ARTIST FEATURE
Chris Mabb: Making Country Music
Chris Mabb Making Country Music
Who are your biggest influences?
My biggest influences were Alan Jackson, George Strait, Keith Whitley, Randy Travis,
Ritchie Valens, & Buddy Holly.
What’s the craziest thing that has happened on tour?
Craziest thing to happen on tour was having the opportunity to open for the Washboard Union in 2019 in Shelbourne, Ontario.
What’s your songwriting process?
Songwriting is challenging sometimes. I usually write down a thought I’ve had about something or something someone has said and try to piece it together.
Some take longer than others. I’ve written songs where I’ve put myself in someone else’s position and tried writing about how I think they may be feeling. It is a constant learning process and I think as we get older and experience more of life our writing abilities grow and evolve.
Who do you sound like?
I’ve been compared to Randy Travis. Keith Whitley. Hank Williams Sr and Alan Jackson and I have been extremely humbled and honoured by that. I grew up in late 80’s and 90’s listening to all their music and I can remember watching Alan Jackson on the Grand Ole Opry on TV and thinking I wanted to be just like him.
My focus is to keep trying to make real country music like what I grew up loving and hopefully people like it.
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing right now?
If I didn’t become a musician I would probably try to be a writer of some sort.
Or work the same job I have been.
What do you feel is the best song you’ve ever released and why?
The best song I’ve released so far I think is the song “Scars” I wrote about a friend of mine. He served in the Canadian NAVY and served in Dessert Storm in 1990 & 1991. He suffered from PTSD and I think the song tells a lot of veteran’s stories. They left their loved ones to serve the greater good for their God. Family and country. Some come home from war and have a hard adjusting from military life. Some feel very misunderstood and judged. Victimized by their own Government and country whom they left to fight for in the first place. I think the song “Scars” tells that story. I grew up around veterans and have been very fortunate to hear some of their stories. I’ve lots of songs but it is probably one of the best ones I’ve written. I am very proud of it.
Which musician would you like to collaborate with next and why?
I would love the chance to work with Alan Jackson or George Strait. They are real country music and they are the reason I wanted to be a singer in the first place.
What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far?
The biggest problem I’ve had to overcome so far would probably be stage fright. I probably don’t show it a lot and people don’t believe me but I still get nervous before taking the stage. I think its natural.
What do you enjoy most about being a musician? What do you hate most?
I think playing live shows is the most enjoyable part of what we do. Being with the fans and watching them have a good time makes us feel good. Makes us feel like what we are doing is making a difference for someone and it is worth while. The hardest part is being on the road and missing your family.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
If I change anything, I’d like to try and make it easier financially for independent and up and coming artists. Some of the top charts in the business can cost money a lot of us just don’t have and it makes it difficult to get ahead.
What inspires you? What connection do you have to your music?
Music has always been a part of my life. I don’t know where any of us would be with out it. I think it is a very powerful language and there is a song out there that tells everybody’s story if you listen. Being able to express ourselves with out using words is a pretty amazing thing.
PAST ARTIST FEATURES
Award winning Vocalist and Producer Natalie Nicole Gilbert Releases Seasonal Album Warm Winter
Multi-award winning vocalist, songwriter, and producer Natalie Nicole Gilbert shows her musical versatility and emotional breadth in her new nostalgic album, Warm Winter (Orchard). Having released over a dozen albums of original music ranging from EDM to jazz to alt pop rock, Gilbert delves into putting her own spin on an eclectic mix of 10 iconic songs written by some of the most notable songwriters of our time, including David Foster, Joni Mitchell and Andrew Lloyd Webber. To create the album, Gilbert collaborated with a multi-faceted team of music heavyweights, including composer and violinist Andrew Joslyn, (Leslie Odom Jr., Macklemore and Lewis, Suzanne Vega), songwriter, composer, orchestrator, film scorer and multi-instrumentalist Dana Bisignano (Oprah, VH1, and Curb Your Enthusiasm), and multiple award-winning TV and film composer Jonathan Still (Dancing With The Stars, Shameless, Inside the NFL). Warm Winter hits all digital platforms on December 11, 2020.
Gilbert’s Warm Winter album consists of her unique reimaginings of 10 songs from a smorgasbord of genres. The songs range from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rendition of a centuries old Latin hymn “Pie Jesu”, to a contemporary mashup of “What Child Is This” over the melody of “We Three Kings” in “What Child of Kings”; to Gilbert’s ambitious covers of Joni Mitchell’s 1971 Christmas folk song “River”, Fleetwood Mac’s 1974 “Landslide”, David Foster’s 1990 “Grown Up Christmas List” and Harry Styles’s 2019 melancholy “Falling”. “Walking in the Air”, is from the children’s TV animated film, The Snowman, and “Wrapped Up in a Dream Called You” brings lush traditional jazz to the album.
