SARA EVANS OFFERS ADVICE TO YOUNG FEMALE ARTISTS AT CHANGE THE CONVERSATION EVENT

The Influential Singer/Songwriter Performs Several New Songs 

From Her Upcoming Album, Words

Sara Evans joined members of Change The Conversation last night, where she spoke candidly about her personal and professional journey and performed several songs from her new album, Words, on Tuesday from The Steps at WME.

In addition to performing the title track from the album set for a July 21 release, Evans also debuted new songs “All the Love You Left Me” and “Marquee Sign,” as well as an acoustic version of platinum chart-topper “A Little Bit Stronger.”

This is a landmark project for Evans as the first release on her new label, Born To Fly Records. Fourteen female songwriters, including powerhouses Ashley Monroe, Caitlyn Smith, Hillary Lindsey, Hillary Scott, Liz Hengber, Sonya Isaacs and of course Evans herself, contribute their words to the stunning, upcoming record.

“I want to talk about why we need to change the conversation,” Evans said during the event. “When I first got my record deal, women were dominating country radio. We had Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Lee Ann Womack, LeAnn Rimes, Shania Twain, Patty Loveless and on and on. I was fortunate enough to join that group of amazing women.

“So we need to change the conversation and figure out why it is not that way anymore. Why are there not enough women on country radio? Women artists are amazing and they have so much great music that we want to hear and we need to hear, so let’s change the conversation.”

Change the Conversation is a coalition designed to help create an even playing field for women in country music and was formed by Tracy Gershon, Beverly Keel and Leslie Fram in 2014.

It was formed initially to create an informal salon-like atmosphere where women could get together and develop productive ways of solving the problem but has quickly grown into an organization of gaining influence. The organization funds research and hosts events where industry experts address their segments of the industry.

The event, which was sponsored by WME and One Hope Wine, began with a conversation between Evans and Tracy Gershon, a co-founder of Change the Conversation who also helped with A&R duties for this album. “Sara Evans has been one of the most influential and admired country artists of the last two decades, so when she spoke about the importance of changing the conversation, the female artists in the room were inspired and invigorated,” Gershon says.

Adds Change the Conversation co-founder Leslie Fram, “Sara’s impact is undeniable and she proved it again during her performance for Change The Conversation at WME.  After the performance, so many artists said they were moved by the power of her new songs and vocals.”

For more information on Sara Evans, visit SaraEvans.com