TAKE MY ADVICE ... INSIGHT FROM ARTISTS, RADIO AND MUSIC INDUSTRY NAMES ON HOW TO MOVE AHEAD IN THE BUSINESS

I observe a lot when it comes to new artists, behavior and notice things that are done all in the name of getting their name out there, some good, some great and some that makes me cringe. If you want to get heard, you have to not only use your business sense but you have to use your common sense. There's more to being heard than good music and having a voice. If you want people to pay attention, there are some things that you, as not only an artist, but as a person, need to pay attention to as well. I thought I'd get some input from some friends on the business, some well known names, some new artists, songwriters, someone from radio and someone from the business side of the industry. Check out what they had to say when it comes to making a name for yourself in the music business. Lots of good insight here about what to do and what not do and some advice that just might help someone along the way. That's the point of this article and it's also why Lovin' Lyrics is here, to help new artists however we can.

Thanks to everyone who took their time to contribute their thoughts and shared their personal advice. If something one of these people help you, please be sure to let them know on social media that it was helpful. I've included their social media pages for your information. They all handle their own accounts and do not rely on social media managers so they do respond personally.

~ Jenn

Follow me on Twitter at @Lovinlyrics and here on Facebook.

Duane Allen

The Oak Ridge Boys, Grand Ole Opry Member, Country Music Hall of Fame Member, ACM, CMA , Dove and Grammy Award winner.

 Hits include "Elvira", "Bobbie Sue" and "Y'all Come Back Saloon"

Twitter - @DuaneAllen

Facebook - Duane Allen Fan Page 

"The main thing I tell young artists is to never give up on their dream. Sing every time you get the chance. You learn something about how to communicate every time you sing. If you are just singing to entertain people, sing something familiar. If you are hoping to get a recording deal, record new songs, don't record favors for anyone, including yourself. Record the best new songs you can find. Always be on time. Arrive at your show with plenty of time to thank people who brought you there. Always thank the helpers and security."

Joe Bonsall 
The Oak Ridge Boys, Grand Ole Opry Member, Country Music Hall of Fame Member, ACM, CMA , Dove and Grammy Award winner, Published Author

 Hits include "Elvira", "Bobbie Sue"and"Y'all Come Back Saloon"

Twitter - @JoeBonsall

"If Duane responded, then you already have the best advice…. I will add one thing… don’t sign anything EVER without a good music lawyer!!!"

T. Graham Brown 

Singer/Songwriter - has performed on the Grand Ole Opry 200+ times. 

Hits include "Darlene", "Come as You Were" and "I Tell It Like It Used To Be"

Twitter - @TGrahamBrown1

Facebook - TGrahamBrown1

If I was sitting in a living room with you or across a table from you and you asked my advice, this is what I would say..... if you want to be professional singer, songwriter or musician, make sure you love it so much, you just can't do anything else! Realize that if you are making a living doing what you love, you have the BEST job in the world. Why? Because your job is making a living  making people happy.  It is the BEST job in the world. Treat people with respect, everyone you meet.  From radio folks to promoters to other artists to audiences, especially audiences! Be thankful every time you walk out on a stage that they're there, waiting for you! It's another chance to make people happy!  Without them, you wouldn't have a job!  Really the only way you can make people happy is for you to be happy.  That will come if you pay attention and notice what's going on in your life and around you.  The days, months and years go by so quickly, like the blink of an eye!  Care about the folks that you're working with, appreciate their talent and hard work.  I guess I'm trying to say, live in the moment as much as possible and you'll create great memories that will last a lifetime.  Give everyone your best, every interview, every show, every time.  If you sing, play or write, try to do it almost every day. The more you practice your talent, the better you'll be. And the better you are, the more you'll get to do what you love.  It may sound simple or silly, but I know that it's true. One last thing.....if this is what you want, with all your heart......keep at it........NEVER EVER GIVE UP!!!

Good luck!! Keep the faith and spread it gently.