Guest artists on the album include vocalist Lisa Ramey (NBC’s The Voice) and Grammy® Award winning vocalist/songwriter/producer Jarrett Johnson (Take 6, Michael Bublé, Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino) on “That Will Be Christmas”. Strings were provided by Andrew Joslyn who played violin and viola on 7 of the 10 tracks, along with Eli Weinberger (Manahem Pressler, Macklemore and Lewis) on cello. Jonathan Still provided the piano and arrangement of “What Child Of Kings”, and Dana Bisignano provided piano on four of the tracks. Warren Pettey adds a soulful jazz piano in “Falling”, “Grown Up Christmas List” and “Landslide”. “Wrapped Up in a Dream Called You” features Steve Rice (who also co-wrote the song) on piano and Jay Thomas on the tenor sax solo, joined by Devan Stovall on drums and Cary Black on bass.
The album was co-produced by Gilbert and Latin Grammy-nominated recording engineer, DJ and remixer Robert Eibach, who mixed and engineered the album. He also provided the beats and all instrumentation on “That Will Be Christmas”.
Warm Winter, the new winter-themed album by Natalie Nicole Gilbert, is out now on all digital platforms, just in time for the holidays.More about Natalie Nicole Gilbert
LA-based Natalie Nicole Gilbert comes from a musical family heritage with a pianist mother who played with Liberace, a vocalist sister into love songs from every era, a brother in a rock band, and a father whose tech engineer mind led him to work for Lockheed Martin. Gilbert's career has included collaborations with a number of film composers and musicians of a wide array of genres ranging from EDM to classic jazz to alt pop rock.
Today, Gilbert is a voting member of the Recording Academy with 12 solo albums and an additional 17 singles to her credit. In addition to her music, she has more than 10 years in broadcast radio as a radio host and voiceover talent, and has done national commercials for McDonalds, Cadillac, Quiznos, and other well-known brands. She built her home recording studio in 2005 when it was still a relatively new practice, and continues to produce and co-produce her own music. Gilbert is also a session vocalist for the Dublin Studio Hub, and film and TV composer with Music + Pictures, whose credits include Law and Order, The Office, and many others worldwide. She brings her extensive knowledge of what is radio-ready and what is easiest to license for film & TV to her own acoustic and electric songs. To stream or download the album: https://ffm.to/warmwinterNatalie Nicole Gilbert Warm Winter - Tracklist:
- Falling (Extended Cut)
- Wrapped Up in a Dream Called You*
- Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)*
- Grown Up Christmas List
- That Will Be Christmas
- What Child Of Kings
- River
- Walking in the Air (from The Snowman)
- Pie Jesu
- Landslide
* Previously released as singles
Crossover Artist Toni Land Releases New Single After No. 1 Hit “New Girl”
Crossover Artist Toni Land Releases New Single After No. 1 Hit “New Girl”
Who is Toni Land?
Who are your biggest influences?| Rolling Stones, Pretenders, Blondie, Lucinda Williams, and Sheryl Crow |
ABOUT TONI LAND:
Across the span of six albums (with yet a new album in the works), Toni Land, a talented Pacific Northwest singer-songwriter has revealed her humanity to us. Stories from a real person on a real journey of truth-telling and soul-searching. From her roots listening to the rock and pop of the 70’s, and through playing with her first bands in the 80’s, she was suddenly taken in the 1990’s by the sounds of acoustic guitars and acoustic instruments. That sound then became the heart of her music. Though she’s never been a traditional folk or country singer (her lyrics and attitude never really jibed with those genres), her music draws on and mixes those influences with a lifetime of others to create a unique sound – call it Toni music. She has been described as “surefooted in her travels between country and folk” and has earned comparisons to Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams and Taylor Swift. For over twenty years and until his passing in 2016, Toni worked with legendary Northwest producer/music director, Tim Ellis, together creating some of Toni’s best known work (What the Heart Knows, Lucky Cat, Deep in Diamonds and Chocolate Cake for Breakfast). Recently, she teamed up with multi-talented producer/engineer, Jim Walker to record what became her EP, It’s Good. She now is recording a new album with Walker and have plans to release it early next year. The single from the untitled album, “New Girl” was released early 2020 and sky rocketed up national radio charts. Plans are in the works to release another single, “Crazed and Dazed”. Toni has earned a reputation for her dynamic crowd-wowing live performances. She has played return engagements at many of the West Coast’s largest festivals, including the California Avocado Festival in Santa Barbara, North by Northwest and Oregon’s Bite of Portland. Toni is a woman who can straddle the intimate, acoustic songster and dynamic full throttle performer like few can do. As a stellar songwriter, she has earned publishing and production deals throughout her career. Her first single, “Have You Ever Seen Your Real Love”, landed on national radio’s Top 40 Adult/Contemporary Chart and earned Land a national distribution deal. From then on, radio stations have played her music all over the world. She was voted in the “Top Ten Artists” poll by Radio 98.6 listeners in Berlin. Her song, “Good For Me” made it to the #4 position on MP3.com on their Triple A Chart. Her most recent single, “New Girl,” has been charting across radio formats include Adult Contemporary, Country and Top 40 for the last several months. It earned a #1 position on the Digital Country chart, #1 Western Region Country Chart and #2 Western Regional Adult Contemporary Chart. Toni Land has been awarded Best Songwriter by the International Acoustic Music Awards as well as the Portland Songwriter Association. Toni has a Master’s Degree and works as a children’s speech pathologist and has a certification as an Autism Specialist. She began incorporating music more and more into her love of working with kids, and has now merged the two into a very creative and satisfying work life. “OMG, kids LOVE music!” Says Toni. She has been a performance consultant to corporations, community theater groups and public schools as well as the creator of “The Miracle of Performance” and “Stagework” workshops.
