Music News Blog

JJ Lawhorn – CMA New Artist Spotlight

July 30, 2013 Leave a comment

JJ Lawhorn

Many artists draw from their background, but the music of 19-year-old JJ Lawhorn goes deeper, to embody the sights and sounds, aromas and soul, of rural America.

Raised on his family’s Virginia farm, he never dreamed of knocking on doors up and down Music Row. His plan was to study agriculture at Virginia Tech and devote his life to farming. Then, in the spring of 2010, producer Jeremy Stover came across a Lawhorn performance on YouTube. He tracked the young artist down; within a year, Lawhorn had signed with EMI Publishing and, in June 2011, to Average Joes Entertainment.

Produced by Stover and released on July 16, the 13 tracks of Original Good Ol’ Boy sound the way hay smells and the world looks from the bed of a pickup truck. Lawhorn wrote three of these songs alone and co-wrote the rest, investing each one with the kind of authenticity you can’t conjure in the studio. Some of this stems from his delivery: He drawls “count” as two syllables and nearly stretches “around” to three on his solo-written single “Stomping Grounds.”

And his lyrics are extraordinarily evocative, often beginning with a snapshot-like picture: “Red clay mud caked up on the door” brings us close to the vehicle and its no-nonsense driver on “You Can Tell a Man by His Truck” (written by Lawhorn, Stover and Ben Hayslip).

Ultimately, it’s the whole package — the rough-edged music, the painterly words and Lawhorn’s conviction — that makes this a most auspicious debut.

IN HIS OWN WORDS

DREAM DUET PARTNER

“Alison Krauss or Chris Stapleton.”

SONG YOU WISH YOU’D WRITTEN

“‘Silver Wings,’ by Merle Haggard.”

TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY

“The Road Less Traveled.”

YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE

“The only challenge I have is to be all that I can be.”

LUCKY CHARM

“I don’t believe in luck. I believe in God’s plan for my life.”

On the Web: www.JJLawhornMusic.com

On Twitter: @JJLawhornMusic

Reverb Nation No Longer Supports Independent Artists – Where Do Independents Go Now?

June 14, 2013 Leave a comment

Reverb Nation Focuses on National Acts

It’s come to my attention as of late that the formerly independent musician supporting Reverb Nation has changed their business model. When, in the past, they’ve always been a place to go to find new music and new artists not supported by record labels or management, but the little guy who has put together some great music in his garage. Well, that has all come to a close. Now when doing searches for great new artists that are independent and starving for new places to play and new fans, those artists have to compete with the likes of national acts like Tim McGraw, Lil Wayne and Motley Crue. So where does an independent artist go for promotion and exposure? You tell us. Nashville Rocks tried a previous business model allowing accounts and more, but on a shoestring budget, the hackers were more than I could deal with. Where does an independent artist go now? Share your thoughts below so that other independents have a place to go as well.

We also want to help. If you need exposure, look no further. If you are a Nashville artist or band OR you have played or will play in Nashville, then please send us your press releases and music promotions and video promotions. We are excited to provide a place for independent artists to feature their work. The only national support we provide is in music news or interviews, but we focus on the little guy. So send us an email to get started and lets build a brand together that actually supports independent artists.

Artist Showcase – June 2013 – Alexes Aiken

June 12, 2013 Leave a comment

Nashville Rocks Artist Showcase – Alexes Aiken

In this months Nashville Rocks Artist Showcase, we present Alexes Aiken. As a 17-year-old country-pop sensation, Alexes Aiken has been showing off both her musician skills and her songwriting capabilities this year, and it has not gone unnoticed. The new member of the Country Music Association (CMA) is a New Orleans native, but, as Nashville-based producer Jonell Polansky describes, she “sings like she was born on the Opry stage.”

After releasing her debut self-titled album in December 2012, Alexes kicked off 2013 by accepting awards and getting together a band to complement her vocals. Alexes earned the title of Future Star Female Vocalist of the Year in the 17- to 20- year age group at the North America Country Music Associations, International (NACMAI). NACMAI also awarded her with the honor of Songwriter of the Year for New Gospel for her song “Note on the Mirror” and Co-Songwriter of the Year for New Country for her song “Best in Me.” Both of these original songs are on her debut album. After months of practice, Alexes and her band had their first public performance together on Saturday, May 11 at the Cajun Fest Volunteer Party in Marrero, La.

