Matt Kennon has released a lyric video for his new nostalgic single, “Damn Small Town,” written by Kurt Alison, Wade Kirby and Phil O’Donnell. Watch the video on YouTube or his artist Facebook page.
“This is an uptempo for once and a song that Grammy Award winning Producer Paul Worley and I had to cut,” Matt Kennon says with a smile. “This song clinched it for us after years of discussing working together, and we hope the fans love it as much as we do!”
This song is about being broken up with in the town you live in. You can’t help but run into her everywhere and there’s no getting over her except outside that “Damn Small Town”. This is a story that we’ve all been through at some point.
Kennon is best known for his emotional, heart wrenching and true to life songs that tug at listeners heart strings and bringing attention to subjects that are uncomfortable. This tune takes listeners back in time through any small town and the loss of a love and not being able to avoid memories around every corner.
Matt Kennon continues to hear story after story from listeners, industry and radio about his latest single as the emotional and raw lyrics of “Love Is Stronger,” have touched the hearts of listeners. Watch the lyric video on YouTube and Facebook for “Love Is Stronger.”
“The Song has me feeling exactly like I felt about “The Call.” These songs don’t come around often, but when they do they take on a life of their own,”states Matt Kennon. “Country Radio can make these songs heard all over the place rather quickly and to all of those who are playing it, thanks so much! We all know that there are many people who need to hear this message!”
Kennon is best known for his emotional, heart wrenching and true to life songs that tug at listeners heart strings, and the fact he is not afraid to bring attention to subjects that are uncomfortable. This song is no exception. The lyrics go deep to reach out to those who need to hear them for whatever life has thrown at them to let them know “Love Is Stronger” than any dark place, emotional or mental state you find yourself in.
Released to radio and distributed on all digital music platforms in June, the impact and reaction by listeners indicates that the fans and industry want more. “Love Is Stronger” has already received over 19,000,000 impressions on Music Choice Today’s Country and was added to Spotify’s popular playlist, “New Boots Country.” Matt Kennon Tour Dates: 8-2-19 - Ponce De Leon, FL - Vortex Spring 8-3-19 - Ponce De Leon, FL - Vortex Spring 8-10-19 Cape Girardeau, MO - Isle of Cape Girardeau Casino 8-31-19 - Eureka, MO - Private Party 9-1-19 - Labadie, MO - Labadie Station 9-27-19- Bonne Terre, MO - Hubs Pub and Grill 9-29-19 Riverton, IL - Backroom Lounge 10-19-19 - Fenton, MO - Moonlight Run Moonlight Park More dates coming soon ..
Love Is Stronger” has already received over 19,000,000 impressions on
Music Choice Today’s Country
The emotional and raw single, “Love Is Stronger,” by country artist, Matt Kennon, has touched the hearts of listeners. Released to radio and distributed on all digital music platforms in June, the impact and reaction by listeners indicates that the fans and industry want more. “Love Is Stronger” has already received over 19,000,000 impressions on Music Choice Today’s Country channel and added to Spotify’s popular playlist, “New Boots Country.”
Songwriter Mike Mobley stated, “I’m sure glad my song and you met”.”
Kennon is best known for his emotional, heart wrenching and true to life songs that tug at listeners heart strings, and the fact he is not afraid to bring attention to subjects that are uncomfortable. This song is no exception. The lyrics go deep to reach out to those who need to hear them for whatever life has thrown at them to let them know “Love Is Stronger” than any dark place, emotional or mental state you find yourself in.
Matt Kennon is known for his emotional, heart wrenching and true to life songs that tug at listeners heart strings, and he is not afraid to bring attention to subjects that are uncomfortable. The long awaited and highly anticipated single “Love Is Stronger,” written by Mike Mobley and produced by Paul Worley has been released to radio by Grass Roots Promotion. "Love is Stronger" is available on all digital platforms for download and streaming here.
A thread that runs through the new music is definitely love, and its awe-inducing power to lift us up, stir our souls, or crush us in its wake when it goes. It’s a subject Kennon is intimately familiar with, and the material is well-suited for the hard-working artist who is finally coming into his own creatively and hitting his stride.