Andrew Jannakos Win Top Honors In 25th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, Gets Signed To Sony Music
Andrew Jannakos won the top award (Overall Grand Prize) as well as Best Country Song award at the 25th Annual USA Songwriting Competition. Singer-songwriter Andrew Jannakos teamed up with co-writer Michael O'Neal Smith.
“I was so shocked that my song got selected winner of the top prize in the USA Songwriting competition, I hope I can continue to make music that you all enjoy. It’s amazing because I’ve also recently been signed to Sony Music Nashville Records” said Andrew Jannakos.Flowery Branch, Georgia native Andrew Jannakos grew up in a small-town neighborhood where barbecue parties and backyard soccer games were everyday events. Jannakos performed a blind audition on NBC's The Voice in spring 2019 and has built a robust following on social media. Prior to the new track's release, he posted snippets of it on TikTok, where he has nearly 700,000 followers. He was on Adam Levine’s team of “The Voice”. Following the hugely successful independent release of “Gone Too Soon,” which entered Billboard’s Hot 100 chart at #65 and helped Jannakos debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Emerging Artists Charts, he linked with a proactive management team that helped him begin meeting with record labels in Nashville. Recently, Jannakos inked a recording contract with Sony Music Nashville. The Overall Second Prize of the USA Songwriting Competition went to Kristen Grainger & her band “True North” from Salem, Oregon, with their song "Keep the River on Your Right". They also won Best Folk Song with the same song. The Overall Third Prize went to Bill Jenkins & Trystan Matthews, of Glendale, AZ, with their song "Thicker than Rain". Notable winners include: virtuoso guitarist Al Di Meola with co-writers Leonid Agutin and Alex Sino won Best World Song category with their song "Just a Rainy Day". Notable finalists include Folk Singer-Songwriter Ellis Paul and Pop Star Chubby Checker. GRAMMY NOMINATION Joanie Leeds, First Prize winner of the 2013 USA Songwriting Competition (as well as a current finalist), has just been nominated for a Grammy in the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards (2020) in the "Best Children's Music Album" category for her album All The Ladies. The album is produced by last year's Grammy Winner, Lucy Kalantari, an honorable mention winner of the 2018 USA Songwriting Competition. Nine of fifteen category First Prize category winners this year were multi-way collaborations, including all the finalists in the Pop and Country categories. More details on the winners can be seen here: ABOUT USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION USA Songwriting Competition has a long history of having winners getting recording and publishing contracts, have their songs placed on the charts as well as having their songs placed on film and television. The 2019 Winner Jamie Alimorad and 2018 winner David Wilcox received radio airplay with their winning songs. The 2017 winner Pricilla Renae has her song recorded by Ariana Grande and that song hit #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts last year, her songs have been recorded by other big name artists such as Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Fifth Harmony, Demi Lovato, Rihanna, Madonna, Selena Gomez and Chris Brown. Several of her songs have hit the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. 2013 winner American Authors were signed to Island Records, and hit #1 on the Billboard Charts and went Double Platinum. 2015’s winning song “Are You Ready” by Distant Cousins was featured on the final season of American Idol as well as the Box office hit motion picture 'This Is Where I Leave You', starring Jason Bateman and Tina Fey. The 2007 winner Ari Gold hit Top 10 on the Billboard charts with his winning song. The 2005 Winner of the Country category had his winning song cut by Country Superstar Faith Hill. The 2005 winner of the Pop category was signed by Interscope Records; she went on to hit Top 10 on the Billboard 200 Album charts. USA Songwriting Competition is sponsored by: Audio-Tecnica, PreSonus, GHS Strings, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, Airplay Access, Acoustic Guitar magazine, Sonoma Wire Works, Sound Theory, FL Studio, Discmakers, School of Rock, Sound Radix, Singer Express, Songcraft, Klevgr, OekSound, Pearl Snap Studios, Berklee College of Music and more. In its landmark year, the 26th Annual USA Songwriting Competition is currently accepting entries. For more information, visit us
Randy C Moore: Texas Americana
Randy C Moore Texas Americana
Who are your biggest influences? Johnny Cash, George Harrison, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Tom T. Hall, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins What's the craziest thing that has happened on tour? I was a Star Search contestant in 1986 and I was hi-jacked by a man who claimed to be Bruce Springsteen's security manager. He arranged for my own private limo, arranged an after party for me and 30 of my friends at Harry's Bar & Grill in Century City, then he vanished leaving us with a six-thousand dollar tab. It was the best fake time I ever had.
