MEET US MARINE SINGER/SONGWRITER MIKE CORRADO

Photo credit: Mike Corrado Twitter

Have you met Mike Corrado? Mike not only stands behind our country each and every day fighting for our freedom and safety, he also stands behind a microphone performing his music to audiences not only here in my local area of eastern coastal North Carolina, but around the country . Well, we started listening about 7 years ago and music fans really started paying attention when Mike took the stage with Toby Keith to perform "Call A Marine" for the May 20, 2014 televised special "ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute to the Troops." We love him around here and we hope you do too!

Mike Corrado first bent the ear of radio stations and was featured on outlets like CMT and Armed Forces Radio and Television and others with "Stand", his 2010 single and video, a loving dedication to those who serve in our military and their families who support them.

A few years back, Mike took a leave from service and put his heart and soul into writing and performing music, hitting the road and performing wherever he could to whoever would listen.Duing that time, Mike shared the stage with big names like Edwin McCain and John Mayer. That time off would soon come to a quick halt with the events of September 11, 2001 when the terrorists brought down the World Trade Center. Mike was again mobilized, proudly put his uniform on and hit the front lines with the Marines for a year in Fallujah, Iraq. Mike didn't let the events going on around him keep him from music, he let it fuel his fire and gave him even more reason to write and record from personal place. Mike wrote, recorded and released a video for "Still in the Fight" to raise awareness for those wounded in service. The song made such an impact that it was turned into a documentary which was released on DVD. You can read more about that at http://www.stillinthefightfilm.com.






Mike released a feel good single recently called "Beach Bar" and the video came out last week. Check it out below. The song is available on iTunes and most digital outlets. If you download, please do it via a reputable source that pays royalties and be sure to leave a review!



I hope you'll connect with Mike, listen to his music and let him know that you appreciate his service and his music. Mike, thank you from the bottom of my heart and with gratitude from my family for all that you do.

Connect with Mike online at www.mikecorrado.com and get social on Twitter at @mjcorrado, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/corradomusic, Instagram at @themikecorrado and Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/mcbgrunt.

- Jenn
Follow Jenn on Twitter at @lovinlyrics

GET TO KNOW OUR JUNE FEATURE ARTIST OF THE MONTH: JUSTIN ANDERSON

Meet our feature artist for June, a country newcomer from South Carolina, Justin Anderson.

Photo credit: Justin Anderson

Justin may not have picked up a guitar until a later age but his desire to perform music began at a very young age listening to the radio. With a general love of music, you could always find Justin singing along to artists from the country twang of Clay Walker and Tracy Lawrence to the hip hop beats of artists such as Usher. Even though his musical preferences are widespread, his heart always comes back to country and it's legends like Waylon and Willie.

He's only performed for live audiences a few years now, but he's accomplished a lot in that time, opening for Jon Pardi, Outshyne, Blackjack Billy, Ricky Young, Michael Ray, Chris Lane, Craig Wayne Boyd, Lewis Brice & more. Justin recently released his debut EP, "Overdrive" which made it's way onto the iTunes country albums charts debuting at #15. The project was recorded in Nashville and was co-produced by manager Jimmy Milliken & Garret Parris.

Check out our Q & A session with Justin and learn a little more about him from his own point of view:

Lovin' Lyrics: Tell us a little about yourself, a little background on your upbringing and how you discovered you had a love for music.

Justin Anderson: Well I'm just an average guy living a crazy dream. I'm from a small town with one stop light. I'm 26 years old and have a 3 year old son that I just can't get enough of. I've only been a musician for going on 3 years. I have always been somewhat of a singer. I got laid off from a job one time and decided to learn how to play the guitar. Then it went from playing bonfires, then small smokey bars, now to playing some great venues all over the place.

Lovin' Lyrics: What was your first really memorable live performance?

Justin Anderson:  I've had several of those. I would have to say that this past Friday night at The Boathouse in Myrtle Beach will go down as the most memorable. After two years of solo gigging and two failed attempts at a band, I finally found a great group of guys. I've opened up for several acts for over a year at the boathouse and this last Friday I finally got to headline. It was an amazing show with so much energy. We were scheduled for one 2 hour set and ended up playing almost 3 hours ha ha!

Lovin' Lyrics: If you had to describe yourself as an artist, how would you do so?

Justin Anderson: I would describe myself as the energizer bunny artist ha ha! I'm full of energy on the stage. I work the crowd like no other and that to me is what it's all about.

Lovin' Lyrics: As a new artist, what is the hardest thing you're finding about getting your music heard?

Justin Anderson: Exactly what you said, being a new artist. As a new artist it's hard to get your music out because nobody other than your hometown and few surrounding areas know you. Social media helps a lot but getting out booking shows is the best way to me

Lovin' Lyrics: To date, what's been your "biggest break?"

Justin Anderson: My biggest break would definitely have to be the release of my EP on April 21, 2015. Up until then I didn't realize how serious this music thing was going to be. Things really took off for me and hasn't slowed down. Hopefully it won't either.

Lovin' Lyrics: You just released your debut EP, "Overdrive", which was debuted at  #15 on the iTunes country charts and is currently breaking into the Billboard charts. Tell us a little about the music on the EP. Did you write the songs? 

Justin Anderson: We were in total shock that a guy like me reached #15. Someone who had never released any music, or didn't really have a name for myself. I'm very happy with the songs on the EP.  Somehow I managed to write "One Last Call" I'm not much of a song writer but I'm proud of that one. My buddies Waylon Owings and Casey Joe Kelly of Outshyne wrote "With Me Tonight" with my buddy David Adam Byrnes. It's a fan favorite. The title track "Overdrive" was written by one of the producers, Garret Parris and Charlie Grantham of Crossin Dixon. These two guys also wrote "Right Where She Wants Me" along side of Brandon Hyde. The EP was produced by Garret Parris and my manager Jimmy Milliken

Purchase "Overdrive" on iTunes. Don't forget to leave a review!

Lovin' Lyrics: What's next on your agenda?

Justin Anderson:  Next is to get out and play. I've been tied down to SC due to being a solo acoustic act.  Like I said earlier, I finally found an amazing group of guys that are crazy talented and I'm excited to hit the road with my brothers.