“I have always wanted to be known for recording the kind of music that heals, changes and save lives. “Love is Stronger” is impacting an incredibly large audience. It is a true story to many, and I could not be more excited to share this song with the world,” stated Matt Kennon. “Mike Mobley nailed it when he wrote it, Paul Worley nailed it when he produced it and Casting Life Films nailed the video. Here we Go!”
"A listener can choose to take or leave hope, the lyrics to this song reinforce that you can take hope with you," said Casting Life Films, Darren Williams. “The truth is...what we fight for....what we believe in...and lives are still taken from loved ones, how do we deal with that? This song gives listeners hope.”
Plans for the release of an official video and lyric video will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Follow Matt Kennon on his website http://www.mattkennon.com. You can also connect with Matt on social media at the links on his website.
Stream and download Matt's music on digital music platforms Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Play and more.
Last week, I got 'THE CALL', if you'll pardon the pun, from Matt Kennon. When I spoke to Matt, with all that's been on his plate, Kennon confessed that he hasn't had as much time to communicate 'socially' with his fans lately and it had been really bothering him. So, he made a point of setting aside a couple of days to catch up with them while he was off the road.
Finding the time to network socially may be less of a challenge for Taylor Swift because she has a BIG MACHINE behind her, which affords her the time but, when you're an independent country artist, a family man with 3 daughters (2, 8 and 10), your own manager, your own agent, your own publicist, and in the past 18 months, you've performed at over 75 middle and high schools, and 40+ other venues ... you've taken enough trips to Nashville from St. Louis, in the past 3 years, to record 3 albums and 3 EPs and somewhere in there, you found the time to write and listen to enough songs to record those 6 projects (56 songs), for iTunes and over 300 digital outlets online ... believe me, finding even a couple of days is a miracle. And this 'couple of days' turned out to be, just that.
Kennon already has his first record deal under his belt and nobody knows better the difference that having the support of a label makes. When Matt was on James Stroud's label Stroudavarious, he learned a ton about the business behind the music and he knows that's a big part of the reason for his independent success.
So last week, Kennon got on Facebook and Twitter and started talking to his fans and he posted what he felt would be, some inspiring messages and BAM ...Within a matter of days, Kennon's Facebook post reach soared from 30,000 to 13.8 million, and his 'fans engaged' jumped from 5,000 to 3.5 million. In the same period, his Twitter followers went from 9,000 to 14,000, his first HIT single 'THE CALL', which debuted at #1 on Billboard's HeatSeeker Chart, topped the 5 million mark, on Youtube and Matt is currently (for the 3rd time) featured on iTunes New & Noteworthy Country Home Page.
Matt Kennon: "It's easy to get caught up in things and forget that without 'THE FANS' there is no music."
Wow ... The power of Fan-Engagement.
*** CHIP MARTIN has produced over 250 songs on Kennon since 2001 and was solely responsible for Matt's development, ever since they arrived in Nashville, from Atlanta. Here's what Chip had to say ...
"Funny thing about any artist's "overnight" success, be it super-stardom or just going viral on social media- the overwhelming force behind the reward is usually countless hours of pounding away at the walls that stand between that artist and that goal. The absolute one thing to remember is to DO SOMETHING each and every day to further your career. Never give up. This is Matt Kennon's greatest attribute. Self-belief and persistence and an awareness of his fan base combine to break those walls down. I'm proud to be able to help an artist who has that kind of spirit."
KYLE LEHNING - Randy Travis's producer for the past 25+ yrs, amidst running Curb/Asylum through the 90's, came on board in 2006 and not only co-produced Matt's 'label pitch project' with Martin but, was also responsible for getting Kennon signed to his first record deal, on Stroudavarious. Here's what Kyle had to say ...
"Matt Kennon......a unique voice, a powerful story, a blue collar work ethic, and a sense of self and purpose that had me hooked the first time we met. Those are all the elements I look for in an artist. Matt has ALL the bases covered."
JT CORENFLOS - JT, who has played on over 100 # 1 HIT Songs and is the 2013 ACM Guitar Player of the Year, recently joined Kennon and Martin, with Kyle Lehning at the helm, to co-produce Kennon's current project. Here's what JT had to say ...