What's your songwriting process? Songs will play in my head long before I commit myself to crafting them. I try to have a long engagement with and idea before I take the big step. It's probably why I never quite fit in with the Music Row publishing scene. My creativity has no clock.
Who do you sound like? Don Williams, Carl Perkins, Don McClean, Waylon Jennings
If you didn't become a musician, what would you be doing right now? Teaching fine art in some basement studio of a Museum
What do you feel is the best song you've ever released and why? The song "Broken" because I lived it.
Which musician would you like to collaborate with next and why? Hayes Carll, because he is different.
What's the biggest problem you've had to overcome so far? My adaptability to multiple musical styles...simplicity.
What do you enjoy most about being a musician? What do you hate most? What I enjoy most is seeing my live audience react to what I am saying to them with my lyrics. What I like the least is dealing with live audio engineers and drummers.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be? I would take the industry back 50 years, to the days when music was king and commercials were for cigarettes. In my view, today's music artistry has been compromised due to the need for quick investment returns and very little artist growth. And what this means is, artistry has little value compared to the power of celebrity.
What inspires you? What connection do you have to your music? My life inspires me, my mistakes, my shortcomings, my memories of people I will always love. My music is personal on many levels. If I do the right thing when I express my ideas then I have done my job.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Website
ABOUT RANDY C MOORE:
Moore is a Global Music Artist. A native of Humble, Texas, at 15 years of age he was making his own records and with the help of Houston radio personality Arch Yancey(KNUZ) his first single releases were receiving significant Texas radio airplay as well as being a regular feature of world famous Gilley’s. By the time he graduated high school, Randy was a guest star on WSM’s Grand Ole Opry hosted by Roy Acuff.
He attended Belmont University in Nashville for modern recording and pro song writing. All the while opening shows on the road with Hank Williams Jr., David Allen Coe, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, and Lee Ann Rimes. His song writing career teamed him up Nashville greats, Restless Heart, Pat Bunch, David Lee, and rockabilly legend, Carl Perkins.
“ …becoming friends with Carl was about the easiest thing I’d ever done. I’m pretty sure he knew I was nervous, but it all went away with a little, ‘well, how ya doin’ son?’…I really miss Carl”In October 2001, Randy was a feature of The Alliance Of Neighbour’s (Red Bank, NJ) 9/11 benefit concert with Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Phoebe Snow, Joe Ely and Smithereens. Randy performed with a backing band made up of Elvis Presley’s rhythm section.
“I sang some Carl Perkins songs with Elvis’ old band mates. It was time to let folks know that God cared for them in their darkest time of need…I hoped it was enough.”Randy is currently riding on the success of his new music. Playing shows from Monaco to Shanghai, China and the U.S. lower 48 states. He is host of worldwide radio show “Neon Music Country Legacy” and is currently co-producing new music with hit-maker, Norbert Putnam.
“I’ve been given a great gift…it’s a privilege and an opportunity to make people feel good by playing music for them. I consider myself beyond lucky to do that, day after day.”