Steve Holy 

Singer / Songwriter

Hits include "Good Morning Beautiful", "Brand New Girlfriend" and "Love Don't Run"

Twitter - @SteveHoly

Facebook - SteveHoly

"Listen to your label. When you reach that moment where you figure it all out, use your own ideas and make the label think it was all their idea. Do a lot of listening. My father, Hank Holy, always told me ' Life's a pay attention game.'"

"When on a radio tour, remember names and just when you've had enough, you're tired and want to give up, remember how fortunate you are to be in that position in the first place."

"Cowboy Troy"

Singer - Member of Big and Rich's Muzik Mafia

Songs Include "I Play Chicken with the Train", "If You Don't Wanna Love Me (With Sarah Buxton) and "Cash in the Cookie Jar"

Twitter - @CowboyTroy

Facebook - CowboyTroy

"My advice to new artists on growing your audience would be when using social media, your interactions with your fans should be more than just “listen to my single” or “buy my EP”.  Spend some time engaging your fans with different types of posts. Post things other than sales ads. Only posting sales ads will eventually get you cleaned out from someone’s friends list or unfollowed. You want to grow your audience? Try keeping things light-hearted when possible and compassionate when circumstances are appropriate."

Bridgette Tatum

 Singer / Hit Songwriter

Cuts include "She's Country" by Jason Aldean, "Loud" by Big n Rich,

and "Back" by Randy Houser

Solo songs include "I Like My Cowboys Dirty", "Some Things Need to Be Said" 

and "That's Love Y'all"

Twitter - @BridgetteTatum

Facebook - BridgetteTatumFans

"Learn to accept no. No is OK. Those aren't your "people. Always do something everyday for your career. Make a video! Start a chat! Answer questions! However, do NOT over saturate your fans with music. They know you play music. They wanna know YOU. Get creative! Use social media as much as possible. It's a valuable tool in the arts these days. Absolutely play venues where you can connect with writers/publishers/artists/labels. It doesn't always matter if only five people to play to as long as they are the RIGHT five people."

Leah Turner

 Singer/Songwriter 

Songs include "Take the Keys"and "Pull Me Back" 

Twitter - @LeahTurnerMusic
Facebook - LeahTurnerMusic

Advice someone once gave you that stuck with you - Never Give Up. Don't sit around and wait for it to happen, go and make it happen 

What to do - On radio tours, be ready to work and be in lots of cars, planes and hotels.

Performing - Always connect with the crowd, read your audience, and be real and honest.

Attracting fans - Always reply, always stop and say hi, always stop for the picture, the signature, the handshake or the hug. 

Kyle Jennings

Singer / Songwriter

Songs Include "Jesus, Jack Daniels and Me", "Freedom Strong" 

and "You Can Hear the Opry Cry"

Twitter - @KyleJennings13

Facebook - KyleJenningsMusic

"How to keep from giving up is simple. Don't give up. Let your heart lead your footsteps and succeed or fail you'll never be wrong. Live for what you do and understand there is more purpose in the journey than the destination. Take on every challenge with a full heart and an open mind and aspire to grow from every opportunity you can. Be a student if your craft indefinitely. Appreciate where you are right now, and value it, and give your best effort to each moment but don't disconnect from the hope and drive and ambition to continue down the road. It's a hard concept to completely encapsulate. It really comes down to your value system. Some people simply value commercial "chart success" and/or money as their measure of overall success, regardless of the cost. Some have deeper convictions and aspirations and value things like artistic integrity and over commercial success. Those types have a more comprehensive measure of "success" and I think in the long run find more joy in their work. They also understand it's a much longer and tougher road filled with twists and turns that continually challenge you and test your resiliency and shape your character. Regardless, nothing worth anything is easy. It's a long tenuous road and being passionate about all areas of music isn't just a plus, it's a pre-requisite. At the end of the day, whether you have aspirations as a player, vocalist, or songwriter, focus more on how you can be better tomorrow, than worrying about being good today. If you can acquire that mentality, success is just a matter of time."