Lovin' Lyrics:What artist would you most like to tour with?

Justin Anderson: Aw man they're several. I'd have to go with my boy Jon Pardi. I had the chance to open for him back in April. I'm a huge fan of his music. He has his own style and is doing a great job at keeping it as traditional as he can.

Lovin' Lyrics: What advice would you pass on to other new artists that's been important in your own struggles?

Justin Anderson: My advice is to never give up. Never slow down because once you slow down you have to work twice as hard to catch up. Don't listen to the critics. Someone is always gonna judge you rather it's good or bad. Let the bad judgment be motivation.

Lovin' Lyrics: How can fans connect with you on social media? 

Justin Anderson: You can follow me on:
                             Twitter: @JustinKAnderson
                             Facebook: Justin Anderson Music
                             Snapchat: j.anderson88
                             Instagram: justinanderson88
                             Periscope: Justin Anderson Music
                             My website: www.jandersonmusic.com

FEATURE ARTIST OF THE MONTH: MEET MO PITNEY

If you're looking for country, take one listen to new Curb artist Mo Pitney and you'll have no doubt that you've found what you've been looking for. As a matter of fact, a voice and character like Mo Pitney is exactly what country music has been looking for and more importantly, what country music needs. With a simple song and an obvious legitimate honesty about who he is both as an artist and as a person, Mo Pitney will draw in even the biggest skeptic. There is nothing about Mo or his music that is industry manufactured, what you see and what you hear is the real deal. In these days, personal honesty and musical integrity is hard to find, or at least it was. Mo embodies all of these things and more. Mo may be young and fresh to the industry, but the maturity of his talent far surpasses his age.

Having grown up in a small town, he was raised with a love of music. Listening to old vinyl and transistor radios, Mo knew that music was what he wanted to do and what he was supposed to do. He would sit and practice playing his favorite songs on guitar until he got them just right. He taught himself to play guitar, drums and banjo. He loved bluegrass and that's what he played until he discovered the music of Keith Whitley which turned his head. He sings and writes for the love of the music, not for the fame, the money or sold out shows. He is just a country boy that hopes his music reaches people, that it makes a difference, that is leaves a footprint for years to come. He strives for what any artist should strive for, to leave music for the generations that follow, to be timeless.

His debut single, "Country", co-written with country music legend, "Whispering" Bill Anderson and Bobby Tomberlin, is making a positive impression on country music fans and critics industry wide and has gotten nothing less than stellar reviews. Radio programmers are starting to realize that importance of keeping "country" in country music and his airplay numbers are growing. The single makes the listener think twice about the true meaning of "Country" and that's something that's been needed for a long time in the genre, "meaning". Sure, you'll probably be hearing songs from him about trucks and dirt roads, but in a context you haven't heard in awhile. You'll hear them told in stories that create a memory or that make you long for days gone by. Mo Pitney sings country because Mo Pitney is country. He's just finished the video for "Country" and it should be heading to outlets like CMT and GAC really soon!

"Clean Up on Aisle Five", another song recently released by Mo, is a country classic, but not one that's been sung by another artist or sold a gazillion copies, but one that's already earned the title of classic without even being released to radio. It's classic in it's memoir of a meeting between former flames in a grocery store, the unresolved feelings and the mess that meeting left behind. It's a tale that anyone who's been in love and had their heart broken can relate to and it leaves a lump in your throat with the memory of that lost love. His performance of the song on the Grand Ole Opry stage ended in a well deserved standing ovation and put his name on the country music map as a destination for any fan of what country music once represented. Watch the memorable performance below.


Connect with Mo online:
www.mopitney.com Twitter - @MoPitney Facebook - mopitney
Purchase "Country" and "Clean Up on Aisle Five" on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.

FEATURE ARTIST: GET TO KNOW LOGAN MIZE

New artist, Logan Mize, has had one hell of an impressive first week with his new single, "Can't Get Away From a Good Time". The single had over 100,000 downloads before officially impacting country radio last week and to date, he's had over 2.6 million streams as well as 50 major reporting station adds of the single. Not a bad way to celebrate being signed to a major label, Arista Nashville, huh?

I had the pleasure of an invitation to sit in on his radio tour stop at WQDR 94.7 FM in Raleigh, NC this week. I had already heard the single which has spread like wildfire thanks to Sirius XM's The Highway so I knew this was gonna be worth the overnight stay on the way home from a long drive to Nashville and more than worth the additional 3 hr drive the next day after the lunch/show. I was dead on, it wasn't just worth it, it was DAMN worth it. I could have listened for another hour but I guess all good things must come to an end at some time, thus did my time in the acoustic cafe. Thanks to WQDR for bringing in a great artist, one that I am pretty sure they'll be playing pretty regularly.

This ordinary guy from Kansas is quick on the path of proving he's anything but ordinary. A former truck driver, he's definitely delivering the goods. With a kick ass single in his corner, he's also got more charisma and charm than an entire season of desperate rose toting, serial dating contestants ABC's "The Batchelor" and a humbleness and sense of self that is hard to come across these days in the music industry. He's friendly, personable and just a genuinely nice guy, struggling to make it and after listening to his voice and watching how he interacts with those around him, I think it's a safe bet to say his struggle just got a whole lot easier. He's made a long time fan in me and that was before we even sat down to really talk. His voice really doesn't need any digital "tweaking", it's got a natural rasp that works well on it's own and he's a great storyteller. He's already made a presence in Nashville with his writing, having written with writers like Blake Chaffin and having had his song, "Mexicoma", cut by former American Idol finalist, Bucky Covington. He's also been featured alongside "Nashville" actress, Hayden Panettiere, in the "Fabric of Our Lives" commercial and in an episode of the series, "Hart of Dixie" which featured he and his band. He's definitely made his presence known.

Take the time to get to know Logan, he's gonna be around for a long time from the reception he's getting around Music City, country music fans and the radio industry. I would venture as far as to call him one of country's best new artists of the year, definitely in my personal top 2! 