"After hearing Matt sing just a few lines from any of his tunes you instantly hear honesty and sincerity. I think that "honesty and sincerity" is what lead to the incredible numbers in the social networking medias, after just a few days of reaching out to fans. Obviously I'm not the only one who hears that. Matt's success as a "do it yourself " artist shows a work ethic that would be hard to rival. I totally believe there is a place for Matt on radio and in the concert arenas. Certainly after seeing the huge interest from his recent "reach out to the fans" I'm not the only one who thinks that either."
Matt Kennon's brand new EP "Simplified" hits iTunes worldwide featuring six brand new songs! Once your clock strikes the witching hour, get those downloads going and please remember to leave a review! Check out the track listing below:
1. Six String And A Prayer 2. Some Doors 3. Spend A Little Time 4. Where It’s Gonna Go 5. That Was Us 6. ‘Til He Was Gone
It's the end of the year and I like to acknowledge songs that made a difference to me this year. Some you may know, some you may not be familiar with. All of these songs are by amazing artists who sing and write from their hearts, who chose to make a difference in what their music says, to try to reach the listener where it counts the most, their conscience and their emotions. These are my picks for 2012. Hope you enjoy them. Let us know what songs made a difference to you this year, made you stop what you were doing and really listen, that had the power to change you or your way of thinking. Leave them in the comments below, tweet us at@lovinlyricsor leave us aFacebookmessage.
"23rd Psalm" - Josh Pruno
He was all decked out in his Sunday best
Clean white shirt, Red Wing boots and overalls
The first one in, the last one out
The best seat in the good Lord's house, he could see it all
I'm sure he smiled as the preacher read
his unsteady handwritten last request
When my work is done, the world's through with me
and I've plowed my last tobacco field
Don't shed a tear, but be sure to bury me
With a flask of whiskey and a tractor key
and a photograph of my Emily
and send me home back to my Maker's arms
with "Amazing Grace" and the "23rd Psalm"
He came back from France in '44
with a purple heart and a diamond ring for the girl next door
He lead a hard scratched (?) farmer's life
with a few good kids and a faithful wife that he adored
No, he was never one to ask for much
but to rest in peace with a little peace of the things he loved.
When my work is done, the world's through with me
and I've plowed my last tobacco field
Don't shed a tear, but be sure to bury me
With a flask of whiskey and a tractor key
and a photograph of my Emily
and send me home back to my Maker's arms
with "Amazing Grace" and the "23rd Psalm"
Lay me down in greener pastures, right beside the quiet waters
through the valley of the shadow, restore my soul.
When my work is done, the world's through with me
and I've plowed my last tobacco field
Don't shed a tear, but be sure to bury me
With a flask of whiskey and a tractor key
and a photograph of my Emily
and send me home back to my Maker's arms
with "Amazing Grace" and the "23rd Psalm"
"Beer with Jesus" - Thomas Rhett
If I could have a beer with Jesus Heaven knows I'd sip it nice and slow I'd try to pick a place that ain't too crowded Or gladly go wherever he wants to go You can bet I'd order up a couple tall ones Tell the waitress put 'em on my tab I'd be sure to let him do the talkin' Careful when I got the chance to ask How'd you turn the other cheek To save a sorry soul like me Do you hear the prayers I send What happens when life ends And when you think you're comin' back again I'd tell everyone, but no one would believe it If I could have a beer with Jesus If I could have a beer with Jesus I'd put my whole paycheck in that jukebox Fill it up with nothing but the good stuff Sit somewhere we couldn't see a clock Ask him how'd you turn the other cheek To save a sorry soul like me Have you been there from the start How'd you change a sinner's heart And is heaven really just beyond the stars I'd tell everyone, but no one would believe it If I could have a beer with Jesus He can probably only stay, for just a couple rounds But I hope and pray he's stayin' till we shut the whole place down Ask him how'd you turn the other cheek To save a sorry soul like me What's on the other side? Is mom and daddy alright? And if it ain't no trouble tell them I said hi I'd tell everyone but no one would believe it If I could have a beer with Jesus I'd tell everyone but no one would believe it If I could have a beer with Jesus
"Over You" - Miranda Lambert
Weather man said it’s gonna snow By now I should be used to the cold Mid-February shouldn’t be so scary It was only December I still remember the presents, the tree, you and me But you went away How dare you? I miss you They say I’ll be OK But I’m not going to ever get over you Living alone here in this place I think of you, and I’m not afraid Your favorite records make me feel better Cause you sing along With every song I know you didn’t mean to give them to me But you went away How dare you? I miss you They say I’ll be OK But I’m not going to ever get over you It really sinks in, you know, when I see it in stone Cause you went away, How dare you? I miss you They say I’ll be OK But I’m not going to ever get over you
"That's Why I Pray" - Big and Rich
Man on the TV's gone insane, everybody's just laughing
People 'cross the world holding on
The earth caved in, the ocean came down crashing
My neighbor lost his house 'cause he can't find a job
Don't you dare pledge allegiance, don't you dare speak of God
Speak of God
Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!