Justin and Ryan Harris - McKenzies Mill

Singers/Songwriters

Songs include "Houston", "Just Kickin' It", "God Bless the Southern Man" 

and "Middle of Nowhere"

Twitter - @McKenziesMill

Facebook - McKenziesMillFan

"I guess if there's one thing we have learned over 12 years in this town its the power of people. This industry, like any industry has an infrastructure in place…and that's not a “bad” thing. The quicker you embrace that, and not fight it, the better off you’ll be. Learning how to be true to yourself, true to your art, but not stubborn about the fact that you will need the help of many others along the way, the quicker you’ll have a fighting chance at forming a team in Nashville that can help you get to wherever it is that you want to go. Compromise and “selling out” are not synonymous. Bend but don’t break. You have to be able to look yourself in the mirror and feel good about the work you’re doing, but don’t let pride get the best of you either. It’s a slippery slope. Good Luck!"

Gary Quinn
 Singer / Songwriter (UK)

Songs include "He Don't Show Her Anymore", "Live Each Day" and "Shame"

Twitter - @GaryQuinnMusic
Facebook - GaryQuinnMusic

Advice someone once gave you that stuck with you - "Two of the biggest pieces of advice came from a family member call Mickey Tracey (my mother's cousin who's in the industry) and a country artist from Ireland that I looked up to, Eamon McCann. Eamon said "never compromise" and by that he meant never leave your beliefs of what you want to sound like and want to do. That might have meant I've turned down some 'big' opportunities but I would have ended up doing something I didn't really want to do. Mickey told me once "if there's no platform for you to showcase your talents...then go make one" and so I've been involved to helping set up a few events here and there in the UK and one of the main reasons I co-founded 'BUCKLE & BOOTS COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL' in Manchester along with my friend Karl Hancock last year."

What to do - "It's important to budget radio promo and touring into an album / single release. No point having a great record if no one's going to hear it. As a songwriter performer, it's also important to test your new songs out on a small live crowd. Sometimes the song you've written in the bedroom can sound great to you (because you've invested so much in it) but does it fly when performed live? Do 'live streams' of you performing online to attract new fans, apply to play at all genre festivals, new some interesting covers (maybe mash them up with your own). Also, interact with fans online. Think to yourself how awesome you'd feel if one of your favorite acts replied to a tweet? It's no different regardless of what rung of the ladder you're on."

Attitude - "Simply treat others as you'd wish to be treated and have a really good work ethic. Also have a thick skin as rejection is part and parcel of the industry but have faith in yourself. If you don't have faith in yourself then how can you expect a label to? "

What not to do - "Don't continually email over and over again asking for someone to listen to your stuff. Don't give up on trying to succeed either, its a fine balance."

How to get your name out there - "Play everywhere and anywhere, even if it's in your front room 'live streaming'. Remember, if you don't have a platform then go a create one!"

Josh Pruno
Singer / Songwriter

Songs Include "That's My Cross", "23rd Psalm"and "Long Before I Did"

Twitter - @JoshPruno
Facebook - JoshPrunoMusic

"Here are a few thoughts from this Missouri Boy...and I preface with the fact I obviously don't have 'answers'. Not even close. Hell, I'm still trying to figure most of this out 😉 I will say that growing up with a Dad who was a college baseball coach helped prepare for a lot of the business side of music. It sounds funny I know...but a lot of what he used to preach to his kids (teams) was:

1- YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS WATCHING. Whether there are 10 people in the crowd or 1000, it doesn't matter. Always know that you are on. Everything you do. Hidden in that is the fact that the majority of the time it's the little things they're watching. If they came out, chances are they know what you can do. What they don't know is how do you treat the people running sound? How do you respond when your monitor isn't working? How do you react to a crowd who isn't really listening? Etc...