You can connect with Logan on Twitter at @LoganMize, on Facebook at @LoganMize, Youtube and on his official website - www.loganmize.com. Tell him we sent ya! His music is available on iTunes. Be sure to leave a review when you download, it helps more than you realize!

APRIL FEATURE ARTIST OF THE MONTH: TYLER HATLEY AND THE LITTLE MOUNTAIN BAND

Meet Tyler Hatley and the Little Mountain Band. Check them out, give 'em a listen, give 'em a chance. Connect with the guys online and let them know what you think!

Official Site: www.thlmband.com (currently under construction)
Twitter: @TylerHatley  
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tyler-hatley-little-mountain/id819628875

Tyler Hatley - Lead Vocals/Acoustic Guitar

John Barkley - Lead Guitar

Josh “Snakes” Black - Lead Guitar

Adam Seale - Bass/back up vocals

A.C. Rock - Drums

Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and raised in Denver, NC, Tyler Hatley was raised with a passion for music. From Sunday morning church to the local Friday night dive bars, he would sing whenever he could and wherever he was allowed. With early inspiration from Garth Brooks and George Jones, Tyler knew which path his life was destined to take. In August 2012, Tyler and drummer, A.C. decided it was time to pull in some other members and form the Little Mountain Band. Now they are a 5 piece band, working together and doing the best they can to play for as many people as they can. If you see their live performance, you will hear country music from the past to present, along with wide array of original music. In February 2014, the band released their first studio album titled “The Mixtape E.P.”.  The E.P. was a self funded project, made solely to show the variety, the "mix" if you will, of the many kinds of country you hear today, a showcaseof what these guys can do. The road, like it is for many others, has been bumpy for these guys; but they don’t seem to show any sign of slowing down.

INTRODUCING OUR MARCH FEATURE ARTIST: THE CODY JOHNSON BAND

So, a couple of weeks ago, I was browsing through iTunes as I usually do, looking for new music that gets my blood pumping, something different, something you won't hear on every other mainstream station, something that didn't just come right off the Nashville country music conveyor belt ready for packaging. I happened to stumble across The Cody Johnson Band from Texas and really liked their sound.

 I bought their cd and had been listening to it for awhile and got an email from my friend, Rita Ballou, from KOKE FM in Austin. Rita is the infamous "tell it like it is, virtual middle finger to the same old stale country music" blogger known as "Rawhide and Velvet". She told me I should check out CJB, that she thought they'd be something I would like and I was already in total agreement.  There is nothing "bro-country", "bubblegum", or pop about these guys, they ARE Texas country and they represent well. Check them out, I think you might like them!

Photo credit: www.thecodyjohnsonband.com

In an time of synthetics and plastics, folks appreciate the real thing. Musically, we look for songs that reach beyond our eardrums, touching our hearts. Cody Johnson's unique blend of Country and Rock does just that.

Many Texas Music fans met Cody Johnson’s honest style through the radio singles from his Six Strings, One Dream album: "Nobody to Blame" (#6 on the Texas music charts in 2009);  #1"Pray for Rain" (2009 - 2010); and "Texas Kind of Way" (#6, late 2010 – 2011) ... Click here to read more about Cody.

Meet the Band

Photo credit: www.thecodyjohnsonband.com

Jeff Smith - Lead Guitar ... Bio

Jody Bartula - Fiddle ... Bio

Joey Pruski - Bass Guitar ... Bio

Miles Stone - Drums ... Bio

Find the Cody Johnson Band online:

Official Site: www.thecodyjohnsonband.com
Twitter: @CodyJohnsonBand
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheCodyJohnsonBand
iTunes: http://goo.gl/ghduHO
Amazon: http://goo.gl/md98ts

FEBRUARY FEATURE ARTIST: INTRODUCING LINDSEY ERIN

Official site: LindseyErinOfficial.com

Twitter: @LindseyEMusic

Facebook: Facebook.com/LindseyErinOfficial

Purchase Lindsey's music - iTunes / Amazon

Lindsey Erin knew she wanted to be a professional singer the first time she stepped in front of an audience in her hometown elementary school. From that moment on, she has been planning and working towards her career goal as a country artist.

After graduating from Dallastown High School in June 2011, Lindsey has focused all of her energy on her music and impending career. Her plan is simple – to surround herself with positive, professional and influential people.

​Her full band which consists of her on vocals, a lead guitarist, rhythm guitarist, bassist and a drummer provide a very entertaining, high energy, interactive show for the crowds. Lindsey has her own edgy, sassy style that truly makes her unique. The compliments on her stage presence, likeable personality and strong vocals are endless at each show.

American Country Star Nashville with Jason Wyatt (The Lost Trailers)

Photo credit: Lindsey Erin

​Lindsey has performed at many fairs and festivals throughout Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, New York and Ohio. She once again was the opening act for Bucky Covington and Aaron Kelly in addition to Chase Rice (Chase had Lindsey join him on stage to sing the #1 hit song “Cruise” that he co-wrote with Florida-Georgia Line), Love and Theft, Parmalee, Shooter Jennings, Dakota Bradley, Danielle Bradbery, Joe Diffie and Montgomery Gentry. She is no stranger to being on the main stages with National acts.

Lindsey recorded an EP in Nashville in 2013 with Jason Wyatt of The Lost Trailers as her producer. Jason sang a duet with her on one of the songs “Up in Smoke”. The duet has been playing on local radio and received an overwhelming positive response from the listeners. The song is currently listed as “New Music” on the additions list and labeled as a high priority at a New York radio station. Lindsey is on a radio tour visiting radio stations in her home state of PA and all its surrounding states. The debut single "Up in Smoke" is getting regular air-play at various stations.

​She was selected as one of the 100 contestants out of 4,000 submissions to enter round 2 of the American Country Star competition in Nashville and then progressed to round 3 (semi-finals). She was chosen as an alternate and showcased her talent prior to the competition in front of celebrity judges, high-profile music industry professionals and record labels. Jason Wyatt joined Lindsey on stage to sing "Up in Smoke".

​She is working with a well-known consultant in Nashville. She is setting up songwriting sessions for Lindsey every two months with successful songwriters in Nashville. Her goal is to assist Lindsey in reaching the next level of her career.