Breakout Country Artist Erin Cosgrove Chooses Positivity in New Energetic Single Time to Live
Following the success of her last single The Perfect Place to Start, country’s fresh new face Erin Cosgrove is back with a new, upbeat and optimistic single, Time to Live. Not only does this song put you in a good mood, but it also touches on the power of being kind and letting go of all the hate, judgement and fear many people have these days. This song is currently available on all digital platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and more. After all the events of 2020, Erin decided to switch gears and try something new. “I was in a serious state of depression and anxiety for 6 months, so I wrote something that would not only put me in a good mood, but let people hear some positive vibes in a world that seems so scary and negative,” says Erin. “I tried to focus on the things we as human beings still have control over, which is our choice to be happy and live every day like it’s our last.” With help from Grammy award-winning producer Mikal Blue (Colbie Caillat, One Republic, Jason Mraz, Danielle Bradbery), Erin was able to reinvent her sound to show her personal growth through the hard times. While portraying dynamic vocal abilities on every release thus far, Erin decided on this new electronic/pop feel and beat. “My last single was released two days before the world shut down due to COVID-19, so this new song was like a redemption from the last one.” Visit Erin Cosgrove at her website and follow along with her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. About Erin Cosgrove: Breakthrough country artist Erin Cosgrove has it all. Based in Los Angeles and Nashville, this powerhouse singer, songwriter and actress has made a name for herself with a great social media following. Teaming up with Grammy winning producer Mikal Blue, Erin released her second single The Perfect Place to Start, which became an overnight hit, gaining over 15k Spotify streams in just the first week and premiered on Sirius XM The Highway. She is also an aspiring actress, having appeared in the hit TV show “Parenthood,” along with “Good Girls Revolt,” and USA’s reality show “Summer Camp.” Erin has opened for some of the biggest names in country music including A Thousand Horses, Big & Rich, Danielle Bradbery, Love & Theft and Russell Dickerson. She has performed at numerous festivals including the Oakheart Country Music Festival, Paddy Fest and Round Up Country Music Festival in CA as well as performing at the Daytona 500, the Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Stadium and the House of Blues. Whether she’s writing, performing, or acting, she feels most at home in front of a crowd or camera. With her powerful vocals, remarkable songwriting and impressive acting, Erin Cosgrove is setting the bar high with the finish line nowhere in sight.
BREAKING AC/HOT AC NEWS
Orange Amplification to Raise Funds For ‘Habitat For Humanity’
Orange Amplification recently asked its customers to nominate a charitable cause for the company to support. After thousands of entries the company is proud to announce they will be raising funds for ‘Habitat for Humanity‘ whose objectives are to “…build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Housing poverty around the world is so widespread, that […]
BJ Thomas Set To Host Forever ’70s Infomercial For Time Life
Now, for the first time ever, the biggest ’70s pop hits and biggest artists from this unforgettable decade are together in Time Life’s Forever ’70s collection. You will hear songs by legendary artists including Chicago, Aretha Franklin, Hall & Oates, Carly Simon, James Taylor, America and so many more that will take you back to a special time for music. “This collection of songs brings you right back to reminiscing on where you were when you first heard these songs,” says 5-time Grammy award winner BJ Thomas. “I am thrilled to be hosting this special to remind everyone what a much simpler time it was back in the ‘70s and how great the music was.” The Forever ‘70s standard package includes a free bonus album, James Taylor Greatest Hits CD, including his biggest hits, “Fire And Rain,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight,” “Mexico,” and more. So you will get 10 CDs that include 162 original hits by the original artists. Plus, you’ll get a 24-page booklet filled with photos and stories about the artists and their music that makes the romance of the ’70s come alive again. Now for those uber ‘70s fans that just can’t live without all those great songs, Time Life is offering a Deluxe Edition where you will receive everything from the Standard package plus get 8 mores CDs with our Heart of Classic Rock Collection! 118 additional songs including “Waiting For A Girl Like You” by Foreigner, “Keep on Loving You,” by REO Speedwagon, “Baby, I Love Your Way” by Peter Frampton, “Lady” by Styx, and 114 more! That’s a total of 280 songs on 18 CDs!! For more information on these collections, visit TimeLife.com/Forever70s About B.J. Thomas: Four-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, B.J. Thomas has sold over 70 million albums worldwide with a total of 8 #1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles throughout his 50 years in the music industry. As one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists Over The Past 50 Years, B.J. Thomas’ hits include “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” “Hooked On A Feeling,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love” and “New Looks From An Old Lover.” Suggested post: .@TheBJThomas set to host #Forever70s infomercial for #TimeLife
Wreckless Eric’s “Whole Wide World” Offers Musical Escape on Upcoming Episode of ABC-TV The Goldbergs
When singer/songwriter Wreckless Eric (a.k.a. Eric Goulden) recorded “Whole Wide World” in 1976 little did he know 45 years later the song would resonate with a national television audience on an upcoming episode of the ABC-TV hit comedy The Goldbergs.
“’Whole Wide World’ is and was always about escape,” admits Wreckless Eric. “The Goldbergs offers a brief escape from the horrors of our time.”The Goldbergs, a popular sitcom about a suburban family in the 1980s, will feature “Whole Wide World” on the next episode airing on ABC-TV on Wednesday, January 13 at 8 p.m.
