now available to stream and download worldwide. “11:11” opens with an infectious, danceable beat, pulsating synths, and luscious vocals, all backed by a flirtatious and tender message. The single is part of an innovative art project that includes a song, music video, short story, and concept art, all unified by a whimsical theme of love. The project draws inspiration from iconic 80s and 90s romance novels, made famous […]
Olivia Dolphin’s Witch Pop Album Transforms for the ‘Better’
Artist Olivia Dolphin recently released her highly anticipated sophomore album, Better. This project is a deeply personal – yet relatable – exploration of self-growth, transformation, and reclamation, combining elements of alt-rock, witch pop, and orchestral rock to create a sound that is as haunting as it is empowering. Following the success of her debut album Lion-Hearted Blood and recent singles like “Quiet Girls,” Dolphin continues to solidify her place as a rising force in the Rhode Island music scene and beyond. Her self-produced multi-genre shows feature a thoughtful blend of artists across all styles and backgrounds. This momentum has created […]
“America The Beautiful”: A Timely Message Superseding The Current Political Times
In a time of growing conflict and division in the U.S., singer-songwriter Camille Harrison offers an expressive and elegant rendition of the iconic song “America The Beautiful.” Camille’s version reminds us of the beauty that exists in our country and among its people—encouraging unity, respect, and compassion, despite our differences. As an accomplished adult contemporary singer-songwriter, Camille has graced the stage with legends like Hank Williams, Jr., and Dolly Parton, and recorded with the renowned Floyd Cramer at RCA Studios in Nashville. Known for her versatility across genres including jazz, traditional pop, and country, Camille also penned the Top 40 […]
BREAKING COUNTRY NEWS
Natalie Del Carmen Navigates the Emotional Landscapes of “The Highway”
Native Angelino, Natalie Del Carmen, released her new single, “The Highway,” a song that masterfully encapsulates the vast array of emotions one encounters during a seemingly simple and routine highway drive. Drawing on her folk-Americana roots and infusing them with a pop sensibility, the singer-songwriter crafts a musical narrative that is both deeply personal and […]
Christie Cook Releases Nostalgic New Single, “Roseville Fair”
Singer-songwriter Christie Cook is set to release her latest single, “Roseville Fair,” a heartwarming cover of Bill Staines’ beloved song. This autumn release transports listeners to a simpler time, telling the timeless love story of a couple who met, danced, and fell in love at the local county fair. With a beautiful blend of fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and rich three-part harmonies, Christie’s rendition of “Roseville Fair” evokes the magic of a fairground romance. The song’s vivid imagery, like “the moon came up so quiet in the sky” and “the band was a-tunin’,” conjures the nostalgic feel of love unfolding under […]
Simon Stanley does the “Vampire Boogie” – Jazzy New Halloween Single for Kids & Families
Just in time for the spooky season, “Vampire Boogie,” a jazzy new single from Nashville-based Kiwi songwriter Simon Stanley, will be released on October 25, 2024. The perfect song for every young wizard or ghoul who’s ready to dance the night away, “Vampire Boogie” is a Halloween hop about a misunderstood vampire who just wants to get down! Three-time New Zealand Music Award winner Simon Stanley’s colorful storytelling paints an amusing picture of a charismatic Transylvanian character with a passion for dance, cooped up after midnight with only bats in the attic to keep him company. This feel-good jam is […]
Olivia Reid Releases Heartfelt New Single “Love Don’t Leave”
NYC indie-folk pop artist Olivia Reid has released her latest single, “Love Don’t Leave,” the first song off of her forthcoming EP. The EP, titled soft songs for the soul, is born out of Reid’s centering experiences in Poland’s countryside. “I wanted to write music that would lower my heart rate, that would calm my mind, and bring me back to earth,” she reveals. “And I don’t usually write love songs out of fear that I might accidentally diminish an experience so complex and beautiful into something cheesy or cheap. But this song.. this one felt real.” The result is a calm, […]
The Colourblind and the Birds Release Debut Album ‘Baying for Blood’ in Support of Mental Health Charity Mind