Now I'm begging for forgiveness
I wanna make a difference even in the smallest way
I'm only one person, but I can feel it working
I believe in better days
That's why I pray
Some stupid video posted as a joke, somebody's life gets ruined
Out of everything we can create
Where is the cure to keep the sick from losing
Babies having babies 'cause their parents are always gone
Somehow we have forgotten how to make a house a home
How to make a house a home
Oh! Oh! Yeah! Yeah!
I'm begging for forgiveness, I wanna make a difference
Even in the smallest way
I'm only one person, but I can feel it working
I believe in better days
That's why I pray, yeah
That's why I pray, yeah
These demons from my past haunt me every night
And I just can't get through it
If I could forget them on my own, I'll let go and just move on
But heaven knows I am only human
And that's why I pray, yeah yeah
That's why I pray, I pray, I pray, I pray
Yes I'm begging for forgiveness (I'm begging for forgiveness)
I just wanna make a difference (Just wanna make a difference)
I believe (I believe) in better days
That's why I pray
"Day That I Die" - Zac Brown Band
Early morning in a motel room,
Sunshine trying to creep on through.
Lost sleep but I found a tune,
Stuck inside my head.
Cigarettes, a tank of gas,
Headed off to nowhere fast,
Gotta find a way to make this feeling last.
'Cause I believe that I,
Was born with a song inside of me.
Never question why,
I just kept on chasing that melody.
And as time goes by,
Oh it's funny how time can make you realize,
We're running out of it.
On the day that I die,
I wanna say that I,
Was a man who really lived and never compromised.
And when I've lived out my days,
Until the very end,
I hope they find me in my home
A guitar in my hands.
I hope they find me in my home
With my guitar in my hands.
A part of dawn to be ashamed of,
Good people are supposed to be up.
I found peace with this path I took,
As I lay down my head.
Crossroads you gotta choose,
Which way do we win or lose.
And every bone in my soul says I sing on through.
And I believe that I,
Was born with a song inside of me.
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net ]
Never question why,
I just keep on singing these melodies.
And as time goes by,
Oh it's funny how time can make you realize,
We're running out of it.
On the day that I die,
I wanna say that I,
Was a man who really lived and never compromised.
And when I've lived out my days,
Until the very end,
I hope they find me in my home
Guitar in my hands.
I hope they find me in my home
With my guitar in my hands.
We all go
We all go
It's all over for you know
I believe that I,
Was born with a song inside of me.
Never question why,
I just keep on singing these melodies.
And as time goes by,
It's funny how time can make you realize,
We're running out of it.
On the day that I die,
I wanna say that I,
Was a man who really loved and never compromised.
And when I live out my days,
Until the very end,
You can find me in my home
Guitar in my hands.
You can find me in my home
With my guitar in my hands.