As Alexes becomes more successful, both in the Nashville and New Orleans music industry, she is also giving back through her music. She has partnered with the National Military Family Association (NMFA), an organization that raises money for veterans and their families, including education funds and financial support for injured veterans. This is a cause particularly close to Alexes’ heart, coming from a veteran family. “I’m super excited about this partnership because of my family involvement in the military with my paternal grandfather as a World War II veteran,” she says. She has decided to donate 10 percent of digital sales of her remake, “These Boots are Made for Walkin’” to the cause.

Alexes continues to improve her live presentation and play in Nashville more and more. Alexes and her entire band will appear together at the Flood City Music Festival in Johnstown, Pa. on Saturday,

Alexes Aiken Red Leather Jacket for Nashville Rocks Artist Showcase

August 3.

Alexes Aiken’s album is available from several vendors right here on Nashville Rocks and she was the first artist interviewed on the pilot episode of Nashville Rocks Internet TV Show. See it here.

It is obvious that Alexes is not slowing down when it comes to her music career, and you can expect to see and hear a lot from her this summer. To find out more about upcoming events or to check out music and videos from country music’s newest rising star, please visit her website www.alexesaiken.com.

Nashville Rocks – Episode 1 – Alexes Aiken

June 10, 2013 Leave a comment

In this, the pilot episode of Nashville Rocks, Jason Coleman interviews the hardworking and talented Alexes Aiken. You learn more about Alexes and her music. We discuss writing, family and sweating on stage during a summer festival. You’ll enjoy her music and her video and there may even be a surprise in store if you watch the entire episode. <—Also, please use the share and like buttons on the left to help us spread the word about our new show! Twitter: @NashvilleRocks Facebook: NashvilleRocks Find out more about Alexes here: Upcoming Show http://www.alexesaiken.com http://www.cdbaby.com/alexesaiken https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ale… http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AKIPE30 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alexesaikenmusic Twitter: @Alexes_Aiken …And get a free download of “Country Boy” HERE! Hear the song![bd_jplayer mp3=”https://nashvillerocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/05_Country_Boy.mp3″]

Angie Johnson – New Artist Spotlight

June 8, 2013 Leave a comment

Angie Johnson

– New Artist Spotlight
Apparently, it’s not enough for Missouri-born Angie Johnson to have served as an intelligence analyst in the United States Air Force; she also sang and toured with The Air Force Band. Then, following an initial attempt to find a break in Nashville, she studied psychology at Columbia State Community College in Franklin, Tenn., to help children and veterans struggling with PTSD.

When a soldier posted his video of Staff Sgt. Johnson performing Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” for troops in a spirited acoustic performance on YouTube, it eventually drew more than 3 million views. Millions more watched her during Season 2 of “The Voice.”

That’s only the beginning. On May 21, Sony Music Nashville released her debut EP, Sing for You, produced by Josh Leo. On these four tracks, she doesn’t just sing the lyrics – she inhabits them. On “Grandpa’s Farm” (written by Brent Cobb, Adam Hood and Jason Saenz), a slide guitar shimmers like heat from a sun-baked field as Johnson evokes a lazy day, which transforms on the bridge, as the drums drop out, into a whispered promise, as if behind Grandpa’s back, to turn up the temperature in a different way.

In dramatic contrast, the deep feeling of the title track (Johnson, Catt Gravitt and Leo) chills the listener. Here, Johnson offers a different gift, a soft and soothing song, to a young man bloodied and broken most likely in battle. Never mind her impressive technique; Johnson has a gift for bringing beauty to a story, even one of unfathomable sadness.

IN HER OWN WORDS

DREAM DUET PARTNER

“Garth Brooks or Keith Urban. I have harmonized with both of them repeatedly via the CD player in my car, and I can already tell you that we sound fabulous together!”

MUSICAL HERO

“I can’t name just one. The people who inspired me early on and made me really want to pursue a career in music were Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, Reba McEntire and Wynonna Judd, in that order.”

FAVORITE FOOD ON THE ROAD

“First, carbs. Next, carbs. And then probably carbs. Did I mention carbs?”

BOOK ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND

“My CMA notebook that I got in my CMA membership package!”