2-ALWAYS SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE MORE TALENTED THAN YOU. More or less, if you are the best musician in your band, player on your team, etc...you have nobody to push you to be better. I have been so fortunate to have guys in my band who are twice the musicians I am. I love the fact that they push me to be better. I have been so blessed to sit and write with some of the best writers in this town, all of who are so much better than me. I take every opportunity to be a 'sponge' that I can. As far as everything else goes, I only know to be yourself. Who are you? If you can't answer that, nothing else matters. Know who you are and what you are about. Be that. Don't preach it...be it. Then if you're lucky someone comes into your life/career and toots your horn for you. Like anything/everything else in life, if you (personally) have to say it (put yourself over)...then you ain't it."

Rita Ballou
On Air Personality KOKE-FM Austin, TX and Music Blogger

Twitter - @RawhideVelvet

On Radio Tours:

Show up for an interview on time -- if you are even 15 minutes late it can screw up the entire day for someone else. 

Show up sober -- look, we get it. You are a rock star and it was a long night of jagerbombs and fireball, but be a grown up. This is our JOB and a place of business...this isn't the Waffle House after last call. Have some respect. If we have to be sober AT WORK, so should you.

Show up with your instrument -- be ready to play. Trust me, no one wants to listen to you talk unless you are cool like Radney Foster or Ray Wylie Hubbard...and guess what? They play AND sing. If they can, you damn well better.

Don't stink -- the studio is small...just like that van. We get it, things get ripe but a little Febreeze never hurt anyone.

Rita also saw this advice on a feature asking radio personnel the same thing so she included the following:

Rachel Yount Martin (Lone Star 102.5 - KHLB FM Radio): "For up and coming artists I'd say the big #1 is in-studio performances. It obviously helps to be talented, but if the listening audience gets to know you, they'll feel more of a connection with your music. And if you're playing a show in the area- even better! Maybe, hopefully for the radio station, that venue will consider advertising if they hear the interview and it helps turnout. Unfortunately for small market stations, some advertisers need convincing. #2 is your job is fun- I know we may be the 3rd radio station you've been to today, but don't forget to have fun with us! The listeners can't see how tired and bored you are on your radio tour, but they can hear it. Be mindful of your speaking voice as well as your singing voice. #3 is liners- they're super easy and worth reaching out to do. Not every station will want one, but I believe for the Texas artists especially, it's another tool that allows listeners to get to know you. "Hey, this is So-and-so from Frisco, Texas and you're about to hear my new single Blah on BBBB fm!" Obviously can't be done for everyone, but it's worth reaching out. Those are my big 3! Good music is obviously a given, but I hope that helps

Matt Ganssle (KYKX 105.7 - East Texas Best Country): "Encourage the artists to learn about radio and how our medium connects with fans deeper than spins. Be accessible for liners, appearances, radio shows, etc. Interact with station social media like a normal person. Never spam for requests - simply interact like a normal person, share relevant content and have fun with our mutual fans!"

Drew Bennett (KOKE-FM): "Have your artist voice liners and jock shouts for everyone on the air there. EVERYONE needs more of those. Send it along with the record. Otherwise, the occasional food surprise can be nice, but we all have to be careful. I know someone who used to live here in ATX who took some plugola and got black balled along with a station fine."

Dave Rose
Owner Deep South Entertainment, Management for Bruce Hornsby, Little Feat, Stryper, Parmalee, Jason Michael Carroll, Allison Moorer, LANco, Kasey Tyndall, Lee Roy Parnell, and The Warren Brothers, and Published Author. 

Twitter - @DaveRose9811
Facebook - DeepSouthEnt

Advice someone once gave you that stuck with you - "From various people, and in various forms, the advice that has stuck with me most consistently throughout my career is this: It’s about the music. It’s ALL about the music. Make great music, truly brilliant music – music that touches people’s soul – and the rest will take care of itself. Marketing, Branding, Touring, Merchandising, etc. – those are all important, but none of those things matter if the music doesn’t come first."