“The Goldbergs to me is pop art, and ‘Whole Wide World’ is a pop record,” said Wreckless Eric. “I’m proud and honored for my song to be included in this episode which I’m hoping will be every bit as beautifully monstrous as other the Goldbergs episodes.”“Whole Wide World,” was produced by Nick Lowe who also played guitar and bass on the recording, with Steve Goulding on drums. And, while the song didn’t chart for Wreckless Eric, it subsequently became his best-known recording. After recording “Whole Wide World” in 1977, Wreckless Eric sidestepped the mechanics of stardom to become Britain’s biggest underground household name, much loved, and often underestimated. He was given the name “Wreckless Eric” to hide behind. After a while, he realized he was stuck with it. He shuns the dictates of nostalgia and doesn’t do comebacks for the simple reason that he never went away. His most recent albums, 2018’s “Construction Time & Demolition” and 2019’s “Transience” are widely regarded as his best work to date. CONTACT: Ike Richman at 215-760-2888 or ike@richmancommunications.com
BREAKING COUNTRY NEWS
Time Life Digitally Reissues Eight Albums By David Frizzell
Time Life continues to expand its digital music division with a new, eight album digital distribution deal with country music favorite David Frizzell. Beginning January 15, three of Frizzell’s solo records, four of his Frizzell & Friends collaborations, and a live album recorded with Jett Williams will be available on all major digital platforms. In addition to […]
Cole Scheifele Pushes Listeners to Enjoy Life “All The While” There’s Still Time
Folk singer-songwriter Cole Scheifele has released his latest single “All The While” . Premiering in The Bluegrass Situation, the song is about living in the present moment and focusing on things that invigorate your life while you still have the opportunity - a mindset we could all use given this year’s events. “All The While” takes Scheifele’s singer-songwriter style and incorporates a fresh spin with rock n’ roll influences. “This is one of the only songs I’ve ever written that really breaks open and gets big,” says Scheifele. “We made it that way on purpose. I wanted it to feel like that feeling of really cracking your heart open and letting go of all the things in life that weigh you down and just going for it.” Paired with a string quartet, the music alone ignites a feeling of relief and freedom. Much like other artists and writers these days, most of this track was created over quarantine. Scheifele says he had the first verse done years ago and found the inspiration to polish it up in recent months. Scheifele rarely - if ever - bows down traditional formats. “I just let the song unfold and go wherever it tells me to go,” he says. After dealing with mental and physical health problems over the years, Scheifele transformed into a mature and honest artist, writing only from the deepest parts of himself. “All The While” seemed to push its way through the darkness as the artist sat in a seemingly stagnant state with the rest of the world in 2020 - the lyrics poured out and quickly illuminated the path of inspiration. “It’s funny how it works out that way,” says Scheifele. “I hope we captured some of that feeling.” “All The While” is a tease to Scheifele’s upcoming album The Hideaways, releasing in 2021.
Cole Scheifele is an up-and-coming folk singer/songwriter based out of Denver, Colorado. He combines beautiful melodies with deep and thought-provoking lyrics that he says stem from his never ending hunger to discover more about the human experience. “I don’t think we ever stop learning and digesting thoughts and feelings from the world around us” he said, “I try to go into some of the deeper parts of the mind that can be inherently scary, but also endlessly beautiful.” His debut EP Everything Matters, Nothing Matters At All was released in 2019 and is a perfect example of this, as it delves into deep human connection, loss, and existential thoughts.
Backed by a stellar local cast, Scheifele has landed gigs opening for international touring acts such as Jade Bird and was chosen as a Top 10 Finalist out of over 400 entries for The Planet Bluegrass Rocky Mountain Folk Festival Songwriting Competition. He recently caught the attention of The Fray’s Ben Wysocki, a fellow Denver musician and producer. The two are currently recording Scheifele’s first full-length record which is set to be released in 2021.
Fellow Artists Remember Hitmaker Ed Bruce
Singer/songwriter Ed Bruce passed away Friday, January 8th at age 81. As a songwriter, artists such as Crystal Gayle (Restless), Charlie Louvin (See The Big Man Cry), Tommy Roe (Save Your Kisses), Tanya Tucker (Texas When I Die, The Man That Turned My Mama On), and Willie Nelson (Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys) are just a few who have recorded his songs. As an artist, Bruce’s hits include “The Last Cowboy Song”, “Love’s Found You And Me”, “Ever, Never Lovin’ You”, “After All”, “My First Taste Of Texas” and more. Fellow artists mourn the loss of their friend and share fond memories that have left them forever inspired by Ed Bruce. “We have lost another friend and songwriter today. Rest Easy Ed Bruce! Many will remember him for songs like Mama Don’t Let Your Baby’s Grow Up To Be Cowboys, but we shall remember him for a song called “I Know.” Look it up for a blessing. Goodbye brother and thank you.” – Joe Bonsall, The Oak Ridge Boys “As a teenager during the 1970s, his song Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys was one, and still is, of my favorite songs EVER.” – Andrew Farriss “I’m proud to have known Ed Bruce, both in the studio