​Preparations are being made now for her 2014 “Up in Smoke” Tour. Lindsey is well on her way to reaching her goal. She is successfully paving the way in Nashville as the new up-and-coming artist in town.

INTRODUCING TOMMY DALTON: FEATURE ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Please take a minute and get to know a new artist we were recently turned on to, Tommy Dalton.

Official Site: www.TommyDalton.com (Download a FREE music track)

Twitter: @TommyDalton

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TommyDalton

Youtube: www.youtube.com/tommydaltonvideos

Download Tommy's music on iTunes

Tommy Dalton moved to Nashville 3 years ago to achieve his goals of becoming an artist and songwriter. Tommy writes the majority of his songs, his CD is already finished aside from possibly some additional production.

He has shared the stage with top artists like Jake Owen, Randy Houser, Easton Corbin, and David Nail among others. As a songwriter, he's written with big names such as Keith Follese ("The Way You Love Me" - Faith Hill, "Something Like That" - Tim McGraw), Deanna Bryant ("Stupid Boy" - Keith Urban), Richie Supa ("Amazing" - Aerosmith), Stewart Harris ("Can I Trust You With My Heart" - Travis Tritt), James House ("Broken Wing" - Martina McBride), Vini Poncia ("I Was Made for Loving You" - Kiss) and other notable names.

He has been called the next Jeffrey Steele within the songwriting circles.


Tommy Dalton is the whole package with the look, the songwriting skill, a great voice, he's a musician and he is very charismatic.

To help him along, one of Nashville’s premiere writers, Brett James, contributed two songs to Tommy’s CD with “Something to Die For” and “It Don’t Suck” and Grammy winning and 14 time ACM and CMA Winner, Brent Mason is signed on as co-producer for the cd.

Tommy is definitely one to keep your eyes and ears on.

DECEMBER FEATURE ARTIST OF THE MONTH: KARLA DAVIS

Let me introduce you to Karla Davis, our feature artist for the month of December ...

Karla Davis, a former soccer player for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a contestant on Season 2 of NBC's hit series "The Voice" and singer songwriter from Monroe, NC may be a small name but her voice is huge and her talent immense.

 I had the pleasure of seeing her on a side stage at Rapids Jam in Roanoke Rapids, NC in 2011 and again a couple of weeks ago in Sanford, NC when she opened for Mark Wills at the Temple Theatre. I was completely stunned and mesmorized by the power and clarity in her voice, the amount of control she possesses, and the wide range. I was also impressed by the depth of her songwriting. There is no wading in the shallow water when Karla writes a song, she jumps right in the deep end. Her songs are written from experience, from situations, from a sense of humor and most of all, from her heart. Karla also is a great entertainer, doing so much more than just sitting and strumming a guitar. She's a storyteller, injecting humor into her performances and strives to include audience interaction. If you get a chance to see her perform, please take that chance. 

For her full bio and more insight, go to www.karladavismusic.com

You can purchase Karla's music on iTunes and Amazon.

FEATURE ARTIST: GARY QUINN

So I got this email today from Gary Quinn who is originally from Ireland and now based in the UK, asking me to just take a listen to his fan funded self-titled cd, "Gary Quinn" and wow, I'm so glad I took the time to listen and I think you will be too. All tracks on this cd are self-penned or co-writes. This just goes to show you that country music and great songwriting isn't just based in the US, it's worldwide. Gary has opened for the CMA Songwriters Series, performing with some of country's best songwriters such as Bob DiPiero and Sugarland's Kristian Bush. He's definitely worth your time. Go check him out, you will be so glad you did. We need more artists like Gary who bring it back to the simplicity of the music.

You can connect with Gary online at:

Official Website: www.garyjpquinn.co.uk/music

Twitter: @garyquinnmusic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/garyquinnmusic

Biography

Described as having a cool modern sound with echoes of the past, Gary Quinn is a singer-songwriter that knows how to pull on the heartstrings of his audiences. Creating beautifully crafted lyrics he draws you in with his acoustic driven performances of rock infused country balanced with the traditional. Quinn’s heart-filled songs cover contrasting subjects from the up-tempo ‘Live Each Day’ to the moody love song ‘He Don’t Show Her Anymore’.

Born and raised in Ireland Quinn listened to his father’s Kris Kristofferson tapes and then fell in love with the new country music coming out of America after hearing the Garth Brooks album ‘No Fences’ in the early 1990’s.

After releasing a five-track EP, Quinn’s songs have been heard on radio stations in his native Ireland, UK, America and Australia. He has opened for top touring US country artists and appeared at several prestigious music festivals in Ireland, UK and America.

Quinn’s self-penned ‘He Don’t Show Her Anymore’ received the runner-up accolade in the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival International Song Writing Competition in 2010. Subsequently he performed at the festival in 2010, 2011 and 2012 where he shared the stage with Nashville recording artists like Carlene Carter, John Brannen and Nanci Griffith as well as opening for the CMA Songwriter Series show that included Clint Black, Bill Anderson and Bob DiPeiro.

In February 2013 Gary shared the stage with Sugarland’s Kristian Bush and Hall of Fame Songwriter Bob DiPiero as part of the CMA Songwriter Series that visited Europe. In March 2012 Gary was invited to perform at the Belfast Nashville Songwriter Showcase in Nashville and shared the stage with hit songwriters Billy Montana and Pam Rose. Gary was back in Nashville in June 2012 as he was invited to sing at the prestigious CMA Global Artist Party and CMA Music Fest (in the past known as Fan Fair) in downtown Nashville. This, along with opening for Gene Watson, Will Banister, Larry Gatlin, performing The Three Legs Festival (Isle of Man) and his continuing performances in the UK, led to Gary being nominated for 2 British Country Music Awards for 2012.