What to do - "Be nice – to everyone. Always. It’ll pay off many times over. And it just generally makes for a more enjoyable life"

What not to do - "The opposite would apply here. Don’t be an a**hole. And back to my original advice as well, put the music first. Be nice and make brilliant music and you’ll be amazed at the doors that’ll open. Seems simple, but I’ve seen first hand how it can work."

How to get your name out there - "Once you’ve got brilliant music, network, network, and network. Go to shows. Go to music conferences. Go to more shows. Meet local musicians. Go to industry networking events. No matter where you live, get involved in the local music community. Get to know as many people as you can. You’ve heard before that this business is all about relationships – it’s kind of true. Solid relationships can certainly help to kick start things."

ARTISTS TO WATCH IN 2016 - VOICES THAT ARE GONNA ROCK THE NEW YEAR

Another year of great music comes to a close in a couple of weeks but that means a start to another year of even better music to come. 2015 introduced us to several new artists who took off in a big way and are going to make an even bigger impact on country music in 2016. Here are the names, faces and voices that we think you should keep on your 2016 radar. It's shaping up to be a fantastic new year!

William Michael Morgan  -www.williammichaelmorgan.com
Twitter - @WMMorgan
Facebook - WilliamMichaelMorgan
Instagram - @wmmorganmusic

There's a lot of country tradition under this guy's hat. With a Keith Whitley soul and a voice that immediately brings to mind what country used to be, William Michael Morgan is reminding us what country was meant to be - pure, simple and honest. There's no fluff, no unnecessary excess ... he doesn't need it. What William Michael Morgan portrays is exactly who he is. His debut single, "I Met a Girl" is turning hats everywhere and making people stop to listen. While he may have met a girl, country music is the lucky one because we met one heck of an artist.


Leah Turner - www.leahturner.com
Twitter - @LeahTurnerMusic
Facebook - LeahTurnerMusic
Instagram - @LeahTurnerMusic

Leah Turner dared you to "Take the Keys" on her debut single, now she's taking those keys and opening the door to new beginnings with her new single, "Cowboy's Love". The single's video has been on the CMT Pure 12 Pack for a few weeks now and the single officially comes to iTunes on Friday, 12/18. She's grit and grace, the daughter of a team roper who isn't afraid to wrangle with anyone who tries to change her style. We think she'll be roping in a winner with the new single and you'll be hearing a lot more from Leah in the upcoming year. Leah is a country bad ass, but in a Loretta Lynn "Fist City", "You Ain't Woman Enough" way. Fans need to take country radio to "Fist City" and let them know that she's a "must add."

Mo Pitney - www.mopitney.com
Twitter - @MoPitney
Facebook - MoPitneyOfficial
Instagram - @MoPitney

Mo was another one we named an artist to watch in 2015 and now we add him again to the must watch list for 2016.

If you're a country music fan, I mean a TRIED and TRUE fan of twang, tradition and storytelling, you need to tune into Mo Pitney. Remember the name because Mo is the real deal, the next voice of traditional "sop grandma's homemade biscuits up with some gravy" country music. Trust me, country isn't dead, it's just starting to come back to life with a revival of the likes of new artists like of Mo, Craig Campbell, Sturgill Simpson, Cody Wickline, and William Michael Morgan. These new artists are knocking at country's door and fans are starting to answer the door with an enthusiastic response.

In June 2015, Pitney became the first debuting performer in 14 years to earn a standing ovation at the Grand Ole Opry. The last one was Turner. It could be a while before someone shows the merit to repeat that feat.

He's released several songs this year -  "Country", which was a writing collaboration with country legend "Whisperin" Bill Anderson, the personal and emotional tearjerker "Clean Up on Aisle Five", the upbeat invitation to "Come Do a Little Life" and the flirty and fun "Boy and a Girl Thing." There's nothing that isn't genuine about Mo or his music. We do take a chance on assuming that you're gonna love what you hear and that fans will be making him a voice of 2016.

