COUNTRY FOR INDIE FOCUS
Brad Paisley is taking yet another gem out for a drive at Country radio. “Last Time For Everything” (Arista Nashville) is already picking up some big time out-of-the-box adds and it appears this could be his big Spring into Summer hit. Also getting some early activity is the latest from Jake Owen. His new “Good Company” (RCA Nashville) is kicking off in fine fashion and our panel of music and program directors are all over this one. Rounding out this powerhouse trio of Country recording artists is Chris Stapleton. He’s back one again with another monster single in “Either Way” (Mercury Nashville). A most different Country artists that we’ve seen in recent times, Chris has really won the hearts and minds of just about everybody at Country radio. There is no doubt that he deserves all of his recent successes.
Tim McGraw and his wife superstar Faith Hill have a good thing going as we all know, Their duet “Speak To A Girl” (Arista Nashville) is fast becoming everybody’s favorite. They are now set for some good live tours and performances for Summer and those crowds should be massive. I’m also really loving the new Jon Pardi single. “Heartache On The Dance Floor” (Capitol Nashville) is one of his best to date and this one appears to have what it takes to go all the way. Jon has displayed some real promise as of late and is fast becoming a must add a Country radio.
Josh Turner is back at it and make no mistake about that. We’re falling all over for his new “All About You” (MCA Nashville) and for good reason, it’s another masterpiece from one of our favorites. Jason Aldean has another winner to hang his hat on. His new “They Don’t Know” (Broken Bow) is fast becoming another amazing single for one of Country radio’s finest. We’ll see how this one plays out in the weeks to come but so far so very good. Drake White continues to build his fortunes at radio. It’s been a bit of a rough go for Drake but his new “Makin’ Me Look Good Again” (Dot) keeps him in good rotation on Country stations from coast to coast. All you have to do is ask anyone on our panel about Drake White.
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Dan & Shay continue to build fans at the format. Their latest in “How Not To” (WB/WEA) Once again underscores just how good these guys are. Another duo in Al & Trey are building their own following at Country radio. “Anyway” (Tide Productions) is their debut single and this track has had great weeks after weeks and the song is now moving up our Country Top50 by leaps and bounds. It won’t be too long before the entire Country world begins to sing the praises of Al & Trey. Just remember you read and heard about them first right here in this column.
Eileen Carey is back with yet another musical gem. “Good Bad Girl” (Rolley Coaster) is her latest and this track is pulling in some rather impressive early week numbers. Also getting some out of the box action is Shari Rowe. Her new “Southern Spells” (Maven Media) is getting lots of attention so you may want to spend a little time with this one to be sure. Peyton Parrish is also getting in on the action. “Country Girl” (Ind) is the one that many of you out there seem to be loving. We’ll see how that plays out in the weeks to come for Peyton.
Don Faires seems to be showing up on everybody’s list. His new “Evangeline” (Hologram) is pulling in some rather impressive numbers. You can hear the single right now on the Independent Music Network’s 12th Anniversary Radio Special by going to their website. Bill Kennedy is also making waves at Country radio. “Special Prayer” (Pretty World) is the song that is the new talk of the town. Rachael Turner is also building her fortunes at radio. Her new and tasteful “Hurts Don’t It” (Rustic) is one track that you should pay some special attention to.
Zac Brown really put on quite the snow at CRS 2017. We still keep raving and talking about his heartfelt “My Old Man” (Southern Ground/Atlantic) single and many of you at radio seem to agree as this one moves to the top of the charts. Also making more big moves at radio is the new vocal act Midland. CRS proved to be a big jump start for them as their debut single “Drinkin’ Problem” (Big Machine/Universal) moves to higher ground. It’s great to see them take off and we are just thrilled for them. I’ll have more for you on the greatest music from the Country arena net time right there. This is our annual Indie Artists issue so pay special attention to these artists the really deserve your support.