and on television appearances. I admired his talents and unique style. May his memory live on forever.” – Janie Fricke “We knew Ed and have performed on shows with him across the country. He was a good man and he will be missed.” – B.J. Thomas “So very sad to hear that another one of country music’s great voices has gone silent. You could always tell instantly that it was Ed whether he was speaking or singing. I had the pleasure of working with him many times through the years and each and every time it was an honor. RIP my friend.” – T.G. Sheppard “Ed was a big man with a big voice. He knew how to write a great country song. That deep speaking voice of his was unmistakable and he had some serious acting chops. Condolences to all of his family and friends. Rest easy, buddy.” – T. Graham Brown “Ed Bruce was a dear, dear friend of mine. We always talked about visiting more, but now that’s going to have to wait. This one hits close to home and I will miss him like crazy.” – Johnny Lee “The last time Ed Bruce had a top 40 chart record was thirty-three years ago. Yet, just the other day I was performing a show, and people in the audience, in their twenties, were singing along at the top of their lungs to “Texas When I Die” and “Mommas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.” Ed has left us a legacy of songs that will endure time. The first time I heard Ed sing “My First Taste of Texas” I immediately bought the album. His voice was unmistakable. Whether it was through song or through his voice-over work, Ed Bruce was the ultimate story-teller. He will be missed.” – Tim Atwood “Country music lost another artist/songwriter in Ed Bruce. Known for writing one of the best country songs ever, those iconic lyrics will forever remain. Prayers to the family of Ed Bruce. He will be missed.” – JD Shelburne “Ed Bruce’s “Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” has to be one of the best country songs of my time. I also got to record a song with Ed called “The One That Got Away” in the early ’90s and we did a video for it. We laughed and joked all the way thru it (along with some Ol’ High Note”). We had a great time together! Say Hello To Heaven, Ed.” – David Frizzell “Ed wrote songs so close to the bone, you couldn’t help but be touched by them. He was my friend and I will miss him.” – Lacy J. Dalton
BREAKING TOP40/CHR NEWS
Anie Delgado Releases Mesmerizing Music Video “Daydream”
Pop artist Anie Delgado has released a stunning new music video for her ethereal single, “Daydream.” The track explores the strength in beauty and feminine energy and the trek of manifesting your desires instead of getting lost in one’s dreams. “Daydream” is now available to view on Youtube. Anie Delgado’s new music video is a mesmerizing blend of […]
Brooke Daye Releases Emotional Music Video “Everything And Nothing”
Los Angeles-based pop artist Brooke Daye has released her stunning new music video for her poignant single “Everything And Nothing.” The track is from her debut EP, THE NARCISSIST, and explores the heartbreak of breakups and the pain of losing that someone in an instant. “Everything And Nothing” is now available for viewing on YouTube.
After the highly anticipated release of her debut EP, THE NARCISSIST, Brooke Daye’s music video for her track “Everything And Nothing” delves deeper into Daye’s personal life with her profound lyricism and emotional imagery. “The video is a literal representation of my world falling apart in an instant after a breakup,” explains Daye. “From having that person be your everything, to having nothing left of them feels so drastic, and I really wanted to portray that through the video. It shows me trying to hold on to what isn't there anymore and struggling to come to terms with it.” The music video, directed by Kiefer Andrews, shows flashbacks of Daye and the sudden moments she feels her partner slip through her fingertips. It depicts the heart-wrenching ups and downs of a relationship and coping with the different stages of the breakup. The video perfectly captures the realistic roller coaster of emotions Daye experienced and is relatable for anyone going through a similar situation. Her listeners can empathize with the nuanced and emotional conflicts of coming to terms with the painful realization of the end of a relationship.A native of Tampa, Florida, Brooke Daye initially moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a songwriter. Within ten months, she signed her first publishing deal, a testament to her lyrical expertise. As a songwriter first and foremost, she hadn’t considered singing her own songs until her vocals were featured on “Same Page” by Vincent and yetep, which has accumulated over 7.4 million Spotify streams. Daye is heavily inspired by other female singer-songwriters such as Demi Lovato, Hayley Williams, Avril Lavigne, and Julia Michaels to create a nostalgic yet modern pop sound that is uniquely her own. Brooke Daye’s debut as a performer has been highly-received alongside her impressive and masterly songwriting talents. Each of Daye’s songs has gained hundreds of thousands of streams and placements in many playlists both domestic and internationally, including Spotify’s coveted New Music Friday in several countries.
Brooke Daye’s heartfelt and vulnerable music video for “Everything And Nothing” combines her authentic lyricism alongside intense and melancholic imagery to express a relatable journey of heartbreak. Her debut EP, THE NARCISSIST, is available to stream or download on digital music platforms worldwide. Watch "EVERYTHING AND NOTHING" on YouTube and keep up with Brooke Daye’s journey by following her on Instagram @BrookeDaye.