"I Drive Your Truck" - Lee Brice
Eighty-Nine Cents in the ash tray
Half empty bottle of Gatorade rolling in the floorboard
That dirty Braves cap on the dash
Dog tags hangin’ from the rear view
Old Skoal can, and cowboy boots and a Go Army Shirt
folded in the back
This thing burns gas like crazy, but that’s alright
People got their ways of coping
Oh, and I’ve got mine
I drive your truck
I roll every window down
And I burn up
Every back road in this town
I find a field, I tear it up
Til all the pain’s a cloud of dust
Yeah, sometimes I drive your truck
I leave that radio playing
That same ole country station where ya left it
Yeah, man I crank it up
And you’d probably punch my arm right now
If you saw this tear rollin’ down my on face
Hey, man I’m tryin’ to be tough
And momma asked me this morning
I I’d been by your grave
But that flag and stone ain’t where I feel you anyway
I drive your truck
I roll every window down
And I burn up
Every back road in this town
I find a field, I tear it up
Til all the pain’s a cloud of dust
Yeah, sometimes I drive your truck
I’ve cussed, I’ve prayed, I’ve said goodbye
Shook my fist and asked God why
These days when I’m missing you this much
I drive your truck
I roll every window down
And I burn up
Every back road in this town
I find a field, I tear it up
Til all the pain’s a cloud of dust
Yeah, sometimes, brother sometimes
I drive your truck
I drive your truck
I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind
I drive your truck
"Be Grateful" - The Farm
The other day I called myself complaining
Now my boss has got me working over time
Then the stranger who was sitting there beside me
Said ,I spent all day in the unemployment
Are there open shifts, are they hiring on
I'll work any hours even all night long
If you could put a good word in for me
Everytime you think you got it bad
You can find someone who's got it worse
All the things you take for granted now
They started out as blessings first
If you got someone who loves you
And a steady job that puts food on the table
If you're strong and able
Man, be grateful
We complain about how much it's gonna cost us
To fill our 20 something thousand dollar car
And living in the land of milk and honey
It's so easy to forget how lucky we are
We can work hard and buy a patch of dirt
And on Sunday morning we can go to church
And pray for those who don't have it as good as you
Every time you think you got it bad
You can find someone who's got it worse
All the things you take for granted now
They started out as blessings first
If you got someone who loves you
And a steady job that puts food on the table
If you're strong and able
Man, be grateful
"Don't Pick on Me" - Matt Kennon
He hid behind his lunchbox
Everyday at that bus-stop
Where some big ole boys got their kicks
Kickin' him 'round
He was scared as hell of that recess bell
That playground was more like a battlefield
And he knew he'd get himself killed
If he didn't back down
With black in his eye and blood in his mouth
On the way home, all he thought about
Is we could've been team-mates, we could've been friends
You could've made a difference, you could've stepped in
If you didn't like me, you should've just let me be
But no, you had to pick on me
She heard them laughin' 'bout the way she looked
In the hallway at the high-school she hid behind her books
Everyday in that lunch-room, she wouldn't eat a thing
She stared in that mirror, hatin' what she'd see
Tryin' to be pretty became a disease
She was killin' herself, just dyin' to fit in
The diary she kept underneath her bed
Hid all those words, that she never said
We could've been sisters, cheerin' at the games
We could've gone to prom, shared the same limousine
If you didn't like me, you should've just let me be
New Album Defining The Man Behind The Music And Music That Makes A Difference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 15, 2012) – RoaDDawg Records country-rock artist Matt Kennon officially introduces his newest work product and much-anticipated album entitled MAKIN' MUSIC THAT MATTERS (co-produced alongside Chip Martin with various cuts by James Stroud, Garrett Parris and Julian King).** Revealing the reflective and weathered individual behind the lyrics, Kennon’s latest project is painted with contemplative and thought-provoking compositions delving deep into the meaning of life, faith, abuse, turmoil and family ties that bind.
Kennon, who at first glance, is tattooed with the “bad-boy” persona, rivals the mistaken judgment with every stance that he takes and every word that he sings--made evident by his 2010 #1 Billboard Chart’s Heatseekers Album and Top 20 single “The Call” which spotlighted the importance of suicide prevention and was supported with more than 300,000 downloads worldwide.
An artist who has never concealed his history, with what could be a country song in itself--akin to whiskey, women, rock n’ roll and traveling the wrong roads--Kennon reflects upon his own whirlwind of personal experiences that have made him the man he is today and produces an album with “words to live by.”
