Kate and Kacey

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“Dreaming Love”

Big Machine

katekacey-playlist41309“Dreaming Love” is the debut single for Big Machine’s twin sisters Kate and Kacey, who combine country music’s best traditions with its future. Family harmony has always been an integral part of country music and it is clear the sisters have that special vocal magic that runs in the blood.

Prior to inking a deal with Big Machine Records, Kate and Kacey had already garnered an enthusiastic legion of fans as contestants on the CMT series Can You Duet? where they made it to the semi-finals. “It was one of the most difficult things in our career and one of the most rewarding,” says Kacey. “We are here today because of it, and I think it made us so much stronger.”

In addition to the television exposure, they have also gained notice on Music Row for their songwriting skills. Signed to EMI Music Publishing, the twosome has already obtained every songwriter’s dream—a George Strait cut. “House with No Doors,” which the twins co-wrote with Jamey Johnson, is on Strait’s current album Troubadour.

Kate and Kacey initially moved to the West Coast to attend college at USC, courtesy of music scholarships, and though they had begun to make inroads as songwriters/background vocalists in Los Angeles, they wanted to make country music, so a move to Nashville was inevitable. “It just absolutely fit for us,” says Kacey. “It felt like home.”

Adds Kate, “The values and traditions that country music stands for is exactly in line with Kacey and I, as performers and artists and daughters and sisters and friends. Like she said, it’s always felt like home. There’s a place to still believe in those traditions, have hope and a sense of family.”

Kate and Kacey will join the Corona Sun City Tailgate Experience with Kenny Chesney for 11 dates this summer.

http://www.myspace.com/kateandkacey

Shawna Russell

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“Fire In The Desert”

Way Out West Records

srussell-playlist40609“A scorcher”
—Chris Neal, Country Weekly

Shawna Russell has released her new Way Out West Records single “Fire In The Desert” to country radio. The follow-up release to her hit single and video, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels,” “Fire In The Desert” is a hot summertime rocker delivered with power and passion by Russell, who wrote the song with her father/guitarist, Keith, and uncle/producer, Tim.

The track features an all-star line up of musicians including famed L.A. session drummer Russ Kunkel (Lyle Lovett/James Taylor/Stevie Nicks) and bassist David Santos (John Fogerty/Elton John). Russell’s vocals were engineered by Grammy award-winning Julian King (Tim McGraw/Faith Hill), and the track was mixed by Emmy and Grammy recipient Nathaniel Kunkel (The Police/Diana Ross).

“Fire In The Desert” is from Russell’s critically-acclaimed debut CD Goddess which has received rave reviews from the CMA Close Up, Country Weekly, The Oklahoman, and was singled out for a DISCovery Award by esteemed Music Row critic, Robert K. Oermann.

Russell currently maintains a busy live performance schedule, and she and her band are gearing up for a full slate of summer concerts – including appearances at the Country Fever festival in Pryor, Oklahoma and the Expert Mobile Extreme Country Fever in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada.

www.ShawnaRussell.com
www.MySpace.com/shawnarussell878

Joe Nichols

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“Believers”

Universal Records South

“Believers,” the new single from Joe Nichols, has shipped to radio. According to the artist, it is the perfect fit for him, both musically and personally.

“This song is about passion—when people have passion about something, the sky’s the limit,” says Nichols. “It’s also about believing in something bigger than what’s right in front of you. There have been a lot of times in my life, both recently and in the past, that I’ve needed a lot of belief just to move me forward. This song gives me that.”

The single was written by Ashley Gorley, Wade Kirby and Bill Luther, and produced by Nichols’ longtime producer Brent Rowan.

“Believers” is the lead single from the artist’s new album, which will be released by Universal Records South later this year. The as yet untitled recording is the follow-up to Nichols’ critically acclaimed 2007 release, Real Things.

Nichols has had 4 Grammy nominations over the course of his career and notched massive hits with singles like “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” “Brokenheartsville” and “The Impossible.”

http://www.joenichols.com/

Tracy Lawrence

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“Up To Him”

Rocky Comfort/Nine North

The multiple rhymes are just about brilliant. Tracy, as usual, delivers the goods as a vocalist on this common-man’s anthem.
—Robert K. Oermann, MusicRow

Tracy Lawrence is set to deliver his second album from his own Rocky Comfort Records, an inspirational collection titled The Rock (produced by Lawrence and Julian King), in June. To introduce the spirit behind the project, he is releasing the first single, “Up To Him,” to radio on March 24, 2009. (CDX Vol. 470/Track 6)

Written by David Kent and Kim Johnson, the single brings forth an assuring, unified message that could not come at a more appropriate time. “In the current political climate and in consideration of the overall mood of our country, ‘Up To Him’ is hopeful, positive and looks toward a brighter future,” says Lawrence. “It’s the perfect introduction to the new CD; the emotional and musical tapestry will make it a ‘connection’ song that will appeal to all audiences.”