Award Winning Artist Kathryn Grimm’s New Video Release “Best Of Me” Dedicated To Victims Of Domestic Violence
Award winning recording artist Kathryn Grimm (Jeff Buckley, Bo Diddley, Michael Bolton) has done it again – she’s written yet another hook-laden anthem with a strong message that may just be life changing for some. It should not come as a surprise that she continues to crank out excellent music - not many artists can say they have shared the stage with and written with Jeff Buckley. Kathryn has always followed the beat of her own drum and through this often lonely but brazen journey she’s produced a very worthy library of memorable work. “BEST OF ME” from her newest CD “BLUES TOOLS” lives up to it’s hype. It’s infectious Blues/Rock groove is insidious and it’s message is significant. The creation of “BEST OF ME” is an idea that Kathryn had rattling around in her head for some time. As a one-time mandated reporter volunteering as an advocate for victims of domestic violence in addition to her own personal experience with an abuser, her understanding of the difficulties of breaking free from such a hold is solid. “The statistic of a victim attempting to leave an abuser an average of seven times before finally getting away has weighed heavy on me” she says. “I wanted to write a song with the sole intention of, possibly, lessening that average. I think I’ve succeeded in doing that with “BEST OF ME”. The song is filled with subtle but common language that victims can hone in on. “There are key words used by abusers, ‘red flags’ that victims may recognize. Awareness is key in finding the courage to take that first step towards getting help and getting out.” Kathryn is not the only one who believes this song may strike a nerve and begin a journey to healing. Several critics who have reviewed “BLUES TOOLS” have zeroed in on this song and whole heartedly agree using words / phrases such as “anthemic”, “throws down a gauntlet”, “drives a message home” and “It’s all about the person inside relaying her personal life to make this music ring true“ to describe it. “This was exactly my goal” she confirms “to be a voice for victims. When this is happening one can feel so alone and helpless. There is power in music, it’s what has saved me countless times when I was in need. My hope is that this song will help someone in their darkest hour to not feel so alone and to give them strength”. Her acute skill for taking life experiences and turning them into profound pieces of musical art is well documented in her songs “TODAY”, a wise R&B hit about appreciating this moment and “GOD IS TESTING ME”, a riveting bluesy composition written minutes after her van was stolen with her gear inside - an unfortunate event she managed to turn into one of positivity with a tune worthy of “We Are The World” acclaim. With "THE BEST OF ME" Kathryn proves once again that songcrafting is what she was born to do. For information about Kathryn and her many projects please visit one of her many social media sites
Website: www.KathrynGrimmMusic.com
Kathryn Grimm and The Blues Tools
Kathryn Grimm duet The Strum Broads
Country-Pop Star Eileen Carey Awarded Independent Music Network’s Fan Favorite Country Artist of 2020
Country-Pop Star Eileen Carey Awarded Independent Music Network’s Fan Favorite Country Artist of 2020, Announces Covid-19 Safe Live Drive-In Engagement in Montclair, California January 23, 2021 @ 5 PM. “Blending pop, country, and rock in a music that feels uniquely hers.” (POPDOSE) Hitting the ground running in 2021`Indie Country-Pop star Eileen Carey recently awarded Fan Favorite Female Country Artist by the Independent Music Network, her second major award in 2020 following her crossover New Music Weekly AC/Hot AC Female Artist earlier in the year, and on the heels of her current single “Keep Your Love to Yourself” reaching the #1 spot on the New Music Weekly’s Mainstream Country Chart, announces a live performance date in the New Year. The one-time actress announced her first live appearance since sharing the stage with Jefferson Starship in February 2020, in the parking lot of the Canyon in Montclair on January 23, 2021, at 5pm https://wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/events/carpool-jam-concert-best-shot-the-benatar-experience-mc/ with the Pat Benatar Tribute act Best Shot.
About Eileen Carey: Originally from Ohio, the California-based Eileen Carey has become a staple cross-over artist in various genres such as Country, Pop, and Rock. She has shared the stage with renowned acts such as Wilson Phillips, Don Mclean, Jefferson Starship, Rita Coolidge, The Motels, Albert Lee, Johnny Rivers, Peter Noone, and Tal Bachman. With a growing success on the charts, Carey has won numerous awards for her various musical releases, going on to be given Reverbnation’s #1 Regional Country-Pop Artist of 2019, Los Angeles Music Awards’ Crossover Artist of 2018, Las Vegas Producers Choice Honors Award for Female Solo Country Artist of Fan Favorite the Year 2018. As a performer, the veteran artist has become a regular of the fairs and festivals in California since 2009 and has played California State Fair in Sacramento, L.A. County, Orange County, San Diego, Venice Summerfest, Saw Dust, Del Mar, Apple Valley, etc. She has captured audiences at various venues such as The Saban in Beverly Hills, The Rose, The Canyon Club, The Mint, The House of Blues, and The Echo. When Carey isn’t playing the stages around California, she can be found in Nashville performing for her solid fanbase at the honky-tonks and clubs, including the Blue Bird Cafe, Rippy’s, Honkytonk Central, Tootsies, 3rd & Lindsley Backstage, and BB Kings.