Baying for Blood, the debut album from The Colourblind and the Birds, emerges as a powerful sonic exploration of mental fragility, brought to life by a host of talented underground artists from Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The project, led by anonymous enigmatic London-based producer Flip X, blends a wide array of genres and moods in a stunning 15-track album, with the release coinciding with World Mental Health Day, 100% of proceeds from sales going directly to the UK mental health charity Mind. Not much is known about Flip X, other than his previous workings alongside legendary producer Martin Rushent […]
BREAKING TOP40/CHR NEWS
Izzy Raye Reinvent’s Single “Favorite Girl (feat. Lukey)”
Izzy Raye has released a new spin on her euphoric indie pop song “Favorite Girl” featuring Lukey. “Favorite Girl,” originally penned by Izzy Raye and Noel Lucas Geniza, has captured the hearts of fans with its infectious melodies and poignant lyrics. Now, with Lukey’s unique touch, the remix takes the piece to new heights, taking […]
Ashley Elle Explores Healing From Toxic Relationships in New Single “One More Night”
Pop singer-songwriter Ashley Elle beautifully captures the emotional turmoil of holding on to someone who no longer serves you in her new single, “One More Night.” Weaving together heart-wrenching lyrics and ethereal melodies, Ashley Elle brings solace to anyone caught in the cycle of romantic entanglements. “One More Night” is available now on all streaming platforms. A rising voice in the indie-pop music scene, Ashley Elle continues to showcase her versatility as an artist, seamlessly blending the genuine storytelling of folk with the rich, sonic soundscapes of dream pop. “One More Night” is no exception for Ashley Elle, taking listeners on […]
KICKNUT Drops Explosive New Single “PS Middle Finger”
KICKNUT, a trio of seasoned yet anonymous musicians, erupts onto the scene with their latest single, “PS Middle Finger,” now available on all major streaming platforms. Blending the wild, boundary-pushing energy of the Beastie Boys with the searing, unapologetic attitude of Rage Against the Machine, “PS Middle Finger” is a Molotov cocktail of 90s rebellion turned all the way up. Relentless and unfiltered, this new release serves as a fiery anthem of defiance, delivered with the raw power of roaring guitars, intense rhythms, and biting lyrics. With every beat, KICKNUT demands the track be blasted at full volume, making it […]
Ksusha and DJ Mentol Drop “Catch My Courage” – A Dance-Pop Anthem for the Fearless
Indie artist From:Ksusha and influential Romanian DJ Mentol return with their 10th collaboration, “Catch My Courage.” Seamlessly blending house and dance-pop with a message of self-empowerment, this track stands out for its groovy rhythm, smooth vocals, and inspiring lyrics, capturing what both artists do best: delivering a high-energy track ready to win over EDM and house fans worldwide. With numerous releases, major festival performances, and worldwide collaborations, both artists bring a wealth of experience to this project. From:Ksusha, a DIY artist and producer, is actively expanding her presence across markets from Europe to Australia. She has collaborated with notable artists, […]
Sarina Raises the Curtain On Her Electrifying New EP Break Out!!
Rising pop-punk artist Sarina unveils her newest EP titled Break Out!! Building on the previously released enthralling singles “Living in the Moment” and “Skip a Beat,” the EP examines Sarina’s innermost thoughts and emotions. The EP also features the angsty and catchy new single “Why am I so sad?!” The dynamic collection of songs is now available to stream and download worldwide. Produced by Grammy-winning producer Erik Ron (I Prevail, Staind, Bush) and platinum record producer and Escape the Fate guitarist Kevin Thrasher (Panic! At The Disco, Blink-182, Avril Lavigne), the Break Out!! EP delves into all-too-relatable situations and emotions that Sarina explores in each song. The EP opens […]
FIIZ Shares Nightcap EP: An Intimate Exploration of Nightlife and Self-Discovery
IIZ, the dynamic duo of Fiona (Fi) and Isabelle (Iz), known for their bold representation of the LGBTQ+ community in the music industry, share their debut EP, NIGHTCAP. More than just an album, this seven-song collection is a sensory voyage through the highs and lows of a night out, from start to finish. NIGHTCAP is available now on streaming platforms worldwide. NIGHTCAP is the latest manifestation of the duo’s unique synergy, which blends electronic pop, hyperpop, and EDM into an electrifying and groundbreaking sound. The creation of NIGHTCAP took place over six months in Boston, where Fi and Iz resided in Iz’s mother’s basement, crafting […]