On the Web: www.OfficialAngieJohnson.com

On Twitter: @AngieJohnson

Artist Announcements for CMA Music Fest

May 29, 2013 Leave a comment

ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR FREE CONCERTS ON CHEVROLET RIVERFRONT STAGE DURING 2013 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 6-9 IN NASHVILLE

Sara Evans to Kickoff Four-Days of Star-Packed Performances on Chevrolet Riverfront Stage; Artist/Songwriter Eric Paslay Announced the Lineup Via CMA’s Social NetworksNASHVILLE – With nearly 50 artists confirmed, the Chevrolet™ Riverfront Stage will be the hot spot for daily concerts during the 2013 CMA Music Festival, Thursday-Sunday, June 6-9, in downtown Nashville. Fun and family-friendly, the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage is free and open to the public.The performances on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage will kickoff on Thursday, June 6 at 10:00 AM/CDT with a high energy show from CMA Award-winning recording artist Sara Evans. 2013 marks the first time Evans has opened the Festival. She has 15 CMA Awards nominations to her credit, including six for Female Vocalist of the Year. She won the CMA Music Video of the Year Award in 2001 for her smash hit “Born to Fly.”“Sara is the perfect choice to launch the daily concerts on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage because of her great repertoire of hit music and undeniable connection to our fans,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

The Chevrolet Riverfront Stage is packed with great hit-makers for four days of free concerts. Chevrolet, a valued partner of CMA Music Festival and the Official Ride of Country Music, will once again host a vehicle display at Riverfront Park throughout the event.

The Chevrolet Riverfront Stage artist lineup was announced earlier today by performer Eric Paslay via CMA’s social networks. To view the video visit CMAfest.com.

Artists performing on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage include Keith Anderson,
Greg Bates, Blackberry Smoke, Craig Campbell, Mark Chesnutt, Brett Eldredge, Rachel Farley, Tyler Farr, Colt Ford,

artistpr13-gloriana Gloriana, The Grascals, Steve Holy, Casey James, Kristen Kelly, Aaron Lewis, Lonestar, Love and Theft, Dustin Lynch, Jo Dee Messina, Ronnie Milsap, Craig Morgan, David Nail, Joe Nichols, Jerrod Niemann, Paslay, Maggie Rose, Corey Smith, Tate Stevens, Sunny Sweeney, Phil Vassar, Chuck Wicks, Gretchen Wilson, and Darryl Worley.

“We strive each year to book an entertaining mix of classic performers, traditional favorites, and up-and-comers to keep the concert experience at Riverfront fresh and exciting for our fans,” said Moore.

Several artists will be making their official debut performances on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage this year including Bates, Blackberry Smoke, Farley, Farr, Kelly, Lewis, Milsap, Paslay, Rose, and Stevens.

Always a fan favorite area of CMA Music Festival, the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage lineup includes several past CMA Award winners and nominees including (artists appearing are subject to change):

Anderson – Song of the Year nominee for “Lost in This Moment”
Chesnutt –CMA Vocal Event of the Year winner for “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” (1993); CMA Horizon Award winner (now New Artist of the Year) in 1993
Ford – Song of the Year nominee for “Dirt Road Anthem” (2011)
Lonestar – 10 nominations, including seven for Vocal Group of the Year, which they won in 2001
Love and Theft – New Artist and Vocal Duo of the Year nominees in 2012
Messina – Six nominations including two for Female Vocalist of the Year (1999, 2000); she won the CMA Horizon Award in 1999
Milsap – 19 nominations, including four wins for Album of the Year (1975, 1977, 1978, 1986), three wins for Male Vocalist of the Year (1974, 1976, 1977), and an Entertainer of the Year win in 1977
Nichols – Horizon Award winner (2003)
Niemann – New Artist of the Year nominee (2012)
Paslay – Song of the Year nominee for “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (2012)
Vassar – Two-time Horizon Award nominee (2001, 2002)
Wilson – 10 nominations, including two wins – one for Female Vocalist (2005) and the Horizon Award (2004)
Worley – Four nominations, including two for Horizon Award (2002, 2003)

Admittance to the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage is free, but four-day ticket holders have an exclusive 45-minute, early-entrance window before the gates open to the general public. The Riverfront concerts are a popular destination for families who want to enjoy great musical performances while relaxing on the sloping bank above the Cumberland River.

The concerts are fun in the sun and within easy walking distance of all the Festival event sites, including the all-new AT&T® U-verse® Fan Fair X (FFX) with autograph signings, concerts, lifestyle exhibits, marketplace, live broadcasts, demonstrations, and more in the brand new Music City Center.

It all kicks off Thursday, June 6 with “Lady A Day at FFX” featuring Lady Antebellum performing, signing autographs, and cutting the ribbon when Fan Fair X officially opens to fans. Fan Fair X is free to four-day ticket holders, but tickets to this exciting, new attraction are available to fans for $10 a day or $25 for four days Thursday through Sunday, June 6-9, children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com or the CMA Music Festival Box Office by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) (price includes handling fees). Visit CMAfest.com for details.