“The CD title really tells it all,” said Kennon. “I want to make music with meaning that listeners will be able to relate to one song at a time. I could write and record songs with no personal meaning, trying to fit into a cookie-cutter mold, but I believe the fans want the truth. These songs are my truth.”
With song titles such as “Beautiful Cry,” “ Nobody To Miss,” “Wake Up Dancing” and “Follow Me,” Matt bares pieces of his soul in this entire body of work. From losing a loved one to illness, witnessing the devastation of bullying and, most recently, becoming a new father, the 13 tracks highlight Kennon’s newfound, objectives, passions and priorities.
Prior to the release of MAKIN' MUSIC THAT MATTERS, Kennon introduced his single “You Had To Pick On Me.” The overwhelming response inspired his involvement and the launch of the national anti-bullying campaign “Stop the Bull;” as a spokesperson and performer, Kennon canvassed the country making 25 appearances over the course of four months.
“When I saw first hand the reaction on the faces of each student, parent and teacher, I knew the music was making a difference,” said Kennon. “That was the turning point when I decided it wasn't about radio airplay for me, it was about making a connection and recording music that makes a difference in the world. I hope this album speaks to many and for many.”
The new release, MAKIN' MUSIC THAT MATTERS, is available on all major digital outlets. For more information about Matt Kennon, including tour dates and appearances, please visit his website, www.mattkennon.com.
If there was ever an artist that lives up to the title of his cd and the music he creates, it's Matt Kennon. He truly is making music that matters. Swing by iTunes and pre-order your copy of his new cd, "Makin' Music That Matters". The cd will be available for download on October 30, 2012.
Thank you to Matt Kennon for all he does in spreading the importance of today's important issues in his music and for spending some time with us. Please excuse the background noise, this interview was held during a san Jose Giants baseball game and this was the quietest spot available :-) Thanks again to our west coast contributor, Tiffany Sears Benton for doing this interview for us! We appreciate you, Tiffany!
Pick up your copy of Matt's latest cd, "77", on iTunes and Amazon. It includes his hit single, "You Had to Pick on Me" as well as previously unreleased versions of "The Call" and "You Can Still Wear White".
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 11, 2012)—Matt Kennon (RoaDDawg Records) has partnered with Ride Records to formally introduce Kennon’s current single “You Had To Pick On Me”* via the launch of an official national radio promotion campaign.
Moved by a topic that is tragically becoming daily headline news, Kennon’s “You Had To Pick On Me,” addresses the increasing presence of bullying through song. A co-write with Jami Grooms and Garrett Parris, the track is a striking and honest reflection of victim sentiment and it’s struck a chord with many to recognize bullying as a life-threatening issue—a growing problem that can no longer be silenced.
The song features two perspectives, from both a young woman and man, suffering from tragic and troublesome experiences and hushed heartaches as a result of harassment. The frank lyrics express the dark and silent pain of the victims. Kennon’s closing verse is the result and response; he appeals for a change and reminds listeners that some of those who are bullied feel no alternate escape from the turmoil but to take their own life.
“Matt and I were talking about our new tour dates together and he mentioned his new song. Once I heard it, I knew we wanted to be part of helping him work this single,” Steve Azar, owner of Ride Records introduced. “It’s so timely with what’s going on, not only in our children’s lives but across the country--victims are young and old. Matt delivers the message in an artistic and powerful way; it’s truly a great song.”
“It’s an issue that has been a historic problem, yet very little has been done to address it publicly—other than through tragic news stories.” Kennon adds. “This song lays it out there—paints a picture—and it’s my way of drawing more attention to the problem. I’m thrilled Steve and his team at Ride Records see the importance of the message and share my vision to get it out there to speak on behalf of those who cannot.”
Ride Records’ Harry “Bud” Nelson and Dave “Duke” Sholin will head the national radio promotion campaign supported by the stellar promotions team already in place (Al Brock, Ann Chrisman, Regina Raleigh and Ed Gertler of Digital Delivery Services) that has lent their tremendous talents to captivate audiences and generate awareness across the country.