The latest offering from Quinn entitled ‘This Cowboy’s Heart’ can currently be heard on radio stations across the UK and Europe. New tracks for Quinn’s debut album are currently in production. In the meantime Gary's music can be heard by visiting his musician Facebook web page: www.facebook.com/GaryQuinnMusic

“Gary has an engaging country voice and style. Emotional with shades, to these ears at least, of Dan Seals and Kristofferson (one of his earliest influences) in there and he certainly sings straight from the heart. His compositions are superbly crafted - poignant and at times haunting. As he says "There is a strong heritage of country music in Ireland". I reckon young Gary is heading for the top but you can check him out for yourself at www.myspace.com/GaryJPQuinn.”

FEATURE ARTIST: JOHNNY ORR

Photo credit: Dragon Lens Photography

 

Official Website: http://johnnyorr.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnnyorrband

Twitter: www.twitter.com/johnnyorrband

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/johnnyorrmusic

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/johnnyorr

This month's spotlight shines on a personal friend and a wonderful artist/songwriter, Johnny Orr. Having known Johnny for many years, spent personal time with him, and having seen him perform multiple times, I can tell you that not only is he blessed with a talent for great music, he's also a great person with a huge heart, a wicked sense of humor and a humility that not many artists these days seem to have. He appreciates who he his, what he has to offer and no matter how many obstacles seem to present themselves, he just goes around them and keeps moving forward with a goal of one thing, getting his music heard. To Johnny, it's not about radio play, it's not about getting that big hit, it's about his love of music and those he plays it for. His songwriting comes from within and the content of his songs hits that same place in those that hear his music. Take a chance and listen to Johnny, see what so many others do in him and let's support him in whatever way he can.

Johnny has been a regular on the Raleigh , NC music scene for years,  performing as far back at the mid-1980's. Johnny currently has 12 songs with publishing deals in Nashville and has opened up for some of country music's biggest stars including Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Little Big Town, Gretchen Wilson, Phil Vassar, Jason Michael Carroll (3 times), Josh Gracin, Josh Thompson, Jeff Bates, and many more. If his face looks familiar, you may have seen him as a finalist for Nashville Star in 2007 and on CMT's "Big Break" with Sara Evans in 2008.

As a solo acoustic act or with the Johnny Orr Band, he delivers a show that surpasses most in his field. With a full range of covers and original songs, Johnny is an outstanding vocalist who sings with untouchable passion, his instrumental skills are top notch and his songwriting is nothing other than quality.

FEATURE ARTIST: SCOTT DECARLO

Facebook - www.facebook.com/scottdecarlomusic

Twitter - www.twitter.com/scottdecarlo

You can purchase Scott's music on both iTunes and Amazon

This Jersey cop turned country artist is hot on the harder rockin' country scene in Nashville and starting to make a name for himself in the industry, having opened for artists such as Christian Kane and other nationally known Nashville recording artists. Scott DeCarlo's sound is unique and his blend of Country/Rock is one that definitely hasn't been heard much, if at all for that matter. He brings something a little different to the country music table and I can assure you, this ain't your mama's country cookin' in the kitchen. She could never rock this hard. His look is different, his sound is different but his love of country is the same, he just amps it up to twelve and cranks it out from his heart. While other artists are crossing over to the pop sound, Scott is bringing a little rock to the country and I happen to love it.

With a brand new single, "Havin' a Good Time", recently released to country radio and doing very well, it's obvious that's exactly what Scott DeCarlo is doing with his music, "Havin' a Good Time". When you say “21st Century Country Rock” what comes to mind? A scatter-gun of styles, lyrics, beats, genres, vocals and the varied instrumental appeal streams your consciousness. How do you know when a new artist emerges? Is it the track you hear continually posted on Top 40 or the Country charts? There is no clear answer but when you hear a song like this that has you walking away singing, you know the magic is there and there's no denying there's substance to it and experience behind it. Scott DeCarlo is “21st Century Country Rock”- reasonably reminiscent, yet completely original and strikingly haunting. Scott DeCarlo is as “country” as you can get, but in a “New Jersey kind of way.”


When with his former band mates, The Scott DeCarlo Six, Scott released a definitive hybrid indie album, recorded in Nashville and helmed by producers Biff Watson and Eric Legg. Entitled “A Whole New Kind Of Crazy,” the LP is composed of original songs penned by Scott and a few co-writers, including producer Biff Watson and songwriter Clint Bullard.

“A Whole New Kind Of Crazy,” song-by-song, delves into love lost, love found, the working man, artist identity, belief, live performance and the unity of sound only a band can deliver. Springsteen tapped into those anthems with the E Street Band, Tom Petty with The Heartbreakers, Donald Fagen with Steely Dan. The “band unity” also gave birth to Country artists like Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Willie Nelson. All of these artists left their impression on Scott. Those impressions are subliminal and rooted and they are assuredly echoed throughout the album, track for track.

Emerging now as a solo act and making his way in the country scene, Scott's mission is perform his songs live and give it an unmatched and unparalleled edge. Having worked with some of Nashville's best studio session musicians on his previous cd as well as the new single, Biff Watson/acoustic guitar, Scott Williamson/drums and percussion, Jimmy Lee Sloas/bass, Kelly Back/electric guitars, Adam Schoenfeld/electric guitars and Mike Rojas/keyboards just to name a few, Scott is determined to leave his footprint in the musical concrete of Nashville.

FEBRUARY FEATURE ARTIST: ASH BOWERS

Introducing Ash Bowers

Official Website: www.ashbowers.com

Twitter: @AshWBowers

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashbowers

Myspace: www.myspace.com/ashbowers

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/ashbowersmusic

 Purchase Ash Bowers' Music on iTunes: http://bit.ly/XdiOaj

Purchase Ash  Bowers' Music on Amazon: http://amzn.to/14vGLQ8

Growing up in a working-class family in Jackson, Tennessee, Ash Bowers would need a lot more than dreams to make it to the country music capital 130 miles east on I-40. It would require determination, which Bowers found as he cut his teeth playing open mic nights; leading him to put a band together and eventually hitting the road with one of country music's biggest stars, Jason Aldean. 

His dream would also require commitment, which came easy for the husband and father of two, as he traveled 260 miles a day to Nashville for writing appointments and rehearsals, discovering his voice and love for songwriting along the way.  These requirements guided Bowers to make some very valuable and influential friends in the industry and over time, inspired Bowers to write a full album worth of songs that are currently found on his upcoming Wide Open Records album debut. 