Consistent with Lawrence’s musical message, the release of “Up To Him” follows Lawrence’s No. 1 friends-helping-friends anthem “Find Out Who Your Friends Are.” The music video for “Up To Him” will be filmed in the coming weeks.

Lawrence’s career has spanned more than 15 years, during which time he has proved to be a formidable stylist with an instantly recognizable voice. He’s garnered 17 No. 1 hits, many gold and platinum albums, and numerous career achievement awards. His long list of hits, including “Alibis,” “If The World Had A Front Porch,” “Time Marches On,” “Sticks And Stones” and “Paint Me A Birmingham,” has made him a staple with country listeners.

http://www.myspace.com/tracylawrence
http://tracylawrence.com/

Williams Riley

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“I’m Still Me”

Golden/Nine North

Every once in a while, talent and personality do what they should: attract immediate and enthusiastic support from fans and fellow artists.

Case in point: Steve Williams, the lead singer for Williams Riley, one of country music’s most exciting newcomers. Some of music’s top names have rallied in support of the group (which features Williams, Charlie Hutto, Joe Rogers, Derek George, Dave Guidry and Nick Buda) and offered their talents and support in helping his music find a larger audience.

Among those top names, rock guitar hero Slash joins country star Bryan White and famed singer-songwriter Edwin McCain on the self-titled debut Williams Riley album—almost unheard of for a new, independent artist. The collection of songs was co-produced by Noel Golden (Edwin McCain, Sister Hazel, Lee Ann Womack) and features the debut single “I’m Still Me.”

“I can’t believe how passionate everyone has been about what we’re doing,” says Williams, the singer, songwriter and guiding light of Williams Riley. “Not long ago, I was just a guy writing songs in Louisiana. Now a bunch of my heroes are playing with me and my band on my songs because they love what I’m doing, that tells me that we must be doing something right.”

http://www.williamsriley.com
http://www.myspace.com/williamsrileyband

Mark Chesnutt

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“She Never Got Me Over You”

Lofton Creek

Responding to demand from radio, Mark Chesnutt‘s new single “She Never Got Me Over You” is being rush-released. Several stations, including WFMS/Indianapolis and KFTX/Corpus Christi, have already added it. It garnered 21 adds on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout™ chart in its first week of being reported.

Beaumont, Texas, native Mark Chesnutt left his stamp on the ‘90s, recording some of the decade’s most memorable hits—“Bubba Shot The Jukebox,” “Going Through The Big D,” and “It’s A Little Too Late” among many others.

Chesnutt’s current album Rollin’ With The Flow was released in 2008 and features the hit title track, plus “Things To Do In Wichita” and his new single “She Never Got Me Over You.” His fruitful career boasts 14 No. 1s, 23 top ten singles, four platinum albums and five gold records.

Known as one of the industry’s hardest-working concert performers, Chesnutt has been on the road since 1990, maintaining a hefty tour schedule and steady presence in front of his fans. “The clubs and honky tonks are home for me; it’s comfortable and I’m always with friends,” says the singer.

Chesnutt has a string of live dates in his future, including the October 23-25 Beaumont Boys Bash. Hosted with his fellow hometown singers Tracy Byrd and Zona Jones, the charity festival offers a weekend of music, food and fun unlike any other.

www.markchesnutt.com
www.myspace.com/officialmarkchesnutt

Lauren Briant

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“Butterfly Tattoo”

Average Joes Entertainment
Impacting radio March 19

“Rebellious,” “playful,” and “colorful” have all been used to describe Lauren Briant. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, this country girl grew up on the vivid lyrics and instrumentation rooted in country songs. “I would listen to the radio and sing along,” Lauren remembers, “and I guess when you grow up country, country music melodies and stories are the only ones that make sense.”

Briant ventured into the pop-singer world briefly at her peers’ suggestion, but was led back to her country roots when she was discovered at a local watering hole by famed producer Shannon Houchins (TLC, Usher, Outkast).

Briant is sure to leave a permanent impression with real life lyrics such as those in her Noah Gordon-produced debut single, “Butterfly Tattoo,” which states “My daddy’s gonna kill me if my momma doesn’t first.”