To further support the endearing campaign, Steve Azar and Matt Kennon are working to establish a schedule of tour dates together in the 2012 summer season. Matt has also received a personal invitation from the D.A. of Mobile, Alabama to organize a series of performances at local schools to add volume to the important message in Kennon’s home state. The school appearances will begin in May.
“We are pleased to align with Matt Kennon; he’s an artist who is committed to his song and has the work ethic to stand behind it,” Bill “BT” Twyman, President of Ride Records concluded. “The story is from a real place and it’s a story that is tough to tell. Nevertheless, we all are aware that we can no longer hide the true-to-life fact that bullying is real and effects all mankind in a very real way. Matt delivers it with heart and soul.”
Ride Records works in tandem with independent talent to change the country music landscape. Home to Steve Azar, the label is proud to announce the signings of two brilliant singer/songwriters, Dave Hardin and Walt Wilkins. CD releases are expected from Hardin and Wilkins in the coming months. For more information on Ride Records, visit: www.riderecords.com.
More information about Matt Kennon, including tour dates and appearances, is available at his website, mattkennon.com. Now at No. 69 on the Music Row chart, Kennon’s “You Had To Pick On Me” is available on Play MpE and all Internet outlets.
Gotta love CMA Fest, it's when the best of the best are out playing their hearts out for the fans and here are 3 of those artists in one place, 3rd and Lindsley.
You are invited to join Bo & the Fan Clubhouse artists on Friday, June 8th for the Fan Clubhouse party! We're planning a rockin' party to celebrate the 2012 CMA Music Fest and hope you'll make plans to join us for this very special event!
Bo Bice, Bryan White, Matt Kennon, One Night Rodeo & Sarah Marince will perform at the first annual Fan Clubhouse Party on Friday, June 8th in Nashville at Third and Lindsley. The party will kick off at 10 am (doors will open at 9 am) and will include breakfast, meet and greet, party souvenir, performances and more!
The party will be held at Third and Lindsley - conveniently located in downtown Nashville. Please login to your favorite artists website starting Monday, March 12th at 10 am to purchase your tickets (one ticket takes care of meeting all the artists). Tickets are $35.
Students Nationwide Are Invited To Submit Unique Anti-Bullying Videos
For The Campaign Now Through October 15, 2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 20, 2012)—Inspired by the troubles of a young boy he befriended at a school visit last year, Matt Kennon, known for his devotion to writing songs with purpose, penned the song “You Had To Pick On Me” with fellow writers Jami Grooms and Garrett Parris. Addressing the rising issue of bullying, the song has already garnered national attention on its own merit, giving a voice to those who could not speak.
“The overwhelming response and encouragement from my friends, family and the entire community for my song and its message has inspired us to try and reach even more people by developing the 'Music That Matters' Video Campaign,” states Matt Kennon. “My last recording, ‘The Call,’ reached over 3.6 million people through YouTube, and I know that with the support of schools, parents and community members,‘You Had To Pick On Me’ and its message could reach many more. We need to raise awareness and generate support against bullying, and hopefully this song will help produce a necessary call-to-action.”
From now until October 15, 2012, schools nationwide are invited to join the 'Music That Matters' Video Campaign by submitting student-made videos for the song “You Had To Pick On Me”. At the end of the campaign, the Top Five videos (based on quality and content) will be featured in a nationwide contest for the public to vote on their favorite video, where the winning school will then be recognized with a free concert and meet-and-greet event with Matt Kennon. Additional videos receiving the highest fan-votes will be considered for placement in the official “You Had To Pick On Me” Matt Kennon video.
Through these videos and growing community participation, Kennon hopes that the anti-bullying movement will become unstoppable. “We encourage all schools and kids to share their voices,”adds Kennon. “Let’s make a difference against bullying and protect our future of America, the kids!”
To hear the single or to submit your own video, visit www.mattkennon.com.
Everyone MUST SEE this brand new student made video from Matt Kennon for his song, "You Had to Pick on Me". Bullying is a wide spreading epidemic and more and more children are taking their own lives because of the hurtful and mean things others do and say to them. This has to STOP NOW!