Cam - www.camcountry.com

Twitter - @CamCountry
Facebook - CamCountry
Instagram - @CamCountry

You've seen her everywhere this year since releasing her debut single, "My Mistake to Make" and it's platinum certified follow up, the hauntingly beautiful "Burning House". Cam has graced many magazines, talk shows, radio shows, and stages in 2015 and hopefully we'll see her accepting her first Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance for "Burning House." Cam has a classic quality in her voice and an infectious attitude that seems to spread throughout a room quite quickly. It's qualities like this that make the difference between a wannabe and a star and Cam is star quality and she's more than proven it in such a short time. With the success of both singles, the "Burning House" video and her recent critically acclaimed CD, "Untamed", as strange as it seems, 2015 was just a beginning for Cam. I think it's safe to say we can expect another banner year for her in 2016.

Chris Stapleton - www.chrisstapleton.com
Twitter - @ChrisStapleton
Facebook - ChrisStapletonOfficial
Instagram - @CAStapleton

We had Chris as one of our artists to watch in 2015 and we weren't kidding. Chris released his then unknown "Traveller" CD which stayed behind the scenes until the ACM Awards where this quiet, unassuming bearded guy in a hat took over the night and surprised the music world by swooping in like a hawk collecting his prey and walked away with 3 of the night's most prestigious awards. While it may have been a shock to those at home, it was in no way a surprise of any kind for any country music industry person or fan in the know that night, we were all cheering and hitting social media with "I Told You About This Guy A Long Time Ago" accolades and congratulations. His performance of the George Jones' classic, "Tennessee Whiskey" with Justin Timberlake was one of the most talked about performances in ages and left a mark where it counts, in the hearts and ears of listeners. His CD sales shot through the roof and radio FINALLY got a clue and started adding his music to their rotations. 2016 is shaping up to bring country back full circle and there is "Nobody to Blame" but Chris Stapleton.

Kasey Tyndall - www.kaseytyndall.com
Twitter - @KaseyTyndall
Facebook - KaseyTyndallMusic
Instagram - @KaseyTyndall

What's that quote by Shakespeare? Though she be but little, she is fierce? Well he obviously had a premonition about Kasey Tyndall. She's a petite little thing but her voice is absolutely fierce and her "get it done" attitude would make Larry the Cable Guy proud. Picked out of tons of video entries, Keith Urban personally chose Kasey to sing a duet with him in Raleigh during his tour stop in August 2014 and her career has been nonstop since then, having moved to Nashville and working with Tennessee East Management (run by Dave Rose of Deep South Entertainment who works with Parmalee, Stryper and other well known artists and Kevin Frazier, local NC venue owner). She's caught the ear of industry professionals, is opening for well known artists as well as performing on her own and released her first single, "Prove Me Wrong" in 2015 with a follow up single on the way. Kasey's a strong one and she's gonna prove them all wrong in 2016!

Morgan Myles - www.morganmyleslive.com
Twitter - @MorganMylesLive
Facebook - MorganMylesLive
Instagram - @MorganMylesLive

Morgan isn't just another blonde in the country crowd because she was born to stand out. With an edge in her voice that reminds one of early Miranda Lambert and a confidence that rivals any top selling country female, Morgan Myles does anything but fit in. With a new EP on the way, "Miss Morgan Myles" is gonna make her mark on 2016. We're really diggin' what Morgan has to offer and after you go to her website and take a listen to "Whiskey Dreaming", I think you'll be right there with us on this one.

Drake White - www.drakewhite.com
Twitter - @DrakeWhite
Facebook - DrakeWhiteMusic
Instagram - @DrakeWhiteStomp

His music just "Feels Good." Really, that's how I'd sum up Drake White. You can't help but move when his music comes on and it really does just give you a good feeling. We've followed Drake for awhile now ever since seeing him open for Montgomery Gentry a few years back in Danville, VA. He's come a long way since then and has performed on the historic Opry stage multiple times. His shows are electric, energizing and over the top fun. His positive attitude and interaction with his fan base makes him a top favorite for 2016.