“I feel more of a connection with country music, and I love the way my voice feels belting out Honky Tonk tunes,” Lauren says. “I was never really a fan of the R&B or Pop format, so it seemed foreign to me as a songwriter and performer to pursue a career just for popularity’s sake.”

www.laurenbriant.com
www.myspace.com/laurenbriant

Colt Ford

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“Ride Through The Country” (feat. John Michael Montgomery)

Average Joes Entertainment
Impacting March 19

Colt Ford embodies the seemingly unusual pairing of the Southern country and hip-hop musical influences that he heard growing up in small-town America just outside Athens, Georgia, not far from the Southern hub for urban music in Atlanta. His newly styled country music is truly a blend of many American musical styles, including country, rock, hip-hop, and rhythm & blues. With this musical mixture, Colt blazes forward with a new, creative sound for the all-American everyman. Although the stories may differ for rural and urban listeners, Colt delivers a common message and emotion with an uncommon sound.

Ford’s album Ride Through The Country was released in November 2008 and has sold over 11,000 copies on tour. He averages over 40,000 plays per day on MySpace. The title track features help from John Michael Montgomery and his album features contributions from Jamey Johnson, Jeremy Popoff, Brantley Gilbert, Adrian Young (of No Doubt), Bonecrusher, Attitude, and Soni Ledfurd.

A songwriter, golfer, musician, and family man, he continues to enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife and two children. Although he has traveled around the globe during his 7 years as a professional golfer, he still prefers to live in his small Southern hometown.

Colt Ford grew up listening to country music, and his first concert was Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers together in Georgia. He eventually gravitated towards R&B and hip-hop and made his musical debut in high school writing a rap for a friend. Colt soon found that writing came easy to him and began working with acclaimed producer Jermaine Dupri and other developing hip-hop artists.

Ford performs over 120 dates per year with a full band, so check his schedule to find out when he’ll be near you!

www.coltford.com
www.myspace.com/coltford

Derek Joseph

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“No Cool Way”

Little House Records

Derek Joseph was raised in the small rural farming community of Phelps, in upstate New York. The singer’s Grandfather was a banjo player and had a big influence on Derek’s love of music.

Derek began his musical education at age 8 with piano lessons, and by his teen years he was playing drums and singing with local groups. He was later hired as the lead singer for Outland, one of upstate New York’s premiere country groups.

Recently, Derek signed a recording contract with Little House Records Nashville. His first single, “No Cool Way” has been released to country radio and is currently climbing MusicRow’s CountryBreakout™ chart.

Derek will attend his first Country Radio Seminar in Nashville March 4-6. He says, “I look forward to making many new friends while I’m in town.”

www.derekjoseph.net
www.myspace.com/derekjosephmusic

Love and Theft

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“Runaway”

Carolwood Records

Utterly delicious. It’s a foaming, frothy pop-country outing that’s drenched in melody, harmonies and happy-feet rhythm. This sparkles with sunshine and begs for a drive on an empty two-lane blacktop. Summer is officially here.
Robert K. Oermann, Music Row

Love and Theft is the Carolwood Records trio of Stephen Barker Liles, Eric Gunderson and Brian Bandas, and “Runaway” is the group’s debut single. The young group’s career to this point has been filled with some magic moments.

When making the rounds to the labels, they played a short showcase for Lyric Street A&R Chief Doug Howard who said, “You should never have made it into my office… you should have already been signed! Please don’t play for anyone else.”

To make matters sweeter, Taylor Swift heard the trio’s music and brought them on board as an opening act for her headlining concerts in 2008. Others quickly came on board–like Robert Ellis Orral and Jeff Coplan, who are producing the group’s debut album.

“We rehearsed for six months before we ever felt like we wanted to take our music out in front of people,” says Stephen. “We wanted to spend time writing music,” adds Eric, “and making sure we had the right songs to showcase our vocals and make our harmonies stand out.”

In fact, all three are able songwriters who wrote or co-wrote every song on their debut album. They met not long after each arrived in Nashville, and their special chemistry enabled them to forge a unique sound.

“We consciously decided not any one of us would be the lead singer,” says Eric. “We all rotate singing lead and see where the harmonies fall most naturally. In most songs, each of us will sing a different verse or the bridge. Then, our signature is that big three-part harmony on the chorus. It doesn’t really matter who’s singing lead or who’s singing harmony. Somehow it just works.”

“Nothing beats country songwriting,” says Stephen. “That’s as real as it gets and that’s why we’re here. We love what it represents and we want to carry it forward.”

www.lntlovesradio.com
www.myspace.com/loveandtheftmusic