When it came to choosing his first single to be released from the new album, Bowers saw "Red."  "The first time my buddy Adam played 'Red' for me, I instantly connected to the lyrics.  It's the first song we picked for the album and a song I can't believe I didn't write myself," says Bowers. "'Red' is an upbeat, rockin' song with big guitar solos. It's a lot of fun to perform and I hope people love it as much as I do." 

"Red" was written by Adam Craig, Derek George and Tim Owens, and was co-produced by Bowers and Billy Decker. 

Ash Bowers' untitled debut album is set to be released in spring of 2013 on Wide Open Records. For more information on Ash Bowers, visit www.ashbowers.com

FEATURE ARTIST: STEVE HOLY

STEVE HOLY

Official Website: www.steveholy.com

Follow Steve on Twitter: @steveholy

"Like" Steve on Facebook: www.facebook.com/steveholy

Find Your Local Country Station's Contact Information and Request Steve's New Single "Hauled Off and Kissed Me": http://radio-locator.com/

"Check out our FEATURE ARTIST - Steve Holy. Have I mentioned how much I love this guy? We're on a mission to bring him back to where he should be on the charts. Talent like this should not be overlooked." - Jenn

“Good Morning Beautiful” was the song that made the country music industry and fans alike stand up and take notice of  the youngest of eight children, a good old down home boy from Texas, Steve Holy. The song was the jewel in the crown known as the country charts for five consecutive weeks in 2002 and made Steve Holy a must have name in any country music fan's music collection. Things haven't been easy for Steve since he was first noticed at the 1993 Johnnie High Country Review in Dallas Ft. Worth, TX, which also happened to coincidentally be the same place that kick started LeAnn Rimes' career. Four years later, after what seemed like a lifetime of hard work, sweat and the sheer determination and will to make people notice what he had to offer, Steve got the long awaited record deal that most artists only dream of and was signed by Curb Records. His debut album, "Blue Moon", was released three years later in 2000. Despite his success with several Top 20 songs, Steve didn't make his mark until "Good Morning Beautiful" hit that #1 sweet spot, nearly 2 years after his debut cd, "Blue Moon" was released. The song made such an impact with fans that it was named Billboard’s #10 Top Country Song of the Decade for 1999-2009. In 2006, Steve released the upbeat "Brand New Girlfriend." Fans loved it and they loved Steve. They pushed and even though it took 36 weeks to get there, it made it to that #1 spot and made people fall in love with him all over again.

In the time since he released "Brand New Girlfriend", Holy has kept his patience, dedication and faith in his talent and released his third cd entitled "Love Don’t Run" in the fall of 2011. This cd title may talk about love not running, but neither did Steve. He didn't give up, he didn't lose faith in himself and above all, didn't let situations and circumstances make him bitter. Just as the song says, he wasn't backing down from a fight. He teamed up a second time with producer Lee Miller, whom he gives credit for the success of “Brand New Girlfriend.” Miller is a three time Grammy-nominated songwriter for “You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Adkins, Jamey Johnson’s “In Color,” and “The Impossible” by Joe Nichols. He also wrote the  #1 Brad Paisley hits “The World” and “I’m Still A Guy”. Holy and Miller wrote several songs together for "Love Don't Run", including the playful new single “She Hauled Off And Kissed Me,” along with Jim Collins as well as the inspiring and confidence building track, “Let The Sun Shine In,” which shows Steve's versatility as an artist and his ability to go from one side of music to the other seamlessly.

"Love Don’t Run" is a project in maturity for Steve and shows once again just how talented he is and how strong he is not only musically but personally. The title track was an instant hit with listeners and radio alike and only increased his fan base. The song was Steve's first top 20 hit since "Brand New Girlfriend", peaking at #19. His follow up single, "Until the Rain Stops" charted at #59.

For the past couple of years, Steve decided to take some time off to return to Dallas and enjoy being a dad to Ava and Ella, his two young daughters. “It was time for me to go home, be a dad, regroup, and come out when I felt like I was able to put my best foot forward musically,” Holy says. Well, that time is now. Steve is on the road and in a different city most nights, charming audiences nationwide with his music, his humor and his genuine "boy next door" personality. His new single "Hauled Off and Kissed Me" is making strides to be his next smash hit, reminiscent of "Brand New Girlfriend". The response to the song is positive, crowds love it, and radio stations are beginning the process of adding it to their rotations. If there was ever a time for Steve Holy to finally make his mark again and make it last, this is it. Fans are loving him, new fans are tuning in every day and Steve is more than ready and determined to do what it takes to make it happen. “I think part of what motivates me, what gives me drive, is that I’ve been so close throughout the years to breaking out and getting on a roll,” Holy says. “More than anything, I feel like I have a lot in the tank and I want to go as long as people want to hear me. And I think there are a lot of people that want to hear what we have coming next.” 

DISCOGRAPHY

"BLUE MOON" - Release date: October 10, 2000 / Label: Curb Records

Peak US Country Chart Position: 7

Certifications: Gold

"BRAND NEW GIRLFRIEND" - Release date: August 8, 2006 / Label: Curb Records

Peak US Country Chart Position: 2

"LOVE DON'T RUN" - Release date: September 13, 2011 / Label: Curb Records

Peak US Country Chart Position: 30

SINGLES

1999 - "Don't Make Me Beg": Peak US Country Chart Position: 29  

2000 -  "Blue Moon": Peak US Country Chart Position: 24  

2001 -"The Hunger": Peak US Country Chart Position: 24 

2001 - "Good Morning Beautiful": Peak US Country Chart Position: 1 

2002 - "I'm Not Breakin": Peak US Country Chart Position: 27 

2003 - "Rock a Bye Heart": Peak US Country Chart Position: 37

2004 - "Put Your Best Dress On": Peak US Country Chart Position: 26

2005 - "Go Home": Peak US Country Chart Position: 49 

2005 - "It's My Time (Waste It If I Want To)": Peak US Country Chart Position: 59 