Chris Janson - www.chrisjanson.com
Twitter - @Jason_Chris
Facebook - ChrisJansonMusic
Instagram - @TheChrisJanson

Chris is another artist who had one hell of a breakout in 2015, but again, that was just the start of what we're gonna see from him in the upcoming year. His independently released single, "Buy Me a Boat" hit the top of the iTunes charts, a relatively unknown feat for an unsigned artist and that set off a fireworks display of major proportions in the industry, leading to a video being funded by CMT, a major label signing with Warner Bros, a re-release of the single to country radio which resulted in his first #1 hit on Mediabase and a platinum certification just this month, multiple appearances on the Opry stage, the release of his debut album and the release of his follow up single "The Power of Positive Drinkin'".  Chris Janson is here to stay and I wouldn't hesistate to say we'll be seeing him at #1 during the next year.

Granger Smith - www.grangersmith.com
Twitter - @GrangerSmith
Facebook - GrangerSmith
Instagram - @GrangerSmith

What can I say other than it's about damn time that the world caught on to Granger's music. They caught onto his alter ego, "Earl Dibbles, Jr." a long time ago. Who would have thought that anyone would attempt the alter ego thing since the whole Garth Brooks/Chris Gaines thing (even though that's one of my favorite albums), but Granger did it and it works. His music works just as well as his sense of humor. His previous CD, "Dirt Road Driveway" released in 2013 was great but just didn't take off but thanks to his new single, "Backroad Song", Granger Smith is back on the highway and headed a new, successful direction. He recently made his Opry debut and you can count on hearing much more from him in 2016.

Maren Morris - www.marenmorris.com
Twitter - @MarenMorris
Facebook - MarenMorris
Instagram - @MarenMorris

At the age of 25, Maren Morris has already established a name for herself in the ultra-competitive Nashville circles with her multi-stylistic vocal influence. Maren signed a publishing deal with Big Yellow Dog Music after winning the 2012 New Music Seminar's "Artist on the Verge" award. Maren's songwriting credits include cuts by Kelly Clarkson and Tim McGraw. Maren has shared the stage with artists such as Gary Allan, Marty Stuart, Radney Foster, Eli Young and others. She recently released her own single, "My Church", which is garnering acclaim on Sirius XM's The Highway and is being picked up by stations nationwide.

Chris Carmack - www.chriscarmackmusic.com
Twitter - @RealCarmack
Facebook - @ChrisCarmackMusic
Instagram - @RealCarmack

Best known as super jock Luke on "The O.C" and for his modeling turns with Abercrombie and Fitch and other well known brands, Chris Carmack has become a well known face and voice around Music City since taking on the role of "Will Lexington", a singer/songwriter struggling not only with his music but with his sexuality, on ABC's "Nashville". This role has made Chris not only a household face, but a household name with his vocal ability. His chiseled features and smoldering good looks are just added bonuses to his musical talent. Chris just released his debut EP, "Pieces of You" to critical acclaim. Entertainment Weekly called the release "Stunning" while Digital Radio compared him to Keith Urban. Chris Carmack's fictitious character may be having a hard time coming to terms with who he is, but the real Chris Carmack has made it clearly known that he knows who he is and has already left his mark on the country music industry.

- Jenn

Follow me on Twitter at @lovinlyrics

SINGLE REVIEW: "COWBOY'S LOVE" - LEAH TURNER

SINGLE: "Cowboy's Love"

ARTIST: Leah Turner

REVIEWER: Jennifer Smith

Follow Jenn on Twitter at @LovinLyrics

www.leahturner.com

She's back and she's not sitting back waiting on opportunity to look for her. Leah Turner saw an opportunity, took an opportunity and kicked that opportunity square in the "Cowboy's Love".