If you see kids being picked on or bullied, please step in and stop it, teach your kids to do the same. This could be YOUR child. I've seen first hand the effects that bullying has on a child. A former co-worker of mine came home to find her son hanging from a sheet off their 3rd floor apartment balcony several years ago. I've seen the devastation it leaves behind on the families and the needless suffering. There's NO NEED for it.
Teach your kids that bullying is wrong and will not be tolerated. Teach them to learn to accept others as they are and learn to get along, they might find a friend they never knew they could have. If your child says they're being bullied, take them seriously and get to the core of the problem. Take the steps you need to take as a parent to make it stop. Bullying isn't just a problem with children, adults are just as bad, if not worse. This includes physical, mental, and internet bullying. We all have feelings, we all get hurt and we all have insecurities at any age. Stop this behavior before it goes too far. Thank you Matt for this insight from a child's point of view.
"Tisha and I just got back from the hospital...She is having contractions...bags are packed, could be anytime now! We are so excited!!! I have been singing to my baby girl all the time..."
Congratulations to Matt and his family on the upcoming birth of the newest addition to the Kennon family.
“You Had To Pick On Me” Tackles Sensitive, Timely Subject Of Bullying
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 31, 2012)—Moved by a topic frequently making headline news, Matt Kennon (RoaDDawg Records) addresses the increasing presence of bullying through song. Sheer emotionalism compelled Kennon to write his latest single “You Had To Pick On Me.”
Co-written with Jami Grooms and Garrett Parris, the track is a striking and honest reflection of victim sentiment; in combination with Kennon’s heartfelt vocals, it is a tune that hits the core. With the encouragement of early listeners and his friends in music, he unveiled the track.
Prompted to write the song after a candid conversation with a third-grade student, coupled with a Facebook message from a young fan who asked if Kennon had “ever been bullied,” Kennon realized the epidemic was becoming widespread and felt the call to bring the problem to the forefront utilizing the country music format as a medium.
“Country music addresses all kinds of life issues that matter; it can be the voice for love, love lost, political and social issues, and more. I wanted to address this major issue, not only among our youth, but within our entire society,” Kennon reveals.
The song features two perspectives, from both a boy and a girl, suffering from tragic and troublesome experiences and hushed heartaches as a result of harassment. The frank lyrics express the dark and silent pain of the victims. Kennon’s closing verse is the result and response; he appeals for a change and reminds listeners that some of those who are bullied feel no alternate escape from the turmoil but to take their own life.
“It’s an issue that has been a historic problem, yet very little has been done to address it. Almost daily, a news story about bullying makes national headlines,” Kennon adds. “There are so many kids, as well as grown-ups, who are targeted victims of this kind of cruelty. This song lays it out there—paints a picture—and it’s my way of drawing more attention to the problem. My message to all the victims is to say, ‘bullies don’t define you.’”
Next month, Matt Kennon takes the song to the 2012 Country Radio Seminar to share the track and his motivation to release it with major radio players. In support of the song, Kennon also reiterates the importance of speaking out, taking a stand and spreading awareness surrounding supportive events, including Pink Shirt Anti-Bullying Day on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 and Day of Pink (the International Day Against Bullying), April 11, 2012.
“You Had To Pick On Me” is not the first of Kennon’s songs to address an emotional topic. His debut single, “The Call,” broke into the Billboard “Heatseeker’s” chart (eventually reaching No. 1) and was a “Top 20” hit in 2010. Penned alongside friends Noah Gordon and Jeremy Campbell, the heavy song’s vignettes demand the listener’s attention and addresses tough subjects from suicide to abortion.
More information about Matt Kennon, including tour dates and appearances, is available at his website, mattkennon.com. The new release, “You Had To Pick On Me,” is available on Play MpE and all Internet outlets.
Thanks to our friend and one of our favorite artists, Matt Kennon ("The Call"), for supporting those of us who try our best to get the word out and promote his music. We appreciate you!
Be sure to check out www.mattkennon.com and listen to his new single, "You Had To Pick on Me" which deals with the unfortunate epidemic of bullying. Pick up the single on Amazon or iTunes today and request it on your local country radio station.
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