2006 - "Brand New Girlfriend": Peak US Country Chart Position: 1 

2006 - "Come on Rain": Peak US Country Chart Position: 35 

2007 - "Men Buy the Drinks (Girls Call the Shots): Peak US Country Chart Position: 38

2008 - "Might Have Been": Peak US Country Chart Position: 56 

2009 - "Baby Don't Go": Peak US Country Chart Position: - 

2011 - "Love Don't Run": Peak US Country Chart Position: 19 

2011 - "Until the Rain Stops": Peak US Country Chart Position: 57

2012 - "Hauled Off and Kissed Me": Peak US Country Chart Position: TBA

VIDEOS

1999 - DEBUT - "Don't Make Me Beg"




2000 - "Blue Moon"
2000 - "The Hunger"
2001 - "Good Morning Beautiful"

2003 - "Rock a Bye Heart"

2004 - "Put Your Best Dress On"

2006 - "Brand New Girlfriend"

2011 - "Love Don't Run"

FEATURE ARTIST: PARMALEE

OFFICIAL BAND WEBSITE: WWW.PARMALEE.COMOFFICIAL BAND TWITTER: @PARMALEEMUSICOFFICIAL BAND FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PARMALEEMUSICOFFICIAL BAND MYSPACE PAGE: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/PARMALEE
Parmalee is a rock band turned hit making country artists from North Carolina. Their debut single, "Musta Had a Good Time" is making it's mark on country radio with regular rotation on Sirius XM's "The Highway" and on mainstream stations as well. The name comes from the small town of Parmele, NC, where they started creating music in a small barn. The band consists of: Matt Thomas on vocals and guitar, Josh McSwain also on vocals and guitar, Barry Knox on vocals and Scott Thomas on drums.

Side note: On September 20, 2010, the drummer for Parmalee, Scott Thomas, was critically injured in a shooting during an attempted robbery on board the band's RV outside a  Rock Hill, SC nightclub where they were loading equipment after their show. I remember when this happened, living in Raleigh, NC and them being a local band, the news was huge in this area. See the original article below posted by www.music.mync.com. Scott is back and better than ever and putting the shooting behind him and moving forward.

Parmalee Drummer Injured In Rock Hill Shooting

Posted on: Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

ROCK HILL, S.C. – The drummer for Greenville-based rock band Parmalee is in critical condition after being shot Monday night following the band’s show at a nightclub in Rock Hill.

Police say Scott Thomas is at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

“We are wishing for a quick recovery for Scott Thomas,” guitarist Josh McSwain said. “The band is at his side and we are staying positive. Thank you to all the fans for the love and kind words. Please keep Scott in your prayers and together we will all get through this. Thank you very much.”

Lieutenant Brad Redfearn says the band was loading equipment into their RV when two men burst in, one armed, and demanded money from the band members Matt and Scott Thomas around 1:10 a.m.

Detectives say the suspects pointed a gun at vocalist Matt, at which point his brother Scott came out from the back of the RV with his own gun and told them to leave.

That’s when police say the intruder with the gun opened fire and a shootout ensued, which lead to both robbers along with Scott being shot. Redfearn says one of the robbers, Demario Burris, died at the scene, the other suspect, Dytavis Hinton, ran about a hundred yards then collapsed.

Hinton and Scott were both taken to the hospital, where Scott is listed in critical condition and the suspect has been stabilized.

“I don’t know why this happened,” bassist Barry Knox said, fighting off emotions. “I can’t explain it.”

Knox’s sister says Scott has already made it out of one surgery and was scheduled for another later today or tonight.

Parmalee was in the middle of a tour of North and South Carolina when the shooting happened at The Money nightclub near Winthrop University. The band was scheduled to perform at City Limits Saloon in Raleigh on Friday, Sept. 24.

The band opened for Candlebox in 2009 as part of Deep South’s now-defunct Raleigh Downtown Live series that was hosted in Moore Square Park.

FEATURE ARTIST: JOHN KARL

I recommend each and every one of you make a point to see John Karl if he's playing in your area. His recorded music is great but his live show is phenomenal - his energy is so high you don't think it will ever come down and trust me, you will not stop moving to the groove! His live sets are a mixture of rock and country with everything from his originals to Jason Aldean to Collin Raye, Steve Miller, Poison and more. You will NOT be disappointed. John Karl kicks ass and he kicks it with 100% of all he has.

Official Website
Twitter
Facebook
Kickstarter Radio Release Project - DONATE HERE

BIO

"John was a success before even moving to Nashville. Nominated for North East CMA Entertainer of the Year and Best Male Vocalist, John has had a No. 1 on the MP3.com country chart with “There Goes the Neighborhood” and “Small Town” was featured in the movie American Reunion. “If you want to know where country is headed, just give a listen to John Karl,” says Rodney Phelps, a top Nashville attorney who also worked with Garth Brooks and Chris Cagle

John won the local Colgate Country Showdown in Upstate NY and had a song on Christian Country Radio with “Just Love Her” in 2003. He has toured the USA and opened for acts Ricochet, Daryl Worley and Craig Morgan just to name a few. He has played lots of festivals, including Nashville’s CMA Festival and was the house artist in 2008 at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville.

John Karl is the next big thing, with the right attitude, music, and performance style. He can get wild and pull out a tear-jerker right behind it. He knows what the fans want and he gives it to them.
Growing up in Niskayuna, N.Y., John has loved music all of his life and began singing at a young age. After high school he studied Graphic Design, was part of a professional water-ski team called the Coors Light U.S. Water-ski Show Team where he produced and performed the show and was a local Club DJ. While singing at a ski team function, a local funder made him an offer he could not refuse and helped him go to Nashville.

John moved to Nashville on Labor Day of 2002. He spent the next two years learning everything he could about the Nashville music business. He networked and got into writing circles and formed the duo Kalamity Jane. Soon after John went solo and began work on his self-produced album Redneck Rich Hillbilly Happy, released 2007.