Speaking of opportunity, radio sure missed a few of theirs when they had potential hit songs by Leah including "Take the Keys" and "Pull Me Back" right in their hands, but for some reason they chose to let that slip right through the typical radio cracks. Once this one gets out there, maybe they'll take a closer listen and cues from fan talk on social media and make the choice to add Leah to their rotations. She's got a true grit that's missing in today's music, a rustic growl and yet at the same time, enough grace and beauty to achieve the perfect balance. You won't see her out begging for the spotlight, she doesn't have to because it always seems to find her. She's simple, and natural, yet feisty and blessed with a voice and a personality that go hand in hand, all of which fans are finding out more about and want to get to know.

Her new video for "Cowboy's Love" is a reflection of her cowgirl roots, having grown up on the rodeo circuit as the daughter of a professional team roper. There's dust and gravel in her soul because she grew up on the dirt roads, she's breathed in the rodeo air, she's lived the bonfire life and she's known the love of a cowboy. This song and video are who Leah is and the romance of the life she's lead. One listen to the song and you'll find yourself loving it like we do and like many others have. There really is nothing like a "Cowboy's Love".

Leah is also great with fan interaction and engaging. Feel free to connect with her on Twitter at @LeahTurnerMusic, on Facebook at Leah Turner Music and on Instagram at @LeahTurnerMusic. Really, she's country bombadacious! No, really! Trust me!

On a scale of 1-5 cowboy hearts, I give it a straight up 5!

- Jenn

CMA CLOSEUP NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: LEAH TURNER

Photo Credit: Jeremy Cowart

By Bob Doerschuk

© 2014 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.

Leah Turner was raised on a California ranch, the daughter of a rodeo champion. Her parents bought her a piano when she was 5. Within a year, inspired by the Country classics her mom and dad enjoyed, she had written her first song.

In a college songwriting class, she caught the ear of Kenny Loggins, who persuaded her to move to Los Angeles. But Turner, sensing that Nashville was more consonant with her sound and spirit, eventually booked a one-way ticket to Tennessee and began making herself known in the heart of the Country capital.

On her self-titled debut EP, released by Columbia Nashville and produced by Cary Barlowe, Jim Catino and Jesse Frasure, Turner’s talent explodes like a sunburst. Her singing is intense, with a rough timbre shaped by technical command and deep soulfulness. Each of these six songs rocks hard but at medium tempo, allowing Turner plenty of room to sculpt her delivery with delicate nuance.

When she needs to interpret a lyric carefully, as on “Beat Up Bronco” (written by Turner, Barlowe, Frasure and Hillary Lindsey), she does so; even on the “whoa, whoa” lick at the end of the chorus, she pours soul into her syllables. And when she needs to shout it out, nothing can stop her.

Turner’s grit, humor and talent suggest that the era of male chart domination in Country may soon be coming to an end.

For more on Leah Turner, visit www.CMACloseUp.com.

IN HER OWN WORDS

SONG YOU WISH YOU’D WRITTEN

“I really love ‘Love Can Build a Bridge’ by the Judds. I remember singing it as a little girl. There’s so much truth in that song.”

SONG YOU’D LOVE TO COVER

“Right now, I cover ‘Cowboy Take Me Away’ by Dixie Chicks.”

FIRST GIG

“The first time I played guitar out was in a place in L.A. called On the Rocks, on Sunset Boulevard. My mom, dad, my uncle and three other people came. I learned right there what Garth Brooks meant when he said if there’s only one person there, play like there were thousands.”

GREATEST PERFORMANCE TO DATE

“It was the second night of the Brad Paisley tour. The band was on. I felt on. The crowd was loving it. And I walked off of there with my band, feeling like, ‘Hell, yeah. We can do this’.”

On the Web: www.LeahTurner.com

On Twitter: @LeahTurnerMusic

VIDEO PREMIERE: "TAKE THE KEYS" - LEAH TURNER

Country newcomer Leah Turner virtually came out of nowhere with her smash hit single, "Take the Keys". Now she's released the video for the single today. Check it out below! Keep requesting the song on your local stations and let's move Leah up the charts!