As singer/songwriter John has a knack for a well turned phrase and is proud to release his new CD “Are You Ready For This”. Time to get this great artist in your area!" - John Karl Official Website

FEATURE ARTIST / NEW MUSIC: "Fast Enough" - John Maison

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD "FAST ENOUGH" on iTUNES

Bio courtesy of John Maison Official Website

Country- rocker John Maison is one of those rare people who strives for everything and settles for nothing in all aspects of his life. His ambitious nature and innate talent are undeniable but it’s his can’t-hold-me-back attitude that has enabled his music career to soar to new heights and as luck would have it, it doesn’t look like he’ll be slowing down anytime soon.

Growing up in southeast Michigan with his parents and older sister, John’s love of music can be traced back to his boyhood days sitting shotgun while he went to work with his father. “My dad was a self-employed plumber…long rides in the work van meant listening to a lot of radio.” A lot of country and rock radio specifically. It wasn’t until high school, though, that John took his first active participation in the world of music by joining his school choir and learning to play guitar. An admitted slacker in his younger years, John went on to college after school, earning a Finance degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from Walsh University.

Throughout college and graduate school, John may have put music on the back burner but he never turned the stove off. When he wasn’t compiling finance records or learning the best places to invest a 401K, he was busy writing songs and working on his music. “Every time I wrote a song, I’d put it in one of those big, old Coca-Cola piggy bank bottles. I told myself once it was full, I would pick my best songs and record them.” Apparently John’s finance degree taught him not only how to save money, but also how to come away from college with a stash of “cash”—or in his case, a stand-out collection of songs. So despite his impressive educational background, John’s musical aptitude couldn’t be suppressed any longer and as his talents grew, so did his goals. With his skills on the six-string down pat he started performing in front of friends and family, followed by some small-time gigs which only served to further his desire to pursue music professionally. The innovative skills and imagination that carried him through his childhood and beyond pushed John to perform at a higher level and he wasn’t going to let anything come between him and his thirst for the stage.

In 2008, John was featured on GAC Television which opened many doors for the budding singer-songwriter. Not only was he able to receive air play on several large radio stations throughout Michigan, but the experience also led to performances alongside several notable names in country music including Uncle Kracker, Easton Corbin, Phil Vassar, Eric Church, Jake Owen and Frankie Ballard to name a few.

When John isn’t busy writing and performing these days, he likes to unwind with his tight-knit family and close group of friends, who he credits with teaching him the value of hard work. And work hard he does. His most recent labor of love comes in the form of his debut single, Fast Enough, a foot-tapping country tune that combines a catchy chorus with a sweet sentiment. Next up on the list of goals for this all-American renaissance man is completing his first album, which he plans to release in early 2012, becoming a staple on the radio and touring full time.

Find John Mason online at:

Official Website

Twitter

Facebook

Youtube

BEHIND THE SONGS: JASON MATTHEWS

We like to feature songwriters and try to give them credit for their songs that major artists bring to life and let you hear what the original versions of your favorite songs sound like by the people that wrote them. The songwriter is where the magic begins, from their thoughts and their experiences. If it weren't for them, your performers would be out of a job. Don't forget to say thank you to a songwriter for their important and necessary contributions to our everyday lives.

Check out this week's singer/songwriter, Jason Matthews. Named Music Row’s 2006 Breakthrough Writer of the Year, Jason is the writer for MANY of the songs you hear everyday including Billy Currington's #1 hit "Must Be Doin' Somethin' Right", "Break Down Here" which was cut by both Trace Adkins and Julie Roberts, "That's Just Jessie" by Kevin Denney, "The Ball" by James Otto, "Country Man" by Luke Bryan, "Life Happened" by Tammy Cochran and his most current hit, the runaway new single from Craig Campbell, "When I Get It".

Jason released his own cd entitled "Hicotine" and it includes his debut single, the emotional tribute to mothers everywhere, "That's What Mamas Do". He's a name you need to pay attention to and take a minute to go to his website and listen to his music, his voice. He is fantastic. You can also follow him on Twitter at @jmatthewssongs

"Must Be Doin' Somethin' Right" - Billy Currington (I love Billy Currington, but man Jason's version is incredible. You can hear the finished recorded version on his website. WOW.) 

"Break Down Here" - Trace Adkins and Julie Roberts both cut this one

"That's Just Jesse" - Kevin Denney

"That's What Mamas Do" - Jason Matthews' Debut Single

FEATURE ARTIST: JARED BLAKE

If you were a fan of NBC's "THE VOICE" Season One and "TEAM BLAKE", then you are very familiar with the amazing voice of Jared Blake. This guy's gonna be freakin' huge and thanks to Blake Shelton's ear for great music, you're gonna get to hear alot more from Jared. Check out the exclusive interview that Kevin Nixa of Nixa Country Radio had with Jared earlier this week. Lovin' Lyrics hopes to be talking to him soon ourselves! Thanks to Nixa for working in conjunction with Lovin' Lyrics so we're able to spread the word about amazing artists like Jared to more people. 

You can reQuest Jared's music on Nixa Country and you can download Jared's music on iTunes. Please show your support for Jared and purchase his music, attend his live shows, follow him on Twitter 

From rockontogether.com -

Johnny Cash once said, “Sometimes I am two people. Johnny is the nice one. Cash causes all the trouble. They fight.” The same might be said of Jared Blake.

People tend to jump to conclusions when they first see the rock-n-roll country boy from Arkansas. The bad ass image, complete with tattoos, shaved head and ripped jeans, radiates a sort of “dangerous.” But, if you move past his hardcore persona and stick around for a drink or two you’ll find out that there is a vulnerability to Jared that makes him who he really is.

No stranger to mistakes, falls and lapses in judgment he confesses that his personal struggles were at times unbearable. He felt like he was, “Losing his soul to the very thing that helped him find it.”

A dedicated father of four girls and two boys, Jared’s tough guy image softens between the letters of his lyrics. And as he lets you in a little more you realize that each note, each strum and each vocal inflection truly comes from the deep depths of his soul. The rhythms are unique and driving, the phrasing all his own. It’s rare to find an artist these days with a passion so strong that we can’t help but pound our feet and scream along.

The coolest thing about Jared Blake is that although he’s had his share of hard knocks, onstage nothing seems forced or strained. When he’s performing he’s there completely. The past disappears and the future waits because at that moment there’